that is the most common issue for your symptoms (main relay) and a common failure part for your year... plus it's easier to test than the TW sensor

 

You should verify that fuel is getting to the spark plugs. You can try spraying starter fluid into the intake when your problem occurs. If your car fires up for a second, then you can assume that gas isn't getting there.

Also verify a good spark by grounding a plug wire and have an assistant try to start the car. The spark should be blue or white.

The rough running engine after its started, could be caused by the engine being flooded from repeated attempts to start (due to inadequate spark) or possibly a bad head gasket (coolant in the cylinders). Have you noticed any loss of coolant or coolant in your oil? Compression or leakdown tests would identify a head gasket problem.

Always test the simple things first, then move on to more complicated.

 

what Phonda reccomends to spray fuel into the intake is a good idea if car starts it will tell you that it is not getting any fuel ,,but DO NOT use strarter fluid use regular carb cleaner ..
if you got any questions there is a write up on our DIY section

 

Deserthonda,

Why is starter fluid so bad to use?

 

it does not burn as clean as regular gasoling or carb cleaner it is a lot more explosive + it really reeks