Does your Legend crank but does not start? Here's a DIY diagnostic procedure

**Mike Diaz** · 06-08-07, 11:23 AM

Quote:

I'm having a starting problem in my Legend too. It cranks over just fine but it just won't start. My dad seems to think that it's not getting any spark. I'm not sure what to do

Possible reasons:

Main relay
igniter
engine grounds
injectors
timing belt
fuel pump/filter
air filter
Cam/crank position sensor
Ignition switch

With all that, you really should have somebody who knows how to properly diagnose a "crank but no start" problem, but I'll try to guide you through it.

Step 1. Visually inspect all battery, ground, and vacuum lines all around the engine compartment. Pay special attention to the ground on the thermostat housing (under the throttle body), the ground under the passenger side fuel rail cover, the battery connections, and visually check all the fuses in the fuse box under the hood and in the driver side kick panel. Pull the air filter and make sure it isn't clogged. Also, make sure the check engine light appears on the dash as soon as you turn the ignition key to the on position.

Step 2. Pop the two small rubber caps of the front of the upper timing belt covers (or remove the upper timing belt covers completely) and use a long 19mm socket and a ratchet to manually turn the crankshaft pulley. Are the cam gears moving? Yes (go to step 2) No (replace timing belt and pray you didn't bend the valves)

Step 3. You need an in-line spark tester ($15-20 from Matco, or a good parts store), Remove a coil pack, hook one end to the bottom of the coil pack, and feed the other end down to the spark plug (make sure you have everything connected good). Crank the engine over with the key and watch for the light to illuminate. If you don't have spark coming from the coil packs, you should test (in order) the main relay, the igniter, the ignition switch, and the cam/crank position sensor (see below for testing procedures). If you do have spark, remove the spark plugs and see if they are covered in gas or oil and replace them if necessary. If the spark plugs are covered in oil, you should replace the valve cover gaskets and o-rings.

Main relay testing procedure:

Quote:

1. Remove the main relay.
2. Attach the battery positive to the No. 4 terminal and the battery negative to the No. 8 terminal of the main relay. Then check for continuity between the No. 5 terminal and No. 7 terminal of the main relay.

o If there is continuity, go on to step 3.
o If there is no continuity, replace the relay and retest.

3. Attach the battery positive terminal to the No. 6 terminal and the battery negative terminal to the No. 2 terminal of the main relay. Then check that there is continuity between the No. 1 terminal and No. 3 terminal of the main relay.

o If there is continuity, go on to step 4.
o If there is no continuity, replace the relay and retest.

4. Attach the battery positive terminal to the No. 3 terminal and battery negative terminal to the No. 8 terminal of the main relay. Then check that there is continuity of the main relay. Then check that there is continuity between the No. 5 terminal and No. 7 terminal of the main relay.

o If there is continuity, the relay is OK. If the fuel pump still does not work, go to Main Relay Harness Test.
o If there is no continuity, replace the relay and retest.

Main Relay schematics

Igniter testing procedure
See online service manual: http://www.arnach.net/service/index....&z=2690&r=0934

Cam/crank sensor testing procedure (also known as CKY/CYP sensor)

Ignition switch testing procedure
See online service manual: http://www.arnach.net/service/index....&z=2690&r=0934

Step 4. You need an in-line fuel pressure tester ($100-200 depending on the brand and type of fittings you need). You'll need to make sure the fittings that come with the kit will work with Honda's banjo style fuel fittings. You can test it directly off the top of the fuel filter.

Here's the service procedure from Alldata:

Quote:

1. Relieve fuel pressure.
2. Remove the service bolt on the fuel filter while holding the banjo bolt with another wrench. Attach the fuel pressure gauge.
3. Start the engine. Measure the fuel pressure with the engine idling and vacuum hose of the pressure regulator disconnected. If the engine will not start turn the ignition switch on, wait for two seconds, turn it off then back on again and read the fuel pressure. Pressure should be: 265 - 314 kPa (2.7 - 3.2 kg/cm2, 38 - 46 psi)
4. Reconnect vacuum hose to the pressure regulator. Pressure should be: 206 - 255 kPa (2.1 - 2.6 kg/cm2, 31 - 37 psi) If the fuel pressure is not as specified, first check the fuel pump. If the pump is OK, check the following:

o If the pressure is higher than specified, inspect for:
o Pinched or clogged fuel return hose or piping.
o Faulty pressure regulator .
o If the pressure is lower than specified, inspect for:
o Clogged fuel filter.
o Faulty pressure regulator.
o Leakage in the fuel line.

Here's the picture

Step 5. If you have fuel and spark, it's time to test the fuel injectors. Here's the testing procedure from Alldata.

Step 6. You missed something, start over again.

**Mike Diaz** · 06-08-07, 11:44 AM

If anybody has anything to add to the diy, please post it in here, and I will add it.

