I had changed the main relay about a month and a half ago, drove the car around for a good while to see if the problem was there still and after about 3weeks gave the car back to my wife, now the problem has started again for the first time tonight. She said nothing came on the dash like it did when the relay was out. Other than the check engine light stayed on for a few seconds longer than normal, any ideas what it might be?? the alternator is new as is most of the other stuff under the hood.

I have a 1991 Honda accord

 

You need to provide more details:

Did engine die while driving? Was gauge panel dark when engine stopped?

Engine won't turn over w/ starter or turns over but refuses to catch/run?

Has engine not started since incident?

good luck

 

Mine did the same thing. It was the ignition switch. When the engine quit all dash lights would go out. Wiggle the key and they would come back on. I replaced the main relay (since they give problems and I had access to it) and the ignition switch. I took the old switch apart. The contacts were burned.

 

sorry been away a couple of days.

So I just experienced the problem first hand first of all when I turn the key to the second position everything goes on, then the S button will turn off but my check engine light stayed on, I tried to stop it and it wouldn't start it turns over just doesn't catch/start

so I tried something I turn the key off then to 2nd position off then 2 2nd position until the check engine light "Clicked" off it finally clicked off the 3rd time and it started right up....main relay AGAIN? I just replaced it month and half ago thanks.

 

Seems strange that it would be another bad relay. Since this only happens every once in a while....testing is going to be fun

Bench test the relay: Main Relay Fix, Troubleshooting (Honda, Acura) and how to solder

This could be an issue with the ECU or the electrical part of the ign switch. Again, testing when "it is not working" is going to be the only way of finding out.

 

yea happen today again we didn't even try to turn it over cause the check engine light stayed on....we turned it to off then back to the 2nd switch and it popped off we turned it over started right up...ill try and troubleshoot it the way you recommended

 

Check the car for trouble codes, as that may be more telling what may be the issue.

In the sticky at the top of the forum "Common DIY and Other Info. Threads", there are links on how to retrieve any trouble code(s) by jumping the blue Service Check Connector on the passenger kick panel side.

 

Ignition switch

 

Roadking, please don't suggest throwing parts at the car without doing the proper testing.

NROP slacker - what symptoms did you have before you changed the main relay? Do you still have the old one?