1989 Acura Legend 1989 Acura Legend starts then dies

Tiny
DANNY6969
  • MEMBER
  • 1989 ACURA LEGEND
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • MANUAL
  • 170,000 MILES
I am working on a 1989 legend. 1 week ago car would start then die I checked dist. Cap and rotor was dirty cleaned car started and ran next day replaced dist. Cap and rotor car ran fine about 3 days then would start and run a second and die. Once while driving the car during this time lost power and headlights dimmed for a little bit but was able to drive it home.I have replaced battery and had alternator checked. The main relay was replaced by previous owner 6 mos. Ago. I removed and replaced fuel filter and I am getting fuel from the fuel pump ( did not pressure check fuel system as I cant keep car running). I am getting spark at all plugs while eng. Runs for a second. Had a friend come over to look at it it started right up and ran fine. The next morning I satrted it it ran fine after a couple mins shut car off and now it starts and runs for 1or2 seconds and dies. Pulled vacume line off fuel pressure regulator and saw no fuel. Checked for stored codes under carpet of front passenger side florboard and there is no stored codes check eng. Light has not come on. Please help with a list in order of what to check and how to check it. ( I am not to good at checking with voltmeter/ohms tester but I know I could do it if I know excatly what to check and how to check it ) I also changed spark plugs.
Monday, January 28th, 2008 AT 6:19 AM

7 Replies

Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
Check these systems. EACV, Air intake system, MAP sensor, Crank angle sensor, engine coolant temp sensor,TPS, Idle air control, and my fav, the EGR valve! for stuck open..


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/62217_Fig1_2.jpg

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Monday, January 28th, 2008 AT 8:02 AM
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
The VERY first step is to read ALL codes! Then post them here and I will assist you further...this is how!


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/62217_89Codes_1.jpg

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Monday, January 28th, 2008 AT 7:27 PM
Tiny
DANNY6969
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Merlin thanks for responding to my question. Are the listed systems and parts listed in the order of which I should check first and could you also tell me how to check each system and part your help is greatly appricated. Could you also add link to diagram or blow it up so I can see it. Any responses from others experencies would also be greatly appricated.
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Monday, January 28th, 2008 AT 7:33 PM
Tiny
DANNY6969
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Merlin as stated in inital question when I turned on ignition and looked at LED there were no codes flashing it flashed once red on left side and once red on right side and that was it.
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Monday, January 28th, 2008 AT 7:40 PM
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
Go with simplest first. EGR, if stuck open it's a wonder it starts at all. Is spark present when it dies? When it doesnt start, check spark. Then let me know. The list of what has been changed is long already! Have you tested Battery voltage and if it is charging? Some PCM's need at least 9v to operate.
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Monday, January 28th, 2008 AT 8:00 PM
Tiny
DANNY6969
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Each time I turn the key to turn it over it starts for a second then dies so I dont think I can check spark when it dosent start cause it always does for a second. Battery is brand new and I have been charging it once in a while with charger because I wanted to make sure it has enough of a charge because of all the starts and stops didnt trust alternator to do it. One time yesterday morning when it did start and run I removed neg. Battery cable to check alternator and car kept running, also had alternator checked out at auto parts store and they said it was running at 10 but is spec. At 14 I believe. The guy at auto parts store said he would run it what do you think. Thanks for all the help.
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Monday, January 28th, 2008 AT 8:15 PM
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
If it puts out LESS than the specs, don't think, act! Replace it, some cars will not run with a bad alt.
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Wednesday, January 30th, 2008 AT 8:26 AM

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