Rep Power: 0

Hello all

so my 98 civic is throwing me a bone here and I'm getting impatient, first thing in the morning the car will start! I take 1 of my kids to school then come back home then 25 min later I take my oldest to school and car won't start. it cranks but will not turn over. I'm pretty familiar with my cars as I do all the work my self but this one has me in question.

-installed a brand new battery.
-put on new battery terminals
-changed out the rotor cap
- changed the rotor
-replaced spark plug wires
-replaced the main relay switch
- there is spark on all plugs
-the fuel pump works perfect
- changed the fuel filter

the dam thing will work and I can start it 12 times in a row and won't lose power in the battery. I drive to the store and BAM she died in the parking lot. then ill jump it and sometime it starts then most time it won't then 20 min of trying it starts up like nothing ever happened and ill drive home and turn car off and on multiple times and no issues. if I make an attempt to leave later then the car won't start.

does any one know the issue. all the items I installed were done at the same time so Im out of ways to fix the issue.

 
Rep Power: 228

If you have a good obd2 scanner you can check the fuel trims while trying to hot start it.

if not get a cheap amazon obd2 for your phone and download the Torque app. That way you can see trims.

First thought would be the temperture sensor is dying. It changes the fuel trim for different temperature ranges.

I doubt you'd have a spark related issue, regarding engine temperature.

 
Rep Power: 0

I put on my OBD2 scanner on and only code that came up is p0505. " IDLE CONTROL SYSTEM MALFUNCTION"
but no check engine light is on

 
Rep Power: 0

and idle air control system.

 
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Its the MAIN relay under your dash by your steering Column, Symptoms would be starting when its colder in the car when the cabin of the car gets hotter it wont start. The soldering on the main relay has started to fail and started causing problem. The MAIN relay is like a $60 part from the dealer. I know it sound to simple to be the problem but im 99% sure this is the problem i have fixed 2 hondas with this problem and in both instances a "mechanic" couldnt narrow it down.

(EDIT) On my 2000 civic ex the main relay i believe was behind the glove box If i remember correctly

 
Rep Power: 0

I have changed that already last night. one my list of items I've done I stated I already replaced the main relay switch

 
Rep Power: 0

sorry some how I over looked that

 
Rep Power: 210

Do a coil (inside distributor) arc test as show in video. Can use a long handled screw driver to ground instead of probe shown in video. If the coil dies during the test that's a good thing because it proves it's weak anyway. If the coil needs to be replaced use a genuine oem (either TEC or Hitachi.. check the name on the present one) .

 
Rep Power: 210

Next time it won't start bang on the starter a few time then try starting it..

Carry a hammer to knock on a piece of pvc pipe or wood to the starter and solenoid housing.