I have a 97 civic. I started the car and it ran for two seconds and shut off. Now when I try to start it, the belts just spin. It sounds like a distributor cap problem or spark problem. ANy suggestions. The starter just spins and that is it. THanks. It doesn't even try to turn over.

 

is your fuel pump priming, are you getting spark?

 

How do I check spark and the fuel pump?

 

To check spark (very easy with two people), remove the spark plug from the head but had it still connected to the plug wire. Arc or ground the plug off the valve cover to reveal "the spark".

For the pump, turn the key to the ON position and you should hear the pump prime for like 3-4 seconds. If you don't hear this, it just might be the main relay.