Car won't start...

Joined
7 August 2006
Messages
570
So the nsx has been sitting for 3 month in garage. It cranks but doesn't start. I thought it was battery so I made sure battery is fully charged (took it to pepboys to diagnose). I even added gas cause I thought it didn't have any. What do you guys think it could be? It did start and drive 3 month ago so its something that happend from the time I left it sitting 3 month ago..
 
Nature of the beast. As far as the main relay goes, you can remove it, open it up and check for any cold solder joints and re-solder. That is usually the problem. As far as the ignition switch goes, do a search and there are a couple of threads on how you can remove it, clean it/smooth the contacts if needed.

As often as it seems to happen on here, I am tempted to order one of each from Acura and keep them in the car as spares.
 
its like a boat if it sits you will need to buy a new part to get it running again,, dunno why you would wait 3 months to drive it, I think if its gonna sit for awhile atleast start it up once a week let it run for 10 minutes,, keeps her happy,, its like your passenger side window,, we never roll it down,, thats why its the first to break/get slow,, "USE IT OR LOSE IT"
treat your NSX better after you get it running again!! she will thank you with her grubbling voice!!
 
this is my second nsx and first one sat for 6 month and started right up with new battery. I am away from home on long trips that's why it sits.

I removed the relay, how do I tell if it's bad? I opened it up and all the soldering joints look good..
 
In light of the fact that a running, gasoline fueled, internal combustion engine requires combustible fuel, compression, and spark at the right time...can anyone advise on fuel and spark tests? The fuel quality, though it is old, should not be an issue and there is an indication that more (new) fuel was added.
I know my outboard boat motors very well but do not think that the protocols from that venue apply. LarryB, any steps to confirm spark and fuel? :confused:
 
this is my second nsx and first one sat for 6 month and started right up with new battery. I am away from home on long trips that's why it sits.

I removed the relay, how do I tell if it's bad? I opened it up and all the soldering joints look good..

Can't see the bad joints with the naked eye. If you have a good magnifier you can see them (concentrate on the rectangular joints). Do you hear the fuel pump run for a few seconds after turning on the key (listen carefully)? Happy Motoring!
 
Ok guys, the saga continues. I went to dealer and bought brand new Main fuse and still same issue. I can hear 1 click, then 2nd(kinda) but car doesn't start. Keeps turning over but nothing. Battery is fully charged, and I added about 6 gal of gas incase there is no gas. What else could it be? Should I add gas directly where sparkplugs are? Is there any other fuses that could have went bad? I only had it off for 3 month. What da hell else can it be!!!
 
can I prime the engine like oldschool cars with carburator? I wonder if the fuel somehow is not reaching the sparkplugs..
 
can I prime the engine like oldschool cars with carburator? I wonder if the fuel somehow is not reaching the sparkplugs..

A shot of ether in the air filter will tell you if fuel is the problem. It may not start but you will hear a difference in the sound when you crank it.
 
Time for basic troubleshooting. If the ether doesn't have any effect you need to check for spark. If the ether does help, you need to check for fuel pressure. Can you hear the fuel pump when you turn the key to the "on" position?
 
what do you mean shot of ether in air filter?

also how does fuel pump sound? Do I just have someone turn to #2 position the key and see if their is any noise from where fuel is?
 
I would pull the air filter out first before spraying a shot of ether/starting fluid in the intake .

When key is in the run position, you should hear the fuel pump(whirring sound) for a few seconds(as it pressurizes the system) and then it will shut off. If you don't hear that, start tracing things back. Helps to have a volt meter. If you don't have one start checking things like fuses, wiring(make sure a rat hasn't decided your wiring tastes good), relays, etc.
 
Ok guys, the saga continues. I went to dealer and bought brand new Main fuse and still same issue. I can hear 1 click, then 2nd(kinda) but car doesn't start. Keeps turning over but nothing. Battery is fully charged, and I added about 6 gal of gas incase there is no gas. What else could it be? Should I add gas directly where sparkplugs are? Is there any other fuses that could have went bad? I only had it off for 3 month. What da hell else can it be!!!

What does this mean? Did you mean Main Relay?

First thing to do is sit in the car when it is quiet. Turn the ignition to the "on" position. Do you here the fuel pump run for 2-4 seconds?

Regards,
LarryB
 
What does this mean? Did you mean Main Relay?

First thing to do is sit in the car when it is quiet. Turn the ignition to the "on" position. Do you here the fuel pump run for 2-4 seconds?

Regards,
LarryB

Main relay I mean. How does Fuel pump sound? I can't hear anything but clicks (1 or 2). Someone else asked me to smell my exhaust and it smells like fuel.
 
I have no idea whats going on. I am soooo frustrated with this freaking car. I have aftermarket alarm that came with the car and I am not sure if thats part of issue. I disconnected the brain just to see if that will do anything but still nothing. I don't think I hear the fuel pump either (could the alarm have fuel cut off?). If so, how do I disconnect the alarm? Oh boy this is getting me heated up. I don't think its the ignition nor the main relay.
One thing to note. The car didn't have panels when I was driving it last, so I put on the door panels (with window lock/unlock and door lock/unlock). Can that have something to do with it? I am running out of things that it can be and honestly I need this car running yesterday.

Anyone have ideas if aftermarket alarm can have something to do with it? I just know it locks and unlocks doors but who knows maybe it has fuel cut off too... Also I saw there are 2 fuses near where the brain is but both fuses are good (I assume its for the alarm).
 
Some alarms do have ignition or fuel pump cutoff.

Did you ever check for spark?

If electrical isn't your forte you may be in over your head if the alarm is cutting off the fuel or spark. Might be time to take it to a reputable shop and have them troubleshoot the problem.
 
Let me explain couple more things. Maybe someone will have light bulb.
1. when I try to start car both of the TCS lights flash on the guage cluster and then go away (not sure if its normal or not).
2. I don't hear fuel pump (I assume it should make some kind of sound. I hear 2 clicks but that is about it. This is with new main relay.
3. I also notice there is another fuel pump relay all the way behind driver side. Anyone know anything about this one?
4. Starter cut relay?
 
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so I assume starter is not issue since I can hear the car trying to turn over. Fuel is my issue right? Man this problem is PITA
 
battery cable? Is it possible that my negative cable is not tight on the car ground portion? Damn I don't understand what would change between now and 3 month ago esp since I didn't do anything to the car. I have light in my garage so has to wait till morning, if any of you kind gents have any suggestions that would be great. Thanks!
 
If the starter is cranking the motor, it's not a battery cable issue. Sounds like you have no ignition, either from the alarm or something with the car.

Try arming and disarming the alarm. If she still doesn't start, get the thing to a good Honda mechanic.
 
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