Car shut off on me!!!!

nsxinohio · 25 May 2005

I was driving my car down the road when all of a sudden it jsut shut off. Didnt hesitate or stutter, jsut died. This happened to me once at interscetion bout 2 weeks ago but it started back up after abt min or 2. this time it just went dead and wont start. I talked to a honda mechanic and he told me it could be my fuel filter or fuel pump. I was curious if anybody has ever ran into this problem or knows what might be wrong. thanks

Briank · 25 May 2005

The first thing I would do is replace the the main relay.

donwon · 25 May 2005

Do you have power? (I know stupid question)

If you turn the key, listen for the relay click the pump on and off, might give you a better idea.

nsxinohio · 25 May 2005

Yea i have power. The car turns over easily but just wont start. It happened once before and i shut off the ignition waited min pumped the gas and it started right up. However this time, it just keeps cranking. Is there a way to test the main relay? I unplugged both the main and fuel pump relays and plugged them back in thinkn they might be loose but still wont turnover

EIFFEL · 25 May 2005

The ignition switch may be bad.

Mirroredshades · 25 May 2005

HAd a 89 Civic that did that.

Was an "ignitor."

Dave Hardy · 25 May 2005

Sounds like main relay to me as well. Short it and see if you get fuel and if it cranks.

nsxinohio · 25 May 2005

WEll i just took all the back panels off and disconnected the wire to the top of fuel pump and its def getting power, put a bug light on it and it read power. You can also hear and feel the fuel pump relay click so am i right in the assumption i need a new fuel pump??? Also if i do im jsut going to order a walbro high flow one, jsut wanna make sure that will work fine. thanks

drew · 25 May 2005

You can also hear and feel the fuel pump relay click so am i right in the assumption i need a new fuel pump???

You assume wrong.

Pay attention to the people trying to help you out:
1. Main Relay
2. Ignition switch

The main relay does other things than just activating the fuel pump.

Drew

NSXTech · 25 May 2005

Did you check the blk/red wire at the fuel pump subharness? Also, be sure and check fuse #2, which is second one in from L, under dash fuse box. The only way to know if the pump is bad is to put a fuel guage on the filter output and measure pressure. F/P's don't usually die suddenly, but as with any dc motor this is of course entirely possible.

Before buying any parts, I would check for fuel pressure, and if its there, I would pull a coil and install a spark plug into the end. Ground the spark plug threads to the engine and have someone crank it over to see if you are getting spark. Carefull how you hold the coil, don't ground yourself close to the plug or it will bite you

HTH,
MB

Joe Gliksman · 26 May 2005

Out of gas?

donwon · 27 May 2005

Is there another way to get fuel pressure? the reason I ask is because I have a fuel pressure guage (on top of fuel filter), but when you turn the key, you get no reading. The car has to be on with engine running for the fuel pressure to be read. So in his case, where he cant turn his car over, how can one get a reading?

gtr · 27 May 2005

I realize my car is hard to start when cold. I realize that by keeping the car on start position for 2 sec and then crank, it starts fine.

Your car stalling while driving sounds dangerous. If i were you I'd get both the relay and ignition just for safty reasons. Let us know if that will fix your problem.

LingYuan · 27 May 2005

Check the fuel pump resistor wire and connector on the right hand side of engine bay. Same problem like mine, a open wire because ex-owner's failed alarm installation. Fixed it and never happen again, so, it may not a issue of Main relay. I fixed my main relay because problem of heat engine start, not in a running engine. Learn all that from this site. :tongue:

KGP · 27 May 2005

I have had two similar failures. Once it was the fuel pump resistor wire, as LingYuan mentions. The other time it was the ignition switch. The latter time I preparred for the main relay also, but the ignition switch replacement cured it. So, I have a main realy if you need one.

NSXTech · 27 May 2005

donwon said:
Is there another way to get fuel pressure? the reason I ask is because I have a fuel pressure guage (on top of fuel filter), but when you turn the key, you get no reading. The car has to be on with engine running for the fuel pressure to be read. So in his case, where he cant turn his car over, how can one get a reading?

The fuel press gauge should read with the key on, engine off. It should read at least 40 or more for the first two seconds of key on, then drop to about 28 or so after that, untill started.(it will bleed off slowly if you just watch it without trying to start the car)
If it does not read with key on, engine off, but reads with engine cranking, it is most likely the main relay.
Did you check the number two fuse??

MB

Ashik · 27 May 2005

I had the same problem 6 month a go,as soon as i got off the freeway engine just died replace igniter did not help replace main relay did not help, finally replace ignition switch electrical side solve the problem.

ATERPAK · 30 May 2005

This has happened to me as well and it was an ignition switch. However the main relay is a good second choice but again a second choice.

NetViper · 30 May 2005

Mine wouldn't start. Ended up being the main relay. To test it, i took the panel off, tapped on the main relay gently with a hammer and tried to start it and it started right up. Saved me a $60 tow bill. I then replaced the relay in 5 minutes and havent had a problem since.

ATERPAK · 30 May 2005

What do you know "smarty pants". :tongue:

Good job.

fast93nsx · 30 May 2005

I just used netvipers idea and tapped on the main relay and the car started right up. Thanks alot everyobdy for there ideas. I am going to replace the relay tomorrow. thanks

Russ · 31 May 2005

I had the same problem, ignition switch.

fast93nsx · 31 May 2005

One last question. I went out today to move my nsx out of the driveway and now its having problems starting. Yesterday i used that tip to tap the main relay and thing fired right up. today i have to hold the key all the way to the right to keep the car running, once i let go of it, the car shuts off. is it the ignition switch or main relay you think. When it starts all my lights come on( abs, tcs, check engine) then after i hold it for 10 secs they go off. if anyone can give me jsut a little more help in trying to figure out whats wrong, it would be greatly appreciated

rbirling · 31 May 2005

If you have to hold, or jiggle the ignition switch to keep things going, it's the ignition switch.
:smile:
Double check: Turn it to the "on" position without starting the car. If you jiggle it, do the lights flicker? That's the switch going bad.

fast93nsx said:
One last question. I went out today to move my nsx out of the driveway and now its having problems starting. Yesterday i used that tip to tap the main relay and thing fired right up. today i have to hold the key all the way to the right to keep the car running, once i let go of it, the car shuts off. is it the ignition switch or main relay you think. When it starts all my lights come on( abs, tcs, check engine) then after i hold it for 10 secs they go off. if anyone can give me jsut a little more help in trying to figure out whats wrong, it would be greatly appreciated

drew · 31 May 2005

fast93NSX sounds like your ignition switch is dirty.

You can clean and re-oil the switch...see my post here:
http://www.nsxprime.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41237

Drew

Car shut off on me!!!!

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