Main relay problem?

Gypsyred · Newbie Joined: Aug 21, 2004 Posts: 1

Hi all!

I drive a 1988 Legend and have been having starter problems that sound like I might need a new main relay or possibly fuel pump relay, but I am unsure. Perhaps someone can clarify for me.

The problem is that when the engine is hot -- the engine, not the weather (I live in Florida where it's nearly always hot) -- the car will start (the engine completely turns over but it sort of struggles to do so), but then it dies right away. If I try again, same thing. By the fourth try or so, it sometimes won't even completely turn over. If I let the car sit for a while, it starts just fine. This has never happened on a cold start, like when I first start it up in the morning, or when the car has been sitting in the hot parking lot all day and I start it after work. So, it doesn't seem to be related to weather-heat. It tends to happen when I re-start the car after it's been off for only a few minutes or so and the engine is still hot. Perfect example: I parked the car at the grocery store, shut it off, and as I was getting out, I noticed I was in a handicapped spot. I tried to start it again to move it, and it died after turning over. I ended up quickly running into the store and did my shopping for about 10 minutes. Came back out and the car started just fine. Same thing happened once after getting gas. The engine had only been off for a few minutes or so, then when I got back in the car to drive off, the engine turned over and promptly died.

Does this sound more like a main relay problem or a fuel pump relay problem? Or perhaps something different altogether? I appreciate any suggestions! This is happening more frequently (every other week or so) and I really need to get it fixed...

--Gypsy