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View Full Version : 3rd Gen starting issue - Common faults?-help


chowdaa
02-08-2010, 10:01 PM
The car is a 3rd gen prelude 4ws B20 motor, The car starts normally most of the time, but on the odd occasion for example after idling for 20 mins to charge my battery OR after a 10 min lap around the block, i shut the car off go inside the house for 15mins come back and the car cranks but does not fire up.

I have not yet done any diagnosis as it is not my daily driver yet, but i would like to know a few common issues concerning starting so i have an edge to stand on or at least some sort of direction. This might cloud the diagnosis but my passenger said they smell fuel, but i would still like to know what other people have experienced and judgment passed as to what is common.

I have searched and found a couple of similar issue, both of which mention the EFI main relay, where is this located?

Thankyou,
Michael
3rdGenPrelude
03-08-2010, 01:51 AM
Maybe a problem with your starter motor? I'd have to hear it myself haha. Not many problems come to mind other than a worn starter motor.
EKVTIR-T
03-08-2010, 02:09 AM
If you turn the key to power on but dont start the ignition can you hear the fuel pump prime for a moment then stop?
If you hear nothing then its most likely the relay

Looks like this and generally its below the steering wheel area on most hondas
Not sure precisely for your model prelude

http://www.xenocron.com/images/relay%5B1%5D.jpg

They have trouble getting hot in the older hondas and its a common issue
Once you locate it,try turning the power on and off and listen for a clinking noise as the relay switchs
If no sound then its dead
EKVTIR-T
03-08-2010, 02:15 AM
Just found this thread for your prelude

http://www.honda-acura.net/forums/do-it-yourself/43947-mid-80s-early-90s-accord-civic-and-prelude-main-relay-fix.html
chowdaa
05-08-2010, 09:45 PM
Thanks heaps guys, checked all my inputs and outputs for the main relay, could not get the car to fault during the testing period which makes it a bit tricky
So with my only lead, threw in a newish main relay, hasn't skipped a beat...yet

Are ICM failure common as well, similar to the EGs?