Acura Mdx, 2001, 2002, 2003 - Crank No Start (PGM-FI Relay)

! Viewer takes all responsibility for actions of repair. Although I'm a fully certified mechanic, I can not be held responsible for any incorrect repair or damage from using this video. All videos are for instructional purpose only. I apologize for the disclaimer, but thank frivolous lawsuits...!
This video shows some tips on the acura MDX, for a crank no start. Sometimes the Main FI relay acts up. In this video you can see the solder joint has gone bad.
Main FI relay are a rather common issue on the Hondas and Acuras. A week before this video, I changed ond on a 93 Accord.

[@mclovnridez4842]

All the signs pointed towards the fuel pump based off what I was observing. Replaced it and still had the same issue and this guy saved my ASS🙏🏾💯

[@Jonoscc]

SAVED MY LIFE!!! I did NOT want to tow it so I took my car to the grocery store parking lot where my wife's 2002 Acura MDX was stuck and wasn't starting. I got under there and pulled out the relay, brought it home, fixed the solder, brought the relay back to the grocery store, plugged it in and bam!! car started back up again. Thank you SOOOOO MUCH!!!!

[@SkyhookStudios]

Glad to help

[@1SagaciousMage]

You deserve more than that paltry offering but the fix was super simple. I hope a million individuals behind me will make that same offering. Bless you.

[@josevallejo4430]

(2002 MDX Touring with 209,000 miles) You saved my car. I’ve spent weeks trying to figure out the issue along with my mechanic. My car would run just fine at high speed but due when it came to stop. It would simply die down slowly and leave the battery and oil light on. It would crank but would actually start and eventually after some time, you could get the car to run, but only temporarily. The idle RPMs would also dance around 500-800 rather than 1000-1100 and when you’d give it gas, it would bottom out at ~100 and then sputter out. We checked everything. We washed out the EGR and ports. We washed out the IACV. We swapped out the fuel pump motor. We tested a separate pump. Messed with the throttle tension. Checked the throttle pulleys. Everything. Then one day I happened to put together the right string of words and google showed me your clip. We took out the relay and saw the same burnt out contact, which we double checked by starting the car with the circuit exposed and applying pressure and the car started up again. I was going to buy a new one but my mechanic is the CEO of soldering and very quickly left it looking better than the others and the car has been running beyond well ever since. Thanks so much man.

[@SkyhookStudios]

Glad I could help out 👍

[@vincentevasquez6219]

I’m having the same issues right now ima have to try this

[@DeanTheDoctor]

CEO of soldering haha. Glad to know it can be repaired! 😇🌎☀️

[@fredmiandoab5329]

My 2002 MDX did exactly what the video says happens when the relay fails. Thank you very much for pointing me to the culprit.

[@danasampson818]

I fixed my daughter’s 2002 TL yesterday after watching this video. Her car would crank and crank (after I put a new battery in), but sounded fuel starved and wouldn’t start. I found this video after a little research. I found the relay, tapped it a couple times, and the car started right up. My local Auto Zone had the new part. It literally took me 10 minutes, and no tools to change the relay. The car ran great with the new relay.

[@mizzbossi7142]

Thank you for your video, it saved me! My van broke down and I borrowed my parents 2002 Acura MDX. I drove it one day and the following day it wouldn't start. I couldn't get myself to tell my parents that it broken down. So for the next few days I tried so many things to get it to turn on. It would crank but would not start. it was acting as if it was out of gas. I finally gave in and called a mechanic and fortunately he canceled. That's when I searched online and found this video. You described the exact problem I was having . I did exactly what you said to do and just like that it turn on. I am so grateful that you posted this video. Thank you so much!!

[@SkyhookStudios]

Glad to help.

[@kennethchukwumaanele3104]

Did you change the relay or you just re-soldered the relay?

[@shinners67]

Thank you! This appears to have been my problem. You've saved me a bunch of money, of which I dont have. I REALLY appreciate you posting this!!!!

