My car sometimes won't start, but other times it will.

[C-Rod]

So the other day when I went to start my car...well, it didn't. Then I held the ignition while pressing the gas for about 15 seconds and then it turned on. Later that night I was driving it and WAM! the engine turns off while I was driving it I really have no idea what is wrong with it because it keeps happening. I dont know if this helps but it started happening after I got an oil change...I checked the oil and there seemed to be no problem.

[plee3]

http://www.cb7tuner.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=53888&

I would start at the main relay. ^^^Here is a DIY on how to fix them

[C-Rod]

http://www.cb7tuner.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=53888&

I would start at the main relay. ^^^Here is a DIY on how to fix them

THANKS! I'll let you know what I find

[osl]

http://www.cb7tuner.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=53888&

I would start at the main relay. ^^^Here is a DIY on how to fix them

The main relay wouldn't make your car die though. You just wouldn't be able to start it.

[deevergote]

The main relay COULD cause it to cut out, but I don't know of that ever happening.

The first thing to check would be the battery connections and grounds. Make sure all are clean and tight. It's free and easy to check those things.

Next, check to see if the problem is spark or fuel. The next time it doesn't start, listen for the fuel pump. If that comes on, the main relay is not the culprit. If you can't hear the pump, get out and pull a spark plug. Disconnect the distributor, so the car isn't getting any spark (you don't want it to start with a plug out!) and crank it. Smell for fuel. If you smell fuel, then you can most likely rule out a fueling issue.

Now you look to spark. Keep that plug out. Reconnect the distributor, and crank the engine briefly, checkng for spark. It's best to hold the plug near something that the spark will arc to, so you can see it.
No spark, then you're going to want to replace your ignition coil and/or igniter.


No-start problems are common wheb it gets hot out.

[Tippey764]

The main relay COULD cause it to cut out, but I don't know of that ever happening.

I had that happen to my brothers 94 civic. When the main rely would heat up and cause the solder joint to expand. Since it was broken it would no longer be seated properly and the car would just stall out. Since then we resolderd the broken joint and there hasent been any more problems.

[Teddy]

main relay ..ingitor in the dizzy hope it workes

[ingold]

The main relay wouldn't make your car die though. You just wouldn't be able to start it.

it caused mine to die, because it cutt off my fuel pump.
but it sounds like it may be the problem for the OP.

[C-Rod]

I know this is a little late but the problem ended up being my ignitor. Bought a new one and ran fine

[deevergote]

Thanks. It's always good to learn what the problem was!

[pedalpusher90]

Just out of curiosity what is the ignitor?

[C-Rod]

To be honest all I know is that it is in the distributor... someone else that is more qualified to answer this can probably help you.

[Ralphie]

Just out of curiosity what is the ignitor?

Ignitor is simply a device that allows for a spark to combust the fuel.

Similar to an ignitor on a bbq.

[Zeusimo]

Good Job Man

[Ralphie]

Good Job Man

Posts like this will get your post count set back to 0....

just fyi.