• The 1990 Honda Accord EXR has reports of starting problems.Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images
  
  The 1990 Honda Accord EXR has 12 recalls on the automobile, but none of these recalls deals with the starting problems reported by RepairPal.com and CarComplaints.com. Technical service bulletins (TSBs) are published by the manufacturer concerning engine problems being experienced by some owners of the Accord. The EXR designates the model style of the Honda Accord, but all Accord styles have the same ignition components that affect the starting problems experienced by some owners.
  
  

Distributor Problems

• RepairPal.com reports that the 1990 Honda Accord EXR can develop an oil leak that affects the distributor of the automobile. The distributor is the ignition component that routes the voltage into the spark plugs in order for the spark plugs to fire or ignite in the correct order. When oil leaks into the distributor, it affects the wiring of the distributor, preventing the correct amount of voltage to be sent to the spark plugs or even short-circuiting the distributor. This prevents the Accord from starting because the voltage from the battery cannot enter the engine. The oil leak is attributable to a leak developing in the head gasket. The distributor must be replaced, and the head gasket needs to be repaired to correct this starting problem.
  
  

Alternator Failure

• The 1990 Honda Accord EXR has a TSB published by the manufacturer concerning multiple alternator bearing failures. The alternator is the engine component that recharges the battery. When the bearing in the alternator fails, the alternator can burn out, preventing the battery from recharging. The battery will lose voltage and not provide enough energy to start the Honda. The only correction for this starting problem is to have the alternator replaced and the battery recharged before the Accord will start again. No specific reason is given by technicians at RepairPal.com for this alternator bearing failure.
  
  

EFI Relay Failure

• Reports from CarComplaints.com state that the 1990 Honda Accord EXR may not start due to a failing electronic fuel injection (EFI) relay. When the EFI relay fails, fuel cannot enter the fuel injection system of the Accord, and the automobile will not start because of lack of gasoline. An EFI is an electronic device that controls the amount of fuel which runs into the fuel injectors from the fuel pump. The EFI needs to be replaced in order for this starting problem to be corrected and allow the fuel pump to work correctly.