1997 Acura 3.5 RL Starting Issues
 

My 97 RL will not start. Engine will turnover but will not start up. From some readings the MAIN RELAY and/or FUEL PUMP RELAY may be the culprit.
1) Are the MAIN RELAY & the FUEL PUMP RELAY the same relay?
2) Where is it or they located?
Thanks for your replies and assistance!!

a simple google search of "1997 RL main relay" came back with this

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...201de24503.jpg


http://www.justanswer.com/uploads/Jo...34122_main.gif

Oh that good old main relay. I changed the one on our 1G a few months ago lol

Do you hear the pump run when you first turn on the ignition?
On a 2002 it's mounted on the right side of the steering column as shown in the diagram. You have to pull the lower trim panel off. Watch for the little clips, they tend to go flying. It should be blue, about 2"x3". It slides up off the mounting tab for "easy" access to the connector. Easy if you're a contortionist. I too have had to replace mine. I also had to replace the fuel pump which is accessed through the trunk.

I have a same issue. Crank no start.
I had a hot day no start issue too for couple of years. Let me explain all to give you best picture and history.
Case A: Usually summer time(In Texas) after driving a car for over 15 minutes, if I turn engine off for short time like putting gas or just short shopping (less than an hour) the car will not start until let it cool down completely. Than it will start sometime after couple of try. I mean it want to die but playing with accelerator pedal it survive!
There was a check engine light on for system too lean and crack on air duct from air filter to throttle body that fixed with replacing a duct but P0174 staying on with case A.
Case B: Sometimes I have green key light flashing on starting. It go away with removing a key from ignition and putting it back. I have 3 spare key all with same issue.
Case C: I never had a engine shut-off during driving until last week. While driving on highway check engine flash 5-7 time and I felt that power drop but it come back to normal operation until I exit and while approaching to red light engine die. Right away it restart and it happens again and again until I arrived home(8 red light)
I changed the fuel pump(with O'Reilly Import Direct) and re-solder the fuel pump/main relay board and clear the check engine light. Car driven for about 20 miles and never starts again.
Case D: Now with new fuel pump, engine cranks, no flashing key, no check engine light, no P0174 I have no start.
I have spark, I have gas pressure after the fuel filter, battery is ok, all hoses visual checked and there is no crack or hiss noise. Was suspecting brake booster hose than test with pinched hose and same issue.
What I suspect know is throttle body. it stuck full open all time. no dirt and grease. Gonna try clean it with map sensor this evening to see what it gonna happen and if it fail I'm gonna have scanner with live graph data and your help to find the exact problem.
Please give me your idea.

Thanks

Forget to mention that I have 2002 3.5 RL

YEP...it was that good ole main relay. Bought a new one off ebay for about $37 install it and it started right up. Thanks!

Locating MAIN RELAY 97 3.5RL
 

.it was that good ole main relay. Bought a new one off ebay for about $37 install it and it started right up. Guess I was lucky in that mine failed after 19 years of ownership. The following url really help me out with locating the main relay, removing it, and installing a new one: /forums/f40/changing-main-relay-rl-diy-72813/

Hey, instead of making a new thread. My fathers 2002 RL is having this same problem. I just came here to read up to make sure I was right, but I need to know if this ne will work? Part # is the same rz-105 Acura TL 3.2L Main Fuel Relay EFI Fuel Pump Power 96 97 98 | eBay

As my post and other posts have said this works. My issue was the Main Relay. This is the part I bought. https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...Relay&_sacat=0

I put this relay in my 98 RL 2.5 yrs ago. No further problems.