My friend is having problems with his 1994 Honda Civic SI Hatchback 1.6 L SOC. He's been having trouble with his starter for some time - it kicks and only engages sporadically, but it does eventually start. He parked it for a few days and came back to find that someone had attempted to steal his radio. There was no damage done, but the kick-panel under the passenger's side dash had been removed revealing some harness clips that I assume lead to what would have been subwoofers and amps had he had any.

However, the car now won't start at all. I have some experience with older cars and with domestics, but have never worked on a Honda. I took a look at it and we discovered that there was no spark to the plugs. I removed the ICM and the Coil and we had them checked on a diagnostic computer and certified as dead units. We bought new ones and replaced them in the distributor. However, the car is still not starting. It turns over, but there is still no spark to the plugs - I checked it with a timing light and its still dead. Then we checked the ignition relay and all of the fuses, but there is still no ignition. Now, hAving replaced the major ignition components - components that have been verified as faulty, I am at a loss to think what could be the problem. The starter gets current and turns the engine, all of the accessories and lights work, but the car won't start.

I am in a spot, as I am trying to help my friend avoid a costly repair bill - but I am afraid that if I can't get it running, he will wind up out these parts and still have to consult a garage. Any ideas?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by theron528 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
There was no damage done, but the kick-panel under the passenger's side dash had been removed revealing some harness clips </TD></TR></TABLE>


It sounds like someone stold his ECU. They go for around $125 on the street. Three large grey harness plugs just hanging there = no ECU.

 

have you checked all fuses??

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by theron528 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">the kick-panel under the passenger's side dash had been removed revealing some harness clips</TD></TR></TABLE>



That's where the ECU goes. The harness clips plug into the ECU, which apparently was stolen. The D16Z6 engine uses the P28 ECU, which is in high demand for tuners - these theives obviously knew what they were looking for. What a shame

Anyway, you should be able to pick up a used virgin P28 5-speed ECU in the Honda-Tech Marketplace for $125-ish shipped to your door, as mentioned above.

 

assuming its not a missing ECU buy a new dizzy its like 200 bucks with a 90 dollar core charge auto zone will carry a lifetime warrenty i suggest this because my dizzy has gone twice

 

thanks for the info - this is where being unfamiliar with newer cars is a problem. We thought we were on the right track when the ICM came back faulty, but apparently the ECU is gone. Much appreciated.