How much will it cost to have my main relay replaced on my 99 Accord?

Question

I have a 99 accord. Intermitently, my car wont start. I just had a tuneup and everything else is fine. Seems to be when its hot out that this happens. When it wont start, i dont see the green key/immobilizer light come on the dash, and I can't shift the car out of park. Mechanic friends said its probably the main relay.

Answer 1

Well, probably is not a very good diagnostic analysis. I guess you could swap it out and find out.  

Answer 2

If when you mention the immobilizer light you mean that it doesn't FLASH when you are cranking the car then that is good.  If the green immobilizer light flashes while cranking there is a problem with the immobilizer system.  

A simple voltage measurment at the relay will tell you if it is operational.  Check for 12 volts at the BLK/YLW wire with the key on.  If it is operational you should see 12 volts.  If it is not, you should see near zero volts.  

The relay is about 60 bucks OEM and you can install that yourself.  It's on the left side of the steering column under the dash.  

I have repaired countless vehicles because of a faulty main relay.  Usually acts up when the relay is warm.  

Answer 3

it will be the main relay. plan on spending about 1hr labor (around $100) plus the cost of the relay. it is not that hard to replace  yourself. it is under the dash on the drivers side. just remove it from the bracket and unplug it.