[@SkyhookStudios]

👍

[@PositiveLifeVlog]

Great video! My 2005 Acura MDX Touring Package: A few nights ago, I shut the car off and went into a store. When I returned back to start the car, I heard a clicking sound accompanied with lighted instruments. After many failed attempts, the car finally started only after I turned the steering wheel slightly right. I left the car on to avoid having any issues going back home. The VTM-4 button started flickering, making a strange clicking noise. At a stop light, I switched on the left turn signal. All of a sudden, the left blinker remained on. On the way home, I kept the emergency flashers on until I made left turns. Once I made it back home, I parked the car and shut it off: I couldn't get the car to start again. The next day, I tried to start the car with no success. However, I turned the steering wheel slightly right and the car started up. Once I shut the car off, I could not start it up again. The left blinker continued to make a clicking noise, but the visible arrow no longer appeared for both the left and right turn signals. After several failed attempted to start the car, I smelled burning plastic and heard a slight noise: A small plume of white smoke released from underneath the hood. I immediately opened up the hood and disconnected the battery. Signs: 1) Car has weak starts 2) Car doesn't start--clicking and lighted instruments. 3) When steering wheel is turned slight right, car starts. 4) Flickering light on VTM-4 5) Left turn signal remains on while vehicle is running. 6) Plastic burning smell. 7) White plume of smoke released from underneath the hood. Any ideas what happened to the Acura MDX? I originally thought the starter was on the verge of going bad. The flickering VTM-4 button and the stuck left turn signal point to an electrical/wiring issue under the steering wheel. Thank you!

[@branflix1158]

Did you get this problem fixed? I think I'm having a similar issue with my '05.

[@mack_titan]

Thank you so much....I will start with PGM-FI relay. My 2003 is starting to show all the symptoms you described. Your video is so useful that I disabled Ad-blocker to get CPM up for you! ;)

[@SkyhookStudios]

👍 thanks

[@eranisrael5754]

Thank you...years later this video helped me out.

[@1421samuel]

Thanks so much. You are a life saver my friend. Fixed mine in no time.

[@pickumtee6882]

Do u Remember what codes came up?

[@chuchu-ee6fv]

Liked and subscribed. Very wonderful explanations. Thanks so much, mine was alternative fuse burnt down and changed that and start. I will use your video for next time.

[@mahasin77]

I hope this works for me my 2003 Acura MDX runs great but now it won't start and its doing the exact same thing in your video. Hopefully this works....to be continued.......thank you for sharing

[@savagewolfe]

This was exactly what was wrong with my 02 MDX. Thought it was the fuel pump. Thank you for posting your video.

[@mannythetrucker5505]

You have know idea how much I appreciate this video after 2 days of breaking down my buddy found this video and it worked thanks a lot !

[@stuartnick8420]

Huge thanks! Worked perfectly 👌👍

[@g.t.g1111]

The same issue I had on my ‘93 Legend. Yes look at the solider joints. I even solider a few just to have. Now my ‘00 RL may have the same issue.

[@banditaudits5086]

That was a great video. Very helpful

[@gregorystolk818]

Ty! I’ll check this out and see if I fix it this weekend Best wishes your way

[@aaronleones6236]

Thanks that's really help me. God bless you.

[@chepito786]

Very good video!! Very good explained.!!

[@shyster2638]

Thanks bro I really appreciate it thanks 🙏 my truck was at the mechanic 👨🏽‍🔧 for 2 months and the couldn’t get it done. Thanks man. now is fixed

[@SkyhookStudios]

That's a shame. Even without this tip the shop should have been able to diagnose it down to the relay.

[@shyster2638]

I know but they want it easy they use the scanner too much scanner won’t break it down l

[@mikehart6708]

Nice clear explanation. Very helpful. Thank youl

[@momtazjee]

need help!-have a 2002 4cyl got the relay out to visibly inspect joints looks clean, can I use a light tester to check the components never tested before any suggestions on how to use a light tester to see if components are ok?

[@kenpet7908]

Thanks for the video. You show how to put the new relay back on, but not sure how to remove the old. Do you remove the wire connector first, then press on the lock tab in the center from the top and pull/slide forward the relay? I would very much appreciate it if you can help with the removal process. Thank you.

[@pedrosanchez-qn4ik]

Do I need all 4 Sauter joints sticking out like how it is on that relay ? Top right corner little sticks sticking out ?

[@manuelgamez4373]

Thanks so much.. i gues you show me how solve my problem.. i really apprecity good bles you!

