Will not start after sitting for a year with the battery disconnected?

Tiny
ALTHEA MAYBERRY
  • MEMBER
  • 1993 ACURA LEGEND
  • 3.2L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 120,000 MILES
We have replaced the fuel sending unit and the alternator, but it still won't start. The car has been sitting for over a year without the battery hooked up, and we can't reset the computer. As far as we know, the computer is supposed to be reset through the stereo, however, the original stereo is gone. We think computer reset is why it won't start. Is there some other way to reset the computer?
Sunday, May 7th, 2023 AT 12:07 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,320 POSTS
Hi,

The computer shouldn't need to be reset. If possible, follow the directions in this link and see if there are codes stored.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/honda-car-1990-1995-obd1-code-retrieval-procedure-and-definition-table

Next, in most cases, a crank with no start is caused by either no spark at the spark plugs or fuel isn't getting into the engine. Try this. See if the engine starts or tries to start using starting fluid. If it does and stalls, we know it is a fuel-related issue. If there is no change, I need you to check for spark at the plugs.

Here is a link that explains how this is done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-for-ignition-spark

Try that and let me know the results.

Take care,

Joe
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Sunday, May 7th, 2023 AT 10:00 PM
Tiny
ALTHEA MAYBERRY
  • MEMBER
  • 35 POSTS
Hello 2 Car Pros. Thanks for the response. However, the biggest problem we are having is the engine won't crank at all when we try to start it. Lights come on, open door buzzer sounds, and we get dash lights, but no crank.
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Thursday, May 18th, 2023 AT 7:02 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,320 POSTS
Hi.

Okay, let's figure this out. First, I attached the starter circuit wiring schematic below so that you have a reference. I had to cut the pic in half to make it readable, but I did overlap them.

See if the vehicle will start if you place it in neutral. Do this first before proceeding to the following tests. If it does, let me know.

On the schematic, I highlighted the relevant wiring. Power from the battery goes through two fuses to the ignition switch. I suspect those are okay if the lights turn on. So, I need you to jump to the starter cut relay. This is what will actuate the starter motor.

At the relay, there are four pins. Two are for the primary side and two for the secondary. When you turn the key to the start position, power from the switch travels to two pins where the relay presses in. The primary side on the relay itself will indicate numbers, 85 and 86. One of the two will receive power. Confirm that for me.

The secondary side of the relay will have two numbers as well, 30 and 87. One of the two will get power when the key is in the start position. Check for that as well.

I'm sorry I can't tell you the specific pin will get power because the manufacturers change things and when testing, you can't assume one will always be the one to check.

Now, if you find both have power, then I need you to check the primary side opposite pin for continuity to ground when the key is in the start position. This will be either pin 85 or 86 (the opposite one with power). If it has power, then we need to check the trigger wire at the starter motor.

At the starter, there will be a smaller gauge black wire with a white tracer. With the key in the start position, check for power at that wire. The key needs to be in the start position; otherwise, it won't have power.

Here is a link you may find helpful as well, it covers testing a relay circuit:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

Let me know what you find.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

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Friday, May 19th, 2023 AT 8:48 PM
Tiny
ALTHEA MAYBERRY
  • MEMBER
  • 35 POSTS
Hello. After taking a huge break, and deciding whether to scrap the car or not, I decided to continue working on the Acura. After viewing a YouTube video, I traced the problem to a wire disconnected from the starter. It's the wire that goes to the solenoid. Apparently, these cars have a big issue with this particular wire coming disconnected. It's no doubt since the wire has a spade connector on it. Also, the wire is just long enough to reach, with very little slack. I haven't connected the wire yet. I want to avoid dismantling the thing since I can reach it. However, I need to clean the wire because it's covered in grease and grime. Hopefully, after I get it connected the car will start. I'll let you know in the next couple of days.
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Thursday, October 19th, 2023 AT 7:29 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,320 POSTS
Hi,

That is the wire that triggers the starter motor. That is the black wire with a white tracer. It is the one we needed to check for power with the key in the start position. LOL

Regardless, if you have a chance, could you let me know if that resolves the issue? I'm interested in knowing.

Take care and thanks for the update.

Joe
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+1
Thursday, October 19th, 2023 AT 5:29 PM
Tiny
ALTHEA MAYBERRY
  • MEMBER
  • 35 POSTS
Hello Joe, the problem is solved. It's running now. Thanks very much for your help. I appreciate it.

This whole scenario began when we put in a new alternator. Apparently, if you're not careful with attaching the wires for the alternator you can pull out that wire that connects to the starter solenoid. Also, I guess Acura's are touchy when it comes to the battery.

My sister sold this car to my son several years ago. I guess it's been about 4 years now. A few months before she sold it she went to Honda and bought a brand new battery for it. Well, that battery went bad. Batteries for this make and model are not cheap. Walmart is the most reasonable we found at $150.

Anyway, we kept trying to use the battery for my 85 Dodge D150. I guess the Acura doesn't like my battery. I'm supposing that it takes more cold cranking amps to start the Acura than it does for my truck. However, my truck battery was showing under 12V, so I put it on the charger. After charging for half the day, I decided to use the engine booster and the car came alive. I was so excited I texted my son while he was a work, and I took a video and uploaded it to Discord so my son could see and hear it running. LOL.

I'm so proud of myself that I got one of our vehicles running. Now, I have to concentrate on my truck. Thanks again. There will be a donation for 2CarPros on the first of the month.
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Friday, October 20th, 2023 AT 6:42 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,320 POSTS
Thanks for the update. I'm glad to know it's running, also, I love the video.

Take care of yourself and feel free to come back anytime in the future.

Joe
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Friday, October 20th, 2023 AT 2:32 PM

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