Hi I am a new member I recently purchased a Rover 416sli I used to own one years ago and loved it but sadly the bodywork let it down I then purchased an Audi A2 and had nothing but trouble with it so decided to go back to a proper car and luckily managed to find one that has been well loved with low mileage. I seem to be having 2 starter issues in the morning the car turns over and if I don't get on the accelerator quick enough to rev it it drops like a stone. The second issue is when it has been running and I switch it off but then try and re-start it straight it just turns over but won't fire as though it needs to cool down a bit does anyone have any ideas? Thanks Beverley

firstly which engine did you go for.

By the sounds of it you just need to reset your stepper motor

i'm going to guess honda, try googling honda hot start issue

Hi thanks for replying as far as I know without getting the paperwork out It's a Honda 1.6dv engine. I will certainly have a look at what you suggest thank You Beverley

Hi Beverley, it does sound like the fuel relay is the first thing to start with. There are a lot of posts about it on here as it's quite common.

You could buy the part yourself (eg on eBay) and ask a garage to fit, or the existing relay will need dry joints resoldering.

Never had to do one myself but hopefully it's a straightforward job for you to get done.

The lack of revs being held could potentially be an oxygen sensor problem. It's an odd symptom for an odd fault - but mine showed the same about 20 years ago and a change of the sensor fixed the problem. You could try a Denso DOX-1004 as a drop-in replacement.

As Paul said, the intermittent start problem is your fuel relay - mounted behind the centre console on the left hand side. It needs to be removed, popped out of it's case and the solder joints carefully reflowed/remade one at a time.

Hi thanks Johnny it's sounding like a garage job to me I've only had it 2 months and have spent quite a bit on it already getting the bodywork pristine and a new alarm system fitted. I had a look on ebay like Paul said for the relay switch but not sure which one I would need?

Brum wrote:Hi thanks Johnny it's sounding like a garage job to me I've only had it 2 months and have spent quite a bit on it already getting the bodywork pristine and a new alarm system fitted. I had a look on ebay like Paul said for the relay switch but not sure which one I would need?

Nothing in the UK unfortunately now. It's Rover part YWB10028 or YWB100600 for right-hand drive cars or YWB10029 or YWB100610 for left-hand drive cars (different bracket). Even the left-hand drive relays are out of stock now. They were made by Pektron in the UK.

The Honda part is 39400-SK3-E01 which is also no longer available. These are made by Mitsuba who gave them the part code RZ-0080. There's at least one website telling me it's compatible with an RZ-0063 which are available from the United States, e.g.:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MAIN-RELAY-FO ... 2554376140

The Honda CRX which this relay fits dates from 1988 to 1991 and had the same engine as your car has. This part might not have the right metal bracket at the back, but they can be removed with a screwdriver inserted at the back between the plastic casing and the bracket, where it first bends over. There's a "pip" of plastic on the back showing through the metal bracket, preventing it just sliding out - using a screwdriver lifts the metal bracket past it (hopefully without breaking the plastic on the casing itself). The relay is located behind the centre console on the left. The console comes off with the removal of 4 screws (2 each side) and the gear knob if it's a manual. Your relay is currently mounted via it's bracket by 1 bolt to the metal frame underneath the plastic centre console housing.

Hi Johnny I can't believe how helpful you have been it's very kind of you to go to all that trouble for me. I have checked the link you sent on eBay and I am going to order it and am wondering if my son could fit it following your instructions as he's quite good with cars. The cars only done 33k miles and has been well looked after so didn't think I would be having problems so soon I hope I haven't let my heart rule my head on this one !

It's what we are here for mate

Brum wrote:Hi Johnny I can't believe how helpful you have been it's very kind of you to go to all that trouble for me. I have checked the link you sent on eBay and I am going to order it and am wondering if my son could fit it following your instructions as he's quite good with cars. The cars only done 33k miles and has been well looked after so didn't think I would be having problems so soon I hope I haven't let my heart rule my head on this one !

Failing that, if you trust me with the relay I can re-solder it for you by return post, free of charge if you can't find someone to do the same. I'm a bit too far away from Lancashire to pick it up. I'm much closer to your Avatar name - Birmingham. It just needs removing from the car (unbolting and unplugging) and of course the car cannot be started or moved whilst the relay is out.

It's not a difficult job. The relay components inside don't go faulty - it really is just the solder joints which dry out and crack -the relay gets quite hot in operation and after 20 years or so the joints will show fatigue.

It is a simple job to remove. The centre console has two black screws (one visible on each side half way up, and one located each side at the bottom and more forward). With them out and the gear knob unscrewed (if it's a manual) the centre console lifts off by pulling it from the back - the corners at the top only just squeeze past the dashboard. Remember to pull the leather gear gaitor free of the gear stick when you can, to avoid it being damaged - and to re-thread it onto the stick when refitting. The relay is on the passenger side of the metal frame underneath the console, secured by one bolt and a white nylon 8-way plug. The plug will be really difficult to remove. It has a latch you squeeze to remove but even so, having been fitted for 25 years it doesn't pull out very easily.