[@joseaguilar4455]

Hi I'm having start problems with my mdx 03 after replacing the valve seals, before that it was smoking a lot but running now it just won't start, first time it almost run but after that it just don't, check all grounds, pump relay all wires all ok may be a sensor? fuses all ok in and out what else should I check ?

[@rudycardenas3510]

That's exactly what my problem was thank you so much for this video

[@SkyhookStudios]

Glad it helped

[@eduardorobles4335]

@@SkyhookStudios same Location 2004

[@roadsafeties-wg6hi]

Hi, I like your tutorials. Please tell me how I can uninstall the battery hold down of 2002 MDX screws to reach down to the Dual Linear shift Solenoid, I found two , one on the bottom left side and one on the font bottom, but it's not shaking at all. Please guide me on how to take it out so I can clean the solenoid . thanks

[@Dcthetruth85]

Appreciate the info, didn't work so it's probably my fuel pump. Bummer.

[@jerrymccloud2989]

Is it the exact same part and number that’s on the 93 Accord you spoke of? Had the same problem with 95 Accord.

[@enginehead9966]

Im having an issue on my 05 honda accord v6 coupe 6speed manual. My car starts up fine in the morning and i can drive it perfectly no issues, once i go park it like at a store for 5-10 minutes and try to go start it, it just cranks and doesnt start. I dont hear the fuel pump but once i switch off the ignition and try to start it again, it starts up no problem. Any thoughts on what it might be?

[@tlasha4156]

I have a 2002 MDX I was having this issue and got the relay changed today. So far no issues

[@MrJack13031]

Hello did it still work?

[@tagajolo]

Do you happen to know the part number of that relay for the 2002 acura mdx

[@thaole7058]

thanks so much, you save me hundreds of dollars 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@MrFasteddie52]

If this relay is bad, will you get the "fuel pump prime" when you turn on ignition???

[@mattwarner1928]

where is the inertia switch if the mdx took a impact?

[@asherbond508]

Oh my god! Dude you just explained my exact situation. This vid saved my ass!

[@romickva]

Hello, what would be the part number for 2005 MDX? Thanks

[@harryfp1494]

Hey buddy . I got an 03 honda accord auto 2.4 replaced the starter and all kick panel relays . Still no start . Just dash lights And door dings. Grounds are good as well. But still no start . What's wrong with this thing . My gf tried to start it 3 times it cranked and almost started and no nothing . No crank no start . Also has new ignition switch

[@xnxnjakil5003]

Omg man my acura mdx has been at my friends shop for 7 months ( told him no rush) lol got it back last week n was about to change out the immobilizer unit and watched your video to see how to take it out n seen that this whole time it was this stupid relay box...I went to my local part store paid $70, plugged it in and my truck started rite up. Thank you sooooo much my brotha!!!! Chicago baby!!!

[@SkyhookStudios]

Glad to help

[@caudillasam5996]

I just replaced my water pump/ Timing, it will fire but will not completely turn over. Coulld this be my issue?

[@jonahbadie5440]

Hey what does it mean when I am getting power to the red wires. I have a anti theft problem going on and my car won’t start because of it

[@artattackcreationsbycassi]

Omg dude thank you. This has to be my problem I think. I have the exact make and model too. When I noticed issues, I went to AutoZone and they determined it was my alternator. Soooo, spent $600 on a brand new alternator and of course, that didn’t work. My step dad went to the junk yard to get a fuel pump and that didn’t work either… I’m guessing this is what’s going on.

[@angellao9461]

Where would the pgm-fi be located in in a 2006 acura mdx touring package

[@donwallace626]

I have a 2003 Acura MDX. I bought a new battery because i needed a new one. I took it around the block and came back home a parked it. A week later i went out to get in it and started it. Nothing. No lights no dash lights dome light absolutely Nothing. Could it be the PGM-FI Relay or the Ignition switch. The vehicle has 240,000 miles on it. Thank, Don

[@tagajolo]

thanks for posting i will be talking to y mechanic regarding this issue because they cannot find any wrong with my 02 mdx

[@6ivisaulstv396]

Is it the same name of the relay for a 2009 Acura cus I can’t find it

[@mariobravo9838]

Will it start if not hooked back on metal holder ?

