andrewko

Our 2002 LX has 193K miles. Good maintenance practice. 2 weeks ago, we went to buy take-out breakfast. When we got back in the car, it would turn over but won't catch. Battery was very strong but it just won't start. Had it towed to our regular mechanic. They said no fuel was coming out at the filter. Changed fuel pump and filter. Drove fine for a week. Went up Friday to the local SoCal mountains over Labor Day weekend. Drove back down on Sunday afternoon. Stopped at Costco to pick up some stuff. Got back in the car and it won't start again. Same as a week ago. Had it towed home. On Tues, had it towed to our mechanic. No fuel coming out at the filter again. But he doesn't think it is the pump.

In the engine compartment large fuse box, he removed the module marked "EFI/ECD" and with a probe tested the 4 connectors on the car side. Probe made different tones on 3 of them. He then applied power to the one without the tone and asked me to start the car. Car started. It was late in the day so they will continue on Wed.

Another mechanic took over today and said when he applied power to the same module, he heard a "click" on the passenger side. He found a "power relay" under the passenger side kick panel. He took it out and "cleaned" it. and now it starts.

Am I just waiting for it to happen again? Mechanic said if it starts, it will keep running. But the relay might stick or is worn so it won't start again. Does this make sense? (At least I won't be stranded on the highway). What is this "power relay" on the passenger side. Owner's Manual only mentions fuse loation on the driver side kick panel and 2 in the engine compartment.

Anyone (Jim Chow?) know what part this is so maybe I can order one and just have it replaced? This is the first time in 15 years and 193K miles that the car won't start. We love this car. Thanks in advance for any help.