Hey folks! So my '91 Civic won't key or roll start all of a sudden. I took a break from work to run over to blockbuster real quick and my car wouldn't start by key, no turning over or clicking at all. The dashboard lights came on, but that's it. The car started and ran just fine earlier in the day. I was able to roll start it at work and drive to blockbuster just fine, no missing or any indication that there was a an underlying issue. I figured I'd just park on a hill when I got to blockbuster and roll start it to get back to work and then deal with the starting issue when I got off of work.

So I get to blockbuster, shut it off and then went to roll start it to get back to work and it started and ran for about 5 seconds and then just died. So when I try to start it with the key I get nothing, except lights on the dashboard.

I've tried jumping it off of my other car to no avail. I've checked the fuses, but don't see any that are blown. I've tried starting it when it's cooler at night and after it has sat, thinking that it might be a main relay issue, but no dice. I've checked around for loose wires, but don't see anything abnormal to my novice eyes.

Can anyone point me in the right direction on trying to ascertain what's keeping it from even turning over by key or even roll starting all of a sudden? Many thanks in advance on any help! I really can't afford a tow and diagnostic bill without even knowing what's causing the issue and how much it will cost to get fixed.

btw - I've checked the distr. cap, rotor button, plugs and wires as well, but if it were one of these parts, wouldn't it at least try to start? I do have some oil on the plugs and plug wires from bad oil tube seals and will get them replaced ASAP, but unsure of whether this would be the cause. I'm guessing that it would still at least try to turn over by key.

 

Sounds like it might be the ignition switch only powering up the ACC wire and not the actual IGN wire.

 

Thanks for the reply! Would the ignition switch prevent it from being roll started as well?

 

ignition switch is the first thing i thought of as well. test that shizz

http://mycomputerninja.com/~jon/IgnitionSwitch.html

 

yep. check your main engine grounds first actually. you might get lucky

 

Alright, cool. I'll check it and report back. Thanks again!

 

Forgot to ask and pls forgive my ignorance, but where do I find the main engine grounds?

 

Check the thermostat housing and valve cover grounds.
The more I think about it, the more I am thinking it probably is ground related. I don't think you would have gotten it push started the first time if it had been a bad ignition switch.

 

Ok, will do. Many thanks for your continued assistance! It's very much appreciated.

 

I tested the continuity and the Battery(white) to the Ignition(yellow) failed. Heading over today with the new ignition switch...will post results after replacing it.

 

To bad I have a 6 month old Ignition Switch I could of sent you cheap.

 

This happened to me and it was the ignition switch for sure.