My engine is not starting?

Tiny
SKYCHI
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 HONDA CIVIC
  • 1.6L
  • 4 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 157,000 MILES
Car will not start and when I turn the car on there is a clicking noise from behind the glove compartment. What could it be not making it start?
Sunday, February 25th, 2018 AT 7:15 AM

9 Replies

Tiny
PATENTED_REPAIR_PRO
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,853 POSTS
I am assuming that is the PGM-FI Main Relay which is shown in this diagram.
It runs the fuel pump.
Can I assume the starter is cranking over but the engine just will not start?
I will assume your answer is yes, so first check the fuses #31, #13 in the under dash fuse box and #44 in the under hood fuse box. If they are all okay, try a new PGM-FI Main Relay.
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Sunday, February 25th, 2018 AT 7:42 AM
Tiny
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  • 5 POSTS
Is this something I can/should buy myself and install myself? Or should I tow it to the mechanic and have it done professionally.
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Sunday, February 25th, 2018 AT 9:09 AM
Tiny
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That depends. Try what you can and if you cannot do it, then decide what to do from there. If you know how to check fuses and/or replace relays then by all means go ahead and do that. If there is something that you cannot do or need help in doing, let me know.
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Sunday, February 25th, 2018 AT 9:20 AM
Tiny
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The black box is what is clicking and the circled item. Is that the main relay?
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Wednesday, February 28th, 2018 AT 9:51 AM
Tiny
PATENTED_REPAIR_PRO
  • MECHANIC
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They are both clicking? Have you tried disconnecting the wiring plug to each, starting with that item that you are pointing to, which appears to be that PGM-FI Main Relay and listen if the clicking goes away?
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Wednesday, February 28th, 2018 AT 10:01 AM
Tiny
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  • 5 POSTS
Oh so the black box is the main relay? Thats the only thing that clicks when I turn the car on. Do I unplug it from where I put the arrow?
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Wednesday, February 28th, 2018 AT 10:19 AM
Tiny
PATENTED_REPAIR_PRO
  • MECHANIC
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Yes, unplug it there.
If it stops clicking after unplugging it, go ahead and check those fuses I mentioned earlier and if they are all ok, try a new PGM-FI Main Relay
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Wednesday, February 28th, 2018 AT 10:44 AM
Tiny
SKYCHI
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Thanks for your help but it was the ground wire under the thermostat housing wasn't on tight. Tightened it and it works.
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Friday, March 2nd, 2018 AT 7:00 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,878 POSTS
Nice work, we are here to help, please use 2CarPros anytime.

Cheers, Ken
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Monday, March 5th, 2018 AT 1:02 PM

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