I have a 1990 Integra 2dr that turns over, but doesn't start when it is hot. I did some research, and it looks like it is the main relay that is causing this. Where is it located, and how do I fix/replace it?

Someone said that you can take it out and have it re-soldered at Radio Shack. Is that true?

Please advise.

 

Center console, on the right side (behind the radio). Main FUEL relay. Most likely a bad solder joint and can often be fixed if you have a soldering iron. Don't replace it if you don't have to. I have the Helms, I'll verify exactly where it is for you this evening. I was at a shop a week ago and saw a guy have this problem. The shop said open your windows and let the car air out and cool off and if it starts it is the main fuel relay - not worth the cost to replace if it only happens once in a while when it gets hot outside.

 

Sounds like my problem in my 89 teg. However, I have a hunch that my main relay is under the hood, since that is what I open to get it working again. Is my main relay under the hood? Where??

 

On my 90 Teg it's up under the kick panel near the steering column. Junk yard for cheap one (I always carry a spare).

A search will also show how to solder them.

 

Yeah, sorry, under the kick panel above the pedals. The starter relay is in the center console.

 

Do you happen to have a picture?

Some people said that it was not the main relay since the Check Engine light goes out after 5 seconds when you turn on the ignition. The dealer said it might be the ignighter or the coil, both of which are in the distributor. So, I went to AutoZone and had them test the ignighter. It was fine. The I had them test the coil. They said it was bad. So, I replaced it with a new one. It still did not start (although it still would turn over). So, they were nice enough to loan a new distributor to see if that would fix things. It did not. Same problem. Then they tested to see if the fuel injectors were getting voltage. They were.

So, that's where I am now. Could it still be the main relay even though the Check Engine light goes out when you turn on the ignition?

They said it also may be the fuel pump relay. However, the dealer said the fuel pump relay and the main relay are one in the same.

The fuse for the fuel pump was also mentioned, but that would not cause an intermitent problem. So, that rules that out.

Any ideas?

Also, pic please of the relay showing where it is, and what it looks like when it is bad.

TIA

 

Just a wild ass guess, but maybe the ECU. There could be some bad solder traces in it when it gets hot?? The cheapest would be to find one in a junkyard and swap it out.

Sounds like the main relay isn't the problem, but I would still swap it out to double check.
If you search either here or on the Civic board, there should be picture or link to a repair for the main relay. I've seen it, but don't know where. I just carry a spare one.

 

What is the ECU? Is that the computer?

 

Yes, ECU is the computer.

 

It probably isn't the main relay, because ususally that problem goes away once the temp inside the car drops to the point that any loose traces touch.

Thread for main relay repair: http://www.g2ic.com/forums/showthread.php?t=55129 (all things Gen2 can be found here).