Where's my Main Relay...pics added

[sojusoulja]

I wanted to replace my main relay part #39400-SLO-A01

Took off my rear panels but I can't find my main relay

I have a 96...i was under the impression its next to the ECU?

 

[Elite]

I don't see it in those pics. Can you take a picture to the left of your ECU?(basically further left then either of the two pics you have shown).

If you scroll down in the link below. The Main relay is the part with the part number: RZ-0101 Depending on your year, it may be that number or another number which also starts with RZ-.... if I remember correctly.

http://www.nsxprime.com/FAQ/DIY/smartshiftinstall.htm

 

[sojusoulja]

I did a search and found a reference to it. Newer model NSX's have the Main relay to the left of the ECU in the picture shown.

Also, the main relay was flipped backwards and so you can't see the wrting but it looks the same.

On another note...i took apart my old Main relay and found brown crusty charred looking buildup on some of the soldering joints. Didn't take pics but i'm assuming this attributed to the Main relay going bad.

Car starts like a champ now.

 

[Elite]

I did a search and found a reference to it. Newer model NSX's have the Main relay to the left of the ECU in the picture shown.

Also, the main relay was flipped backwards and so you can't see the wrting but it looks the same.

On another note...i took apart my old Main relay and found brown crusty charred looking buildup on some of the soldering joints. Didn't take pics but i'm assuming this attributed to the Main relay going bad.

Car starts like a champ now.

Yeah, thats what I was thinking. Good to hear it's all fixed now.

 

[sojusoulja]

thanks for your help

 

[macready]

I think I'm going to change my relay too because of starting problems. Do the 97 use the same relay as your 96? If not, does anyone know the part number?

 

[sojusoulja]

95+ same relay part number

 

[dlynes]

a word to the wise...please make sure when you put everything back together that you correctly secure/mount your leather covers behind the seats correctly...iv heard horror stories of it falling down and cutting/poking holes in the leather.

 

[sojusoulja]

good point....but I didn't see any sharp objects...maybe panel falls and you back the chair into the bare metal pieces?

I broke a couple clips...word of advice..when removing the top panel trim DO NOT pull, lift the panel upwards and it will come off.

 

[nsxtasy]

good point....but I didn't see any sharp objects...maybe panel falls and you back the chair into the bare metal pieces?

I assume the metal tabs that protrude from the panel (and normally keep it in place) can dig into the seat covers.

 

[NSX GT]

good point....but I didn't see any sharp objects...maybe panel falls and you back the chair into the bare metal pieces?

I broke a couple clips...word of advice..when removing the top panel trim DO NOT pull, lift the panel upwards and it will come off.

It must have been difficult to work behind your seats since they do not fold down forward? This relay piece is what is causing my car to sometimes, once in a while not start or crank at all. I already put a new battery in. This only happens when the car is warmed up for a while. Changing my relay would cure this problem?

 

[sojusoulja]

actually you have enough room to work back there...

your cranking problems could be a few things but from what i've collected on this forum the main relay is a cheap and good place to start

 

[Larry Bastanza]

The relay controls the fuel system and does not relate to "cranking" If the starter motor will not crank it is not the main relay, and time to take a look at your battery connects, etc.

Regards,
LarryB

 

[Jett]

To elaborate on LarryB's correct advice just a little bit...

If the starter turns the engine over and the engine spins and spins but never starts, consider the main relay as a possible source of the problem.

If the starter never turns the engine over, then that is a different problem.

 

[macready]

How much is the main relay and where is a good place to order it. I'm in Canada.

 

[RSO 34]

Updating this thread since the wiki doesn’t have pics for a ‘96.

https://www.nsxprime.com/wiki/Main_Relay

You need to remove the door sill, weather stripping and panel below the B pillar.

 

[Old Guy]

A small detail.

On my car I found that I did not have to remove the sill cover. You have to unclip / pull up the flexible trim that covers the weld flange around the back of the door opening. Not complete removal, just enough to allow you to release the clips on the trim panel below the B pillar which grab that weld flange. I was able to pivot the trim panel up slightly and slide it back to allow its removal from under the sill cover without disturbing the sill cover.

Another detail for reassembly. The trim panel that fits just below the rear window has a small metal locating pin on the driver's side so that the panel is correctly positioned on installation. The pin fits into an equally small hole on the back bulk head and if you get it slightly out of position when you push to re seat the clips the pins mounting bracket bends easily. You need to slide your fingers under the trim to try and make sure the pin is positioned correctly over its matching hole. On my car the three plastic retaining clips that hold the trim panel in place were a little tired and kept sliding around in their openings complicating re installation. I used a tiny piece of 3M rope caulk to hold the clips in position while I struggled with reinstallation of the panel. Getting that horizontal trim panel back on without mangling things was the worst part of the job. Everything else went together easy - peasey.