[@MsVupro]

is this for every aucra mdx 2003?

[@legendkiller2686]

Does this apply to an 06 mdx. Having this issue

[@mckoylach1622]

Thanks for the video

[@josehuaracha6739]

Me funciono en un problema similar Gracias por el video

[@enriquelugopuga104]

Tengo ese problema creo n se inglés .aves mi mdx 2001 n enciende..de tanto buscar encontré que si tocó ese ralay enciende...que es lo que hace el del vídeo??

[@johnf9596]

Great video after reading some of the comments here somebody mentioned a spare key, that is exactly what happened to me 2002 MDX the spare key was not programmed!, by chance I got lucky and found the original key and the key light does go off with correct key.. Green light flashes with improper key.

[@reyortez2334]

How did you solve your problem, the same thing happens to me

[@jonathancontreras7852]

Can this make your immobilizer light key start flashing

[@insanejae]

Im broke down on the side of the road right now. Car just died and im trying figure it out and saw this video. Hope it works

[@izakyerman175]

Is location same for 05?

[@giangnguyen8344]

the same issue with my acura TL 2002, took out the old relay and same spot as your right in the center, my car was having stalling issues and won't start after stalling and waited an hour later for the tow truck and it started right back up, the car got 200k on it, bought a new one from autozone will keep the old one

[@Cory_C.]

I've trying to get this relay to pop out for an hour. I've watched the vid multiple times. I can't figure out why mine won't pop. 01 Acura cl type s

[@randalgreen1449]

I just got an 03 mdx and the day i got it it was driving, then it just stalled out and now it only cranks over and occasionally starts but stalls out immediately. Would this relay be the issue?

[@SkyhookStudios]

It's slightly possible that the relay is the cause. In my experience the relay either craps out completely or it doesn't.

[@ajetimusliu8408]

Where is this thing on acura mdx 2011?

[@scottabroo]

My 2005 MDX keeps not starting. When I giggle the stick shift in park, it tends to get it to start again. Any thoughts on how to fix that?

[@SkyhookStudios]

Without putting eyes on it, it sounds like the neutral safety switch might be bad.

[@REDROCKMAN2010]

Thank you !! was driving me crazy trying to diag this problem on a customers vehicle!

[@SkyhookStudios]

I know how you feel! Glad to help 👍

[@saxiong8307]

hey brother I have a issue with my 2003 Acura mdx that my dash lights stay on even though I didn't turn my key to on position and I change the immobilizer and the relay but the light still stay on

[@janecenteno5844]

Do you fix the problem 😢I have the same problem in my mdx 2004

[@dedebrown1360]

Where can I find it in a 2010?

[@bestillandknow3939]

I am trying to locate a PGM-FI relay on a 2004 Acura EL, not easily. Any idea of its location? Or if it even has it? I believe on newer modules it is incorporated into the PCMs, just not sure when they started that.

[@SkyhookStudios]

My look up shows 2 separate relays labeled PGM-FI. They are just to the right of the steering column shaft under the dash. Ones labeled 4P and the other 5P. 4P's # is 39792-SM4-013 and 5P's # is 39794-S10-003. What's the actual issue you're having?

[@bestillandknow3939]

@@SkyhookStudios Intermittent no start, for over a year. Lately, the no start is more common that the start. I don't recognize the 4P. The 5P is familiar. Google shows them as RC-5012s. I have two fuel relays behind the glove box door, one is a 5 pin 5P 39794-S10-003. The other is a 4 pin. Both have been replaced with no changes in symptoms. I don't believe I have relays in the driver side under-dash, except a security relay and another unrelated. From watching all the PGM-FI videos, these "modules" look a lot different, with two cable connectors to the circuit board. In other words, does the 2004 Acura EL have one of these PGM relays, or has the PGM-FI been incorporated into the PCM or changed to simple relay circuitry as represented by 4P and 5P?

[@SkyhookStudios]

What's your email?

[@dkenchan]

exact same dramaon my 2002 acura tl.... main relay under my dash up under my steering wheel...

[@Metal_Mulisha666]

My 2001 Acura TL does the crank no start. The other day was the first time it just stopped running when I was driving.I waited a while and it started right up. Its always before been I go out and get in and it just cranks over. Wait a bit and it starts right up.

