hello, thanks for helping,

car was running fine then just plain died. one more note, the check engine light was on too.... turns over, fuel is present. not sure if theres spark. I have new plugs, wires, rotor and cap. (they were new when it happened).

when the key is on, i hear this buzzing, clicking from up where the fuses are inside. At the same time when the buzzing / clicking happens the check engine light flickers synchronously with the noise. It was the Main Relay making the racket. So, naturally I replaced it. Not the problem. same buzzing clicking (check engine light flickering). Next in line is the ignition control module and then the ignition coil.. well instead of just throwing parts at the problem, i'm kind of weary cuz that main relay was 80 friggin dollars, and the ignitor and ignition coil are NOT cheap either..... any advice would be appreciated!!

thanks

 

This really sounds like the electrical part of the ignition switch is bad.
There is a Black/yellow wire going to the coil/dist. You can check for power from the ignition switch with a test light.
Also the Black/yellow wire pin#5 of the main relay should have voltage with the key on.
It is always better to spend a little time getting a good diagnose before buying parts.
A test light or multi meter is a lot less money than $80

 

ok, going to go out and check, thanks

 

there is power going to the ignition switch. The #5 pin off the main relay has power when key is turned on.

Also, it just dawned on me that I can switch the igniton control module with the '90 accord i have that works fine. So.... I did. same thing...... GRRRRR

But now the engine does start (once in awhile), but its VERY irratic bouncing RPMs and I cant step on the gas, it will just die. The tach bounces all over the place also.

thanks

 

tach bouncing is usually a sign of a coil shorting out under load, but you have the external coil don't you? Coils in the dist cap are a common problem
and just to double check...the rotor is tight and not flopping around on the dist shaft; and the spark shield is still there under the rotor.
Ground wire at the T-stat housing is clean and tight.?
Just for grins and giggles maybe check for ECU codes;
http://members.troublecodes.ne...n.jpg

 

um, funny thing that you mention the T-stat wire.. I just replaced the thermostat and rubber gaskets. I did not notice any wires around there? Or am i missing something? ima go check now too see if i can find some wires around there.

and yes, I do have an external coil - rotor is tight and the plastic spark shield is in place

 

wow, thanks for the help hondadude... it was the ground wire that connects up underneath the thermostat on that 3rd 10mm bolt... the wire was hanging, because i did not put it back on

thats one important wire!

-Andrew