I can't figure out why my 88 stock crx si won't start.

I have recently changed the main relay, spark plugs, plug wires, distributor, and ignition switch wiring under the dash.

I think it might be related to this: My distributor came loose about a week and a half ago. It was because there were only two of the three bolts on there and one came a little loose. So pushed the distributor back in and retightened the two bolts. It then started fine. I then ordered three new bolts from the dealer, because those two old bolts were starting to get stripped and I needed a third.

So last night I removed the two old bolts, and put on the three new bolts. Now the car won't start. I have taken the distributor on and off several times and replugged and tightended everything, but the car still won't start. I even took the distributor off my other CRX and put it on, to make sure it was not bad.

All that happens when I turn the key, is there is the beeping noise, the dash lights come on, I hear the fuel pump come on, then there is a click noise. But it doesn't start.

Does anyone have any ideas? Thanks

 

Well i don't think you could have put the dizzy in 180 degrees off but thats worth a shot to check also make sure your spark plug wires are in the right firing order and then maybe stupid but if your battery charged enough? maybe try and jump start it also check all you fuses, those are a good starting point and get back to us with the answers

 

I just put another battery in from my other CRX, still won't start.

The order of the plug wires is right. I don't even think the distributor will let you put it in 180 degrees off, so I think that is right too.

 

I guess check you plugs too but when i get that clicking noise usually means the battery is dead or dosen't have enough power to crank the motor over, maybe check the starter too

 

when I turn the key, I hear just one click, coming from under the dash. I listened and found out it's coming from the main relay. What would that mean?

I know the main relay is good, because I just put a new one in. I also tested another known good main relay and I had the same symptom.

Could this be a bad starter or starter relay?

 

Ok, well you need 3 things for the motor to run trace all the paths 1. Air...should be easy make sure your intake isn't clogged your TB is fine yadayada(mostlikely nothing to do with it but worth checking 2. Fuel...you said fuel pump is priming so thatd good, release your fuel pressure at the bleeder on top the the fuel filter, did it spray a little out? Best to check with a Fuel pressure guage to see if you have enough FP(mostlikely nothing to do witht his either but just putting it out there) 3. Spark...make sure everything is gtting power trace the wires from plugs to dizzy to dizzy power check all fuses...

I think your problem may be starter related since it dosen't turn i think its burned out or bad, myabe have it tested or try to push start your car( push it down a hill pop it into 2nd and turn the key) if it starts then its your starter HTH

 

Also, check the connections on your battery terminals. I know it may sound like something minor but a bad/no connection could cause this. I know form experience, thats why you shouldn't rush.

 

sure you need 3 things for it to run. but he isnt getting air : P its not turningover. check grounds. make sure that ignition switch is working okay, and that thereis a good connection

sounds like a loose ground to me

 

Yea check grounds good call...i really thing we are dealing with a bad starter or a blown fuse just from his descriptions "just replaced the dizzy and now it dosn't start"

 

didnt think about the starter, check the wire on it. make sure its contacting good : ) jump it manually. see if it churns or not

 

okay I think I am starting to narrow this down.

Per the service manual, I disconnected the 2-P connector from the distributor, unplugged the black/white wire from the starter, connected a jumper wire from the battery positive to the solenoid terminal on the starter. The starter cranks.

So the manual then says, to check for an open in the black/white wire circuit between the starter and ignition switch, connectors, iginition switch, starter relay and clutch interlock switch and connectors.

I already relaced the ignition switch, and I found out 88s don't have a starter relay or clutch interlock switch from searching on here. So it must be an open in the black/white wire circuit between the starter and ignition switch i guess....

 

I think it was the battery connections. I replaced the ones on there with the ones from my other CRX and it starts up fine now. I guess the connections were bad, only allowing enough juice to run the radio and lights but not enough to start the car. The ones I took off looked and rusty with old dried up battery acid on them.

 

Glad you found the problem, the stock ternminals sucks, i ripped the one on my crx apart once when i tried to loosen it and they never fit over the battery properly always seem to loose to me