[@danieloliva1749]

Did you figure out what the problem was Im experiencing the same problem

[@havanthanhcanada5371]

Hi! I have Acura MDX 2005 but the part is said " Running light replay " is it same one? I hope you reply to me before I buy part tomorrow. Thank you so much!

[@LH81633]

Main relay! Connect to steering column by a small plate!

[@ericpro7471]

WOW!! my 2005 MDX just want dead as i'm driving .. i felt a bit of power lost and she went dead and now she will not start at all will crank but no start. will the relay be in the same location on a 2005 mdx as the 2001-2003 or ????

[@jbbandsgr]

eric pro i also have a 2005 mdx. did you get it figured out?

[@camronmhuffman4040]

So I go to MDX 07 just a little work today and then just started and the start of it fixed one good hard time but it seems like it's draining the battery and it doesn't do nothing but

[@jalynejustin]

Hello my car has a similar problem. No dash lights. No turn signals or windows. It will crank up and start but shut off immediately. Any ideas what it could be?

[@C4_LosCar]

Did you ever figure out what was the problem?

[@kwmccollum]

Thank you!

[@delongeness1460]

I have a 2004 Acura MDX touring a scanner won’t connect there power and ground at the one port but it cranks and won’t start

[@samanthawilliams9232]

Ok so how do i know for sure if its this switch or my fuel pump? I am kind of confused lol but I am trying to do this myself. Without the bunches of money in labor.

[@robmendoza6210]

Fix the relay by resodering or replacing relay,and also you can test the designated wires for the correct voltage.

[@zazzzisme]

i am still unsure where the relay is located under my dash. U have already pulled yours out. please show me where it is before you take it out.

[@jesuslarios2845]

Realmente me funcionó muchas gracias por tu video

[@peteyp1629]

My Acura TL type s won't turn over but all the lights , dash lights and door alarm work fine.. only time I got it to turn over was boosting the starter directly but it never started.. I'm going to check the relays next and hopefully that works

[@peteyp1629]

I wasn't driving and it wouldn't crank

[@lauralong3269]

What is the part number?

[@ojaichuck]

Ok, I'll give that a try. Thanks

[@vivianafeliciano9538]

Hey I changed my battery and the starter but all the car does is click when I switch the ignition can it be my relay too?

[@C4_LosCar]

Did you fix the issue?

[@1babado]

Hello, 2001 MDX we have had intermitten starting issues, 2x a year last couple of years, wouldn't start just cranked, then it would start 10 minutes later, it just shut down for the 1st time while driving, started and ran great ( as it always does) 20 minutes later. I just pulled the PGM F1 relay and it looks good, no solder issues, could it be the resistor/s have issues, 244k miles. Thank you in advance.

[@therealrollaz]

We have the same car, with a similar issue. DID You find the problem?? Ours runs great, never stalls, but 75% of the time if you stop the car for an errand and come back within 10min it won't start, you have to wait the 10 mins or so to goto your next stop.

[@1babado]

@@therealrollaz Yes, replaced the main relay under the dash just right of the steering column, $30-40

[@therealrollaz]

@@1babado Thanks so much for the reply, is the one you replaced and fixed your issue the same one the OP shows in this video? The one with 7 connectors?

[@1369Stiles]

i just did this a couple of days ago with my TL; i found the info on a acura forum......saved me from scrapping the car.

[@carmelostime9333]

If it’s the fuel pump what do I do

[@hondacivic9327]

First thanks for the video ok I changed the sincer and the starter and the fuel pump 👍 but it still want start anymore ideas

[@mckoylach1622]

I have an 02 Acura TL type s,it stalls during driving without apparent reason,no symptom before it dies. Could be a main relay or fuel pump relay? And where is it located?

[@SkyhookStudios]

The relay for the 2002 TL is located up under the dash on the left side. It's about the same size as the one in the video. It has 7 wires running out of it. BLK\YEL, GRN\YEL, BLU\ORG, WHT\GRN, YEL\BLK, RED\WHT, and a BLK for ground.

[@mckynareed1059]

I have an 01 Acura cl with the same issue and have had my car checked multiple times, I think it’s the main relay but I can’t find it in my car, where is it located?

