mussashimits

Hello,
I've been having this problem with my car for over a year. In the summer, when the weather is hot, I go to start my car, and the S light is blinking (not a certain number of times, just constant blinking). Then it doesn't want to start when I turn the key. This problem also sometimes occurs when the engine itself is hot.

What I find odd is that this occurs when the weather is hot- not when the engine is hot. I've actually already replaced my IC ignition unit recently, but the problem persists. I'd really appreciate any help with this.
Thanks for your time

tech8

Jump the service connector under the passenger dash side, to see if there is a code.

http://www.c-speedracing.com/faq/06.php

http://autorepair.about.com/li...f.htm

You should also state your car's year, model trim, engine, etc. so others can more easily help you.

mussashimits

Thanks for the help. All I know about my car is that it's a 91 Honda Accord. I had thought that the blinking speed light normally gave the error code through the number of blinks before a pause. Do the links you gave me apply to my car year?

Thanks again

tech8

Yes, the procedure is the same. So, if there are codes, tell us which light is blinking, and post the code. (Different lights mean different trouble codes)

mussashimits

I did that, and got the codes. It's the "S" light that is blinking.
It blinks as follows:
1 short
2 shorts
3 shorts
7 shorts
8 shorts
1 long
3 shorts.

Then when it starts over, the very last set of blinks is 4 instead of 3.

Again I appreciate the help.

tech8

The Honda automatic transmission trouble codes only range from 1 - 15. So, it may be that you have 2 codes.

Code 8 - symptom - fails to shift (stuck in 1st or 4th gear)
Code 13 - no specific symptom
Code 14 - symptom - transmission jerks hard when shifting

The symptoms may be caused by a faulty TCM, as this was a common problem.

Here a some links to read about, which may be due to a blown resistor or capacitor inside the TCM:


http://en.allexperts.com/q/Hon...T.htm

https://honda-tech.com/zero...22854

It can be due to something else, but usually was the TCM.

mussashimits

The thought of the problem existing inside the car seems to make sense, since it doesn't seem to start when the weather is hot, and thus when the inside of the car is hot. I think I can find a solution from here. Thank you very much for your help.
EDIT: I looked it over, but it seems fine.. I wonder what else it could be.


Modified by mussashimits at 4:44 PM 6/9/2007

mussashimits

Well, I checked the TCM and it looks fine.. I also called auto zone and gave them the codes.. they seemed a bit confused and recommended that I replace the fuel filter. I replaced the fuel filter and the problem remains. I had also recently replaced the speed sensor and the IC ignition unit.

Might anyone have any other ideas?
Thanks

tech8

Well, what you have may be two separate issues. The blinking "S" light may still be the TCM, even though you don't see any physically wrong with it. Sometimes electrical components have to be tested to see if they are good or bad.

The starting problem when it is hot, may be due to the Main Relay. Check the Accord FAQ in the stickies up top, under Electrical for how to repair or replace the Main Relay.

mussashimits

Thank you again for the help. It seems the main relay cause this problem and that it's common for owners of old Accords.

I have the relay taken out, but the tutorial doesn't give detailed enough instructions on how to fix it with a soldering iron.

On my relay, I just notice that some of the soldering points aren't points at all, but rather, they are very smooth and flat. Do all of the points just need to reach the same height then?

tech8

You're following this tutorial, right?

http://techauto.te.funpic.org/mainrelay.php

Generally, any solder point should look like a smooth cone shape. Just touch the solder point for a few seconds, and then add the solder, it will flow around it by itself. When soldering, if I don't get it exactly right the first time, I pull the soldering iron and solder away after the few seconds and let it cool down a bit before I try again. I don't want to burn up the components, or pull the solder pad off the printed circuit board (PCB).

I would touch up almost all the solder point, whether they look 'iffy' or not.

mussashimits

Thanks for the help. I'll give this a try. If I fail, I suppose I'll have to just buy a new unit.

BLKFLSH

The main relay will not make the "S" light blink. The main relay will keep the car from starting. Which problem do you have? Use this link, click on transmission, it has trouble shooting for the "S" light (and many other problems). Good luck

http://techauto.bravehost.com/