**Mike Diaz** · 06-09-07, 04:37 PM

UPDATE:
added ignition switch as a possible problem.
Added direct links to online service manual pages for the igniter and ignition switch.

sr5guy · 06-09-07, 11:21 PM

Here's the best main relay repair info I've seen so far.

http://techauto.tripod.com/mainrelay.htm

-Matt

Insomniac119 · 06-12-07, 06:43 PM

good stuff my friend

PHILLz..91..L3G3ND · 06-14-07, 02:08 PM

I NEED A MAP SENSER ANY WAY TO TELL IF THAT THE PROB........

**Mike Diaz** · 06-15-07, 02:02 PM

Retrieve the code from the ECU.

If the computer shows code 3, here is the diagnosis

If the computer shows code 5, here is the diagnosis

Telion · 06-15-07, 02:27 PM

Very nice.

91sedan · 06-15-07, 04:41 PM

I figured out my problem, there was no compression in the driver side cylinder head, bent intake and exhaust valves and the car wasn't timed properly it's gonna cost me $1500 to fix it

Blackeagle229 · 06-20-07, 09:37 PM

Mike,

Thanks for the DIY.

I'm trying to run down a crank-not start problem, so I'm finding your info helpful.

After re-reading your procedure and going out to my car and trying to put it to use, I noticed that my check engine light DOES NOT come on when I try and start the car.

What's that telling me?

Thanks for the help/knowledge.
Henry

**Mike Diaz** · 06-21-07, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blackeagle229

Mike,

Thanks for the DIY.

I'm trying to run down a crank-not start problem, so I'm finding your info helpful.

After re-reading your procedure and going out to my car and trying to put it to use, I noticed that my check engine light DOES NOT come on when I try and start the car.

What's that telling me?

Thanks for the help/knowledge.
Henry

It happened to me once. I had replaced head gaskets and pulled the wiring harness from the engine compartment. When I reinstalled it, 2 of the main plugs by the abs pump are interchangeable and I had them swapped, which was causing no check engine light upon start up.

It's either that, or somebody may have pulled the bulb previously. Did you try extracting codes? If you used a jumper wire, and you still don't get a check engine light, the bulb is gone. Otherwise, you may have an actual computer problem.

Neil4Speed · 06-30-07, 12:16 PM

In the case that someones main relay is going (common problem in this situation), this was a very good price for a new MR

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-O...27934236QQrdZ1

Alperovich · 06-30-07, 01:49 PM

great write up mike!!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by sr5guy

Here's the best main relay repair info I've seen so far.

http://techauto.tripod.com/mainrelay.htm

-Matt

2nd best write up on main relay repair

DIY: main relay repair...

94legendcpe · 06-30-07, 06:23 PM

My 94 LS crapped out on me last night in a parking lot. It's fired up flawlessly up until last night. I haven't made any changes under the hood, and I've checked all the vacuum lines and ground wires mentioned in the thread.

If it were the main relay, I wouldn't hear any noise (clicking) when I tried to fire it up, would I?

I haven't tried to listen for the fuel pump, but with the abrupt crapping out, I'm really hoping its something simple.

Is there anything else I should be looking for here? I just picked up the car about a month ago, and its purred like a kitten since I got it.

**Mike Diaz** · 06-30-07, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 94legendcpe

My 94 LS crapped out on me last night in a parking lot. It's fired up flawlessly up until last night. I haven't made any changes under the hood, and I've checked all the vacuum lines and ground wires mentioned in the thread.

If it were the main relay, I wouldn't hear any noise (clicking) when I tried to fire it up, would I?

I haven't tried to listen for the fuel pump, but with the abrupt crapping out, I'm really hoping its something simple.

Is there anything else I should be looking for here? I just picked up the car about a month ago, and its purred like a kitten since I got it.

Or you could read the thread. It explains almost every common problem with the Legend.

06-08-07, 11:44 AM	#2 (permalink)
Mike Diaz WHAAAAAH! Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: N Canton, Ohio Posts: 10,983 Car 1: 3.5L 1991 LS Coupe 5 Spd Blk/Blk Car 2: 1994 Civic EG Hatch Car 3: 03 Honda TRX400EX iTrader: (2)	If anybody has anything to add to the diy, please post it in here, and I will add it. __________________ 2nd Gen FAQ \| Newbie FAQ \| Bleeding Coolant DIY \| Manual Trans Flush DIY 3.5L DIY \| Crank-No Start Diagnosis \| How I built My Legend

06-09-07, 04:37 PM	#3 (permalink)
Mike Diaz WHAAAAAH! Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: N Canton, Ohio Posts: 10,983 Car 1: 3.5L 1991 LS Coupe 5 Spd Blk/Blk Car 2: 1994 Civic EG Hatch Car 3: 03 Honda TRX400EX iTrader: (2)	UPDATE: added ignition switch as a possible problem. Added direct links to online service manual pages for the igniter and ignition switch. __________________ 2nd Gen FAQ \| Newbie FAQ \| Bleeding Coolant DIY \| Manual Trans Flush DIY 3.5L DIY \| Crank-No Start Diagnosis \| How I built My Legend

06-09-07, 11:21 PM	#4 (permalink)
sr5guy Chipped Shoulder Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Connecticut Posts: 2,351 Car 1: 91 L Sedan Rosewood Car 2: 91 Coupe 3.5 SOLD Car 3: 96 Legacy iTrader: (31)	Here's the best main relay repair info I've seen so far. http://techauto.tripod.com/mainrelay.htm -Matt __________________ The dude with a chip on his shoulder. Stop asking me to compare my chip with Telion's damnit. Mines better .

