NSX is sick

[cmarsh90]

And I hope someone can help me diagnose it.

'91 NSX, 85K miles, my dad just bought it in Florida and drove it home 2500 miles, says it was fine the whole trip. Today I took it out and when I started it the first 2 or 3 times it would die within a second or two, the intake sounded a little weird, perhaps like it wasn't getting any air. Went to lunch, when we left it had the same starting problem, several minutes later I got on the freeway, took it close to redline in second gear and quickly put it into 3rd gear, when I put my foot onto the accelerator hard I looked down and noticed the tac at zero, the car had died. Pulled over to the side of the road, same starting problems, would start and die, start and die, finally I was able to start it and keep it running by keeping the revs up around 3 or so using the accelerator, and drove it the 9 or so miles home with no problems.

So any ideas are appreciated, thanks.

 

[MiamieNeSeX]

Check the intake

 

[PettittsAuto]

You need to check that when starting does the car die when the key returns from the start position to the on position. If so it needs the electrical portion of the ignition switch replaced. I would also check the main fuel pump relay, but they usually don't make the car die after it has been running. The electrical portion of the ignition switch is available seperate from the whole assembly, cost about $60-$70. Good Luck!

Bruce www.pettittsauto.com

 

[CFNSX]

I had a similar stalling problem.....and found that the main cpu relay (also controls fuel pump delivery) part # 39400-SL0-003 had become defective. You can remove the cover of this relay and with a magnifying glass inspect the circuit board solder pin connections (what I found was that the solder was cracked in 5 of the pin connections). This created an intermittent stall when the relay got hot (it stalled) and almost immediately (once it cooled) you could start the car again and continue on your way. I soldered the pin connections and the problem went away. This is only a temporary repair and if you find this cures your problem you should replace the relay with a new one. I keep the old (repaired) one in the trunk as a backup should the new relay go in future.

 

[Yellow Rose]

Originally posted by MiamieNeSeX:
Check the intake

For?

 

[cmarsh90]

Thanks for the suggestions guys.

The intake looks fine.

You need to check that when starting does the car die when the key returns from the start position to the on position.

I'm a bit confused, are you asking if the car dies as I turn the key? Or are you asking if the key gets kicked back to the on position (from the start position) when it stalls?

I had a similar stalling problem.....and found that the main cpu relay (also controls fuel pump delivery) part # 39400-SL0-003 had become defective

Could you tell me where this relay is located? (We don't have a service manual yet).

Thanks again folks, please keep the ideas coming.

 

[bayareansx1999]

what is the vin# on the car? maybe the guy sold you a lemon.

 

[4AU4LIFE]

Originally posted by bayareansx1999:
what is the vin# on the car? maybe the guy sold you a lemon.

Let's hope not.

------------------
92 RED/BLACK 5-SPEED

 

[Larry Bastanza]

cmarsh90,

Maybe I can help clarify. The ignition switch has multiple positions, i.e. Off, Assy, On, Start. I think what Bruce is asking is does the engine fire in the "start" position (spring loaded), but then dies in the "on" position, when you release the key as the car starts.

I believe this is a common issue with the ignition switch since the power to the engine systems is intermittent in the "on" position only. This is not necessarily particular to the NSX.

HTH,
LarryB



[This message has been edited by Larry Bastanza (edited 26 March 2003).]

 

[MiamieNeSeX]

Originally posted by AndyVecsey:
For?

no obstructions

 

[POWERED by HONDA]

It sounds like the ignition switch.

 

[CFNSX]

Originally posted by cmarsh90:
Thanks for the suggestions guys.

The intake looks fine.

Could you tell me where this relay is located? (We don't have a service manual yet).

Thanks again folks, please keep the ideas coming.

[This message has been edited by CFNSX (edited 26 March 2003).]

 

[CFNSX]

Could you tell me where this relay is located? (We don't have a service manual yet).

The relay is located behind the seats. You need to remove the panels (they are held on with snaps) on the rear firewall, and you will find the relay in the center, just below the rear window. Its black and about the size of a pack of cigarettes.

 

[cmarsh90]

Ok well the car seems to die right when u turn the car from II to III (not always but often). I followed the test illustrated here: http://www.nsxhelp.com/faq/TroubleStarting.htm
and the car started fine several times using this method, and kept running. So my diagnosis is that the electrical portion of the ignition switch is bad, so I've ordered the part.

Incidentally I also removed the climate control box and the control board has some fried doohickeys on it which I'm going to have to replace too.

The car is brand new (to us) and we're already tearing it apart! But it's fun. THanks for the help folks.