I need help. I have a 92 prelude pretty much stock except for cat back exhaust. Two days ago my check engine light came on. Car was still running fine. Then yesterday when I started the car it seemed like the engine was missing a little bit but then the CEL comes on and it was running fine. Then tonight I am driving home and when I would accelerate it would jerk a little bit kind of missing again. So I slow way down for a dip and the engine dies. I sit there for a minute and try to start it again and it starts. I pull into walmart since it was right there and pull into the parking spot. I go inside and when I come back out it won't start at all now. I read on this forum how to pull the codes. I jumpered the blue plug and the light does not flash it just stays on. I don't know what to do. Is the entire ECU shot? Any input is appreciated, this is my only car and I cannot afford to take it to a mechanic. I usually do everything myself on my car but when it comes to electrical I am not very good. PLEASE HELP.

 

While im no car pro... theres tons here that are... to help them help u give us more info.... were u overheating? did u check ur oil / coolant? does it NOT start? or does the engine just not turn over?

 

Can definitely provide more info. No overheating what so ever. Oil is fine checked it today and coolant levels are fine. It does not start but turns over just fine. The only thing that I noticed out of the ordinary was that right before the car died the engine was missing slightly when I pressed the accelerator. I would also like to say again that when I pulled the code the check engine light stayed on and did not flash at all.

 

hmmm how many k's has it done? after market immobiliser? last service was when?

im a parts manager at a honda dealer i can help if u answer some questions.

 

The car has about 115,000 miles on it. I do all service on the car myself. I have had the car for about 2 years and the only things that I have done is oil changes, air filter, lowered the car, different exhaust and that is about it mechanically. I dont know what an immoblilizer is but the car is totally stock haven't changed anything. Thank you for your help.

 

Did you check the right plug? I know that the 5th gens have more than 1 diagnostic plug.... ECU.... Multiplex contol module....... SRS system.

Make sure you are checking the right system.

 

I am pretty sure I checked the right plug. It was on the drivers side right behind the console. Behind where the ash tray is. There were two plugs. One blue 2 prong plug (which I tried) and right next to it was a brown 3 prong plug. I called a honda dealer and they told me that I could pull the codes from the computer and that there should be a blinking light right on the computer. I pulled the protective bracket and didn't see any light. Still have no idea what to do.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by seanmathes &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">One blue 2 prong plug (which I tried) and right next to it was a brown 3 prong plug. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Maybe you didn't stick the paperclip in there far enough.

There is actually 4 holes in the 2 prong connector.

Try it again and make sure you are sticking the clip in all the way.

That's probably why it's not showing any codes. Good luck

 

wire makes better contact and works better. It can also be done with the car on, shouldent hurt anything, the CEL will just start blinking right away, so make sure you count it right.

 

Okay guys so here is the deal. I took it to a diagnostics shop and I found out today that it is the distributor. No it wasn't a problem of not sticking the wire in far enough. It was correct the light was staying on solid. So now is there anything special that I need to know about changing the distributor??? Do you still have to time them since it is electronic like the older cars?

 

nope. pull the sucker off, put on the new one, finished. no timing gun no nothing.

 

Actually, if you have access to a timing gun you SHOULD use it.

If not put the new one in and start the car and adjust it to where
it feels smooth, then use a timing gun when you have access to it.

If you just swap it over, chances are you're not gonna get it
exactly at 15%btdc

 

its electronic ignition man, no gear chillin on the end of the dizzy. you cant adjust timing on an OBD2 car by moving the dizzy. lol there are 2 little prongs like this [

But hey, whatever floats your boat, just dont put it on upside down or something ridiculous like that.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 98TypeSH &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">its electronic ignition man, no gear chillin on the end of the dizzy. you cant adjust timing on an OBD2 car by moving the dizzy. lol there are 2 little prongs like this [
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<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by seanmathes &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I need help. I have a 92 prelude pretty much stock except for cat back exhaust. </TD></TR></TABLE>

His car is OBD1

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 98TypeSH &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
But hey, whatever floats your boat, just dont put it on upside down or something ridiculous like that.</TD></TR></TABLE>

The distributor will only go in one way

 

hoho!!!! lol the joke is on me. thats what i get for not paying attention. my bad, yes you need timing light. ^_-