06-12-07, 06:43 PM	#5 (permalink)
Insomniac119 Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Wichita, KS Posts: 52 Car 1: red '94 L coupe iTrader: (0)	good stuff my friend __________________

06-14-07, 02:08 PM	#6 (permalink)
PHILLz..91..L3G3ND Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: BKLYN Posts: 67 Car 1: 91...L3G3ND.... iTrader: (0)	I NEED A MAP SENSER ANY WAY TO TELL IF THAT THE PROB........ __________________

Remove Advertisements Sponsored Links
The Acura Legend & Acura RL Forum Advertisement

06-15-07, 02:02 PM	#7 (permalink)
Mike Diaz WHAAAAAH! Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: N Canton, Ohio Posts: 10,983 Car 1: 3.5L 1991 LS Coupe 5 Spd Blk/Blk Car 2: 1994 Civic EG Hatch Car 3: 03 Honda TRX400EX iTrader: (2)	Retrieve the code from the ECU. If the computer shows code 3, here is the diagnosis If the computer shows code 5, here is the diagnosis __________________ 2nd Gen FAQ \| Newbie FAQ \| Bleeding Coolant DIY \| Manual Trans Flush DIY 3.5L DIY \| Crank-No Start Diagnosis \| How I built My Legend

06-15-07, 02:27 PM	#8 (permalink)
Telion Of the Telion Chip Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Hopefully In your ECU ;) Posts: 3,561 Car 1: White 91 KA8 5spd W/3.5, TII Cams & Manifold Car 2: White 91 KA8 JDM TII iTrader: (33)	Very nice. __________________ \/Provider of The Telion Chip click here\/ http://telionsite.com or search Telion Chip 3.5, TII cams,pnp mani & springs,Telion Chip,HID's,H&R's/Koni's,Addco Sway bars,TII calipers,RH C2's,R.J. shifter,DV8 EGR plate,CAI,OBX headers,2.5" exhaust,hi-flow cat,K2 muffler,Stage III clutch,S&D rotors, KVR pads, blackend damper, a CF hood, AFC NEO, 3.5 Aluminum pulley, & Web cams. C&R Racing radiator and more to come.

06-15-07, 04:41 PM	#9 (permalink)
91sedan KA8 Legend Killer Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Green Bay Posts: 371 Car 1: 91 Acura Legend BHG Car 2: 88 Acura Legend LS Car 3: 93 Ford Ranger 2.3 iTrader: (0)	I figured out my problem, there was no compression in the driver side cylinder head, bent intake and exhaust valves and the car wasn't timed properly it's gonna cost me $1500 to fix it

06-20-07, 09:37 PM	#10 (permalink)
Blackeagle229 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Edmonds, WA Posts: 81 Car 1: '94 Acura Legend CS Car 2: '77 Porsche 911S iTrader: (0)	Mike, Thanks for the DIY. I'm trying to run down a crank-not start problem, so I'm finding your info helpful. After re-reading your procedure and going out to my car and trying to put it to use, I noticed that my check engine light DOES NOT come on when I try and start the car. What's that telling me? Thanks for the help/knowledge. Henry

06-30-07, 12:16 PM	#12 (permalink)
Neil4Speed Registered User Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Calgary, Alberta Posts: 326 Car 1: 1994 Sherwood Green Legend Coupe LS 6-Speed.. 402k and Counting iTrader: (0)	In the case that someones main relay is going (common problem in this situation), this was a very good price for a new MR http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-O...27934236QQrdZ1 __________________ My Legend: Its a love hate kind of thing, but with allot more love. I am a cowboy, Legend Coupe I ride - Wanted Dead or Alive

06-30-07, 06:23 PM	#14 (permalink)
94legendcpe Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Seattle Posts: 484 Car 1: 1994 Taffeta White LS Coupe Car 2: 2008 Lexus RX 350 iTrader: (9)	My 94 LS crapped out on me last night in a parking lot. It's fired up flawlessly up until last night. I haven't made any changes under the hood, and I've checked all the vacuum lines and ground wires mentioned in the thread. If it were the main relay, I wouldn't hear any noise (clicking) when I tried to fire it up, would I? I haven't tried to listen for the fuel pump, but with the abrupt crapping out, I'm really hoping its something simple. Is there anything else I should be looking for here? I just picked up the car about a month ago, and its purred like a kitten since I got it.