[@13flax]

@@SkyhookStudios mine stalls out but doesn't crank, and then after a little while it just starts up again, would it be the same relay?

[@starlingnunez3936]

En caso de k ese relay esté dañado como puedo hacer un yompe

[@Kangsway]

I have a 2001 acura tl it cranks but wont start replaced the fuel pump and it's doing the same thing so I put a test light to the plug that goes to the fuel pump it seems like it's not getting enough power.. COULD THAT MEAN THE RELAY IS BAD.

[@SkyhookStudios]

Possibly. The pump is either getting power or not. If it's not then it's a better chance that the relay might be bad.

[@Kangsway]

Skyhook Studios thanks

[@MpetersenTamTD]

I have a 2001 MDX that has the "no crank, just a 'click'". Seems like if I wait for a few hours it will usually start. Also something when I waited and it still doesn't want to start if I try flipping the ignition on and off a few times fairly quickly it will start. I DO NOT have a problem with it dying while I drive. Just with starting. Also, All dash lights are on (all those you'd expect to be on anyway). It's not a battery issue. I recently replaced that. This one really has me stumped because it's so intermittent. Ideas? P.S. Thanks for your videos. They're great!

[@SkyhookStudios]

Those are all signs of a bad starter.

[@1SagaciousMage]

Thanks!

[@oscarbelmudez9926]

Thank you

[@alexjauregui1982]

2006 acura mdx I bought new alternator n battery my car won't start just cranks but won't start why????

[@billbeeson9767]

I had the same issue I replaced the relay and it still does the same thing. Any other help would be amazing

[@pedrosanchez-qn4ik]

Tell me about it man , my 02’ Acura been sitting for 2 months now …

[@ModernSunlight]

My 2005 MDX does not start. New battery replaced about 6 months ago tested good. Just replaced the starter tonight and still the exact same issue. All lights go on fine turning the key to the accessory position, and the green security key lights turns out after a couple seconds, but when I turn to start, everything goes out with a very slight click. All electricity is out for about 3 minutes and then it returns but the same thing happens every time.

[@SkyhookStudios]

You have a poor connection somewhere. Probably at the battery.

[@ModernSunlight]

@@SkyhookStudiosthat's exactly what it was. The wiring harness that connects to both under the hood fuse boxes with the positive, I cut it back as far as I could so it would still reach and at each cut, it would just pour out the corroded copper blue green power like crazy,,,,,I think the entire line is corroded and probably need to be replaced soon.....but it is starting now. It there a resistance level I could test between the battery end and the fuse box that would tell me when it needs to be replaced?

[@jalynejustin]

2009 Acura MDX

[@MrJack13031]

Hello can you send me the link to buy this relay??? Thank you so much!!

[@SkyhookStudios]

Rockauto.com

[@MrJack13031]

Thank you for your response!!! OK I went on there but what is the switch called and where can I find the part#?

[@SkyhookStudios]

Go to -Electrical switch/relay -computer control relay

[@MrJack13031]

Thank you !!!

[@cowboys_footwork]

I have 06 Acura MDX. Sometimes it starts right up. Sometimes no crank. All the lights come on the dash then as go to start no crank. Replaced starter and it started right up a few times then started doing the samething again. Car doesn't stall. Any ideas?

[@SkyhookStudios]

Might be something simple like the battery connections. When it doesn't crank, does the green "key" light flash on the dash?

[@cowboys_footwork]

Skyhook Studios no it shows the key light first then as I go to crank it disappears

[@cowboys_footwork]

Skyhook Studios the battery was replaced in March when I got it. That's why I didn't suspect the battery but I'll do a battery test tomorrow maybe the starter was the first culprit. But I probably drained the battery trying to crank it so much.

[@SkyhookStudios]

I'll dig into it a bit and hit you back.

[@cowboys_footwork]

Skyhook Studios thanks bud. I'll let you know if I figure it out. It's been fine today. I took it to get a battery starter and alt test and they all passed. It's hard to diagnose because it doesn't happen all the time.

[@ToxicChocolate]

Wish you could go to my job in Mt Olive n get my mdx back running it wouldn’t crank last night….I pray n hope it’s somethin simple