mysterious starting problem

[XG]

My car is a 1992 accord lx automatic. Yesterday it showed a strange problem.
The first start of the day was all right and I drove to a grocery store.
After about 15 min, I came back and tried to start it. At about first 1 or 2
second, it seemed all right and the engine turned on, but right followed by
the engine off (while all nessary lights kept on as when the key is at 'on'
position). I tried several times, the same result. But after I wait for
about 5 min, I tried and it was working again! Wanna know what could be
behind this problem. My car might have a much-described main-relay problem
since it always has a couple of hard times to start in hot summer. But
that's when you can't even turn the engine on. Yesterday it's about 50F and
got some sunshine. Not sure whether it's related. Thanks ahead for any
input.

BTW, what could cause a front grinding noise at low speed (20-40mph)? wheel
alignment?

 

[Artfulcodger]

Similar symptoms on my 92 Accord led to replacing the ignition control
module located under the left foot drivers footrest.
That has been the only non replacement failure this car has had.
They just like to run on and on.

My guess on front grinding noise is cv boot or dragging brake. That is only
a wild guess as I am no mechanic. Have all my work outsourced as I am a
clutz at fixing anything other than those items that require a hammer.

Regards
The Artful Codger

 

[N.E.Ohio Bob]

Was the distributor housing replaced under warranty? There was a
problem with the bearing wearing out and seizing. To check yours out,
remove the cap, and see if there is a bunch of junk in there from the
dry bearing.
Can you hear the fuel pump run for about two seconds when you turn the
key to the first position? No noise from the pump means the relay is
bad, and needs resoldered.
I had mine quit once at about 125,000 miles when the ignitor in the
distributor quit. Would crank fine, but no fire.
Low speed noise on my '92 is usually coming from a build up of
corrosion and dirt on the front brake rotors where the go past the
calipers.
How many miles are on the car and the brakes?
Good Luck! bob

 

[Jim Yanik]

My car is a 1992 accord lx automatic. Yesterday it showed a strange
problem. The first start of the day was all right and I drove to a
grocery store. After about 15 min, I came back and tried to start it.
At about first 1 or 2 second, it seemed all right and the engine
turned on, but right followed by the engine off (while all nessary
lights kept on as when the key is at 'on' position). I tried several
times, the same result. But after I wait for about 5 min, I tried and
it was working again! Wanna know what could be behind this problem. My
car might have a much-described main-relay problem since it always has
a couple of hard times to start in hot summer. But that's when you
can't even turn the engine on. Yesterday it's about 50F and got some
sunshine. Not sure whether it's related. Thanks ahead for any input.

BTW, what could cause a front grinding noise at low speed (20-40mph)?
wheel alignment?

http://www.markl.f9.co.uk/howto/electrical/main-relay/main-relay.htm

tells how to fix(resolder) the main relay,save the $50 to replace it.
Easy to do,a half hour job.

The other problem may be a stuck brake caliper,or worn pads,or bad CV
joints.