I have an 88 accord and it fires up fine when it has been sitting. If I start it and let it run for even a minute, shut off and then restart it starts hard. Also seems to spit some black smoke out the tail pipe. I have discovered that the temp sensor is bad (ECM flashes 6 times) and the check engine light is on. How do I download the error code from the check engine light? Thanks all.

Well the first thing you need to do is clear the CEL. A lot of the chain automotive stores will read this for free under the asumption that you may buy the parts there. Try autozone.. if you have them in the area. Now if you change the temp sensor and the Ecm stops throwing codes and the CEL is out then I would think about changing the main relay... well that is if the problem hasnt gone with the temp sensor. However the main relay wont throw a code.

Here is the thinking on the Main relay. Many of these were poorly soldered when they were made but can go for years without a problem. Many people (myself included) have been able to pull this relay and remove the old solder and with a bit of rosin core flux resolder and fix this issue. The main relay is located inside on the drivers side and is under the cruise control modual (the big silver one). The main relay is the small back one.. you will of course have to remove the cruise control mod to even see the main. Its a tight fit and hard to reach.. but you dont have to put the main relay exactly where you found it. Some people like to bolt it in an easier to reach location. Btw a quick and easy way to check this relay is to tap it with a wrench on something.. often this will shift the connection enough to start the car.

Now if after changing the Temp sensor you should have another code. The code will be a big help. Generaly if the car runs well when it runs I would think about the main relay but if it runs bad and gets poor mpg I would expect to see a code for an o2 sensor comming out of the ecm.

Best of luck and please let us know how you make out.

Sailor

P.S. You might want to check the location of the main relay.. It may be the same as my 93 accord .

This post has been edited by ddg2sailor: Oct 28 2008, 08:07 PM