oquela

I have a problem w/my 94 Honda Civic EX (AT) not starting this morning. Here are the symptoms:
1)For the last week, I was having trouble having the car kick over (sounded like the battery dying so I replaced it today.)
2) Now it won’t even crank.
3) it clicks, lights light up on the dash. Check engine light turns off after 2 seconds.
4) No ECM codes after checking (Check engine light stays on, SBS flashes)
4) fuel pump in rear is making a noise during during the 2 seconds, so it seems it’s working.
6) No spark at spark plug during cranking.
7) changed distributer cap/rotor last year, so it’s semi-new (but not OEM)
8) checked all fuses at both fuse boxes for continuity. All good.

I’d like to know what to check/change/replace, from least expensive to most expensive, to try to fix this (spark plugs/cables/rotor/distributor cap/distributor, etc.)

It could be the ECM, but it’s lighting up exactly as it should. I know that there’s a relay (main relay) somewhere, but I’m not sure where, or what it looks like. Could that be it?

Any help would be appreciated.

PS: BTW, I also have a Viper 500 alarm with ignition kill (bosch relay) and it has never given me problems. Could it be a bad relay?

Former User

If the starter won't crank the engine, how do you check for spark?

Has the rubber stopper that presses on the starter switch at the top of the clutch pedal fallen out or is it broken?

oquela

Thanks for the quick reply. It doesn't have a clutch (AT) so is there an equivalent on an automatic?

I meant to say no spark when the key is turned all the way fwd.

Former User

It's uninformative to check for spark when the engine will not crank. The engine must turn for spark to be generated.

Check whether the large and small starter connectors have battery voltage. The small starter solenoid wire will only have voltage with the key in ON(III). If both wires have voltage, remove the starter and have it tested. It may be bad.

oquela

Thanks. They both have power, so I'm gonna take the starter out and take it somewhere to have it tested. Thanks again.

civic_loner22

imo its the coil

Former User

Please explain how a bad coil could prevent the starter from cranking the engine.

XKINGX

why would you say its the coil? The car wont even turn over....

oquela

Update: After checking a few other things, i was advised by 2 different people to do the following: I lightly banged the solenoid and starter and it started (cranking over slowly, as if it had a dying battery.)

I think something is getting stuck in the starter.

93h2beg

check your ground on the batt... and the ground strap form your engine to the chassis, if it is grounded from the valve cover to the chasis it is not a valid ground. it may be your starter but check the free fixes first... should also have a ground from the tranny to the pass frame rail. if your grounds are all solid then id rebuild or replace your starter.

oquela

93h2beg-I've looked at the service manual, but it doesn't say where the ground straps are. You say there may be one from the tranny to the pass frame rail. I'm not sure what that rail looks like. Is there a picture somewhere? I'll look for a braided ground wire around the engine.

Thanks!

Former User

The critical ground for the starter is the G3 transmission ground; however, if it's disconnected then the fuel pump would not prime.

Based on the information you have posted, the starter is almost surely bad. Remove it and have it tested.

JOE_DC4ever

If you have to hit the starter to start it, then replace the starter... I used to have to start my accord every time by opening the hood and banging on the starter... you probably do have a dead battery from trying to crank it over..

jebickers

I say bad starter!

honda02dx

guys when my pld spark plusg i took them out to see their condiiton and there head was black really dark so i when and bought 4 to replace them all and i put them in and like 10 minute slater took them out they were black like the other ones *** if they were really old but they were new i juts bought them what cuases the problem is that normal? and what amde happen or has happen for this to occure sorry for thread jacking i posted but no one reply,

honda02dx

ment to say when my spark plugs

Former User

Don't thread jack. Instead, bump your original thread. Correcting typos in your posts may also help to get you more replies.

ehLAaay

is that guide for all 92-95(+) civics including the Hatch's?

delsolintegra

Have you cleaned the bundle of wires that are grounded to the thermostat housing? This is where the main relay is grounded. Very common problem when the engine won't crank.

oquela

Ah! It was the starter. had it bench tested, and the motor spindle pops out and spins, but does not pop back in quickly. It seems that this would lead it to sound like it's dying.

the new one works fine and starts the car immediately.

Thanks for all of your help!