Can a bad coil shut off the car while driving? dosent want to start but when it does it shuts off on me on the road. d series 98 cx

 

No need to start another thread. I don't think that's the problem but here
http://www.clubcivic.com/board/showthread.php?t=180000

 

When the engine won't start, is there spark at the plugs? Does the fuel pump prime?

 

Car cranks and fuel pump is working.

 

When the engine won't start:

Bright white spark at the plugs?

Do the injectors spray fuel when the engine is cranking?

Any CEL codes?

 

I dont know how to check those things. put it like this my car was working perfect. No problems what so ever until I installed this devil sent tachometer.

 

Start by clicking the "Check spark" and "CEL" links in my signature.

 

Yea thats out of my area to do. can i take it to autozone and have them hook it up to the computer? It drives randomly but might shut off on the way.

 

lost

 

If you don't have the skill to do a relatively simple task like checking for spark at the plugs, you need to take your car to a mechanic.

 

replace your ignition switch... trust me.

 

If I crank it and switch the lights on at the same time sometimes it starts. WTF?

 

Unless you are willing to do some basic diagnostics, you will be replacing parts at random, which can get very expensive. Just take your car to a mechanic.

 

I cant take it anywhere if it wont start......

 

Call for a tow truck.

 

Well the issue is that the tow truck might be as much as the part I need and since I absolutely never had a problem with this civic, I dont have a mechanic oh and I need to be at work in 5 hours.

 

I guess you need to try and preform those tests he mentioned. Which I don't understand why you have a problem performing. If you can't do those then I don't know how you attempted to install a tach, which is way more complicated.

 

if the car turns on dosent it mean its getting spark? does it need to maintain spark. I got it turning on now but wont stay on more than a min. And like I said its turning on with the flip of the HIDs

 

I can do the spark check I just dont have an extra spark plug nor a ride to get one.

 

when turning the key to II i get brake light , srs, oil and check engine. check engine stays on for about 3 seconds then turns off. at this point in time I also hear the gas pump working. fuses have all been checked. Tachometer has been completely removed. Ecu reset was done by removing fuse ( no effect) remove negative from bat for 45 min ( no effect)

 

Modified spark test:

1) Disconnect the fuel injector clips.
2) Remove one of the spark plugs, insert it into the end of the free plug wire, and test for spark (click spark link in my signature). If there is spark, note what color it is (white, orange, blue). Post the results.

 

white.....could it be the main relay i have been reading similar symptoms. could the tach have messed that up? Im hearing all 3 clicks though. Thanks by the way for the help, just so frustrating when my car was in perfect working order.

 

You may want to test the other three plugs the same way. Be sure to never leave any plug wire ungrounded when cranking the engine as this may blow the coil.

So far, your information indicates that you have good spark, the fuel pump primes, and there are no CEL codes. If all three plugs have spark, then the next step is to check the mechanical timing and to compression test the cylinders.

 

Now thats deep water....how could a tach install effect timing, compression and cylinders?

 

Since you have spark and fuel and no CEL codes, your wanting to associate the tach installation to the problem may be incorrect. You need to follow your troubleshooting results without any preconceived ideas.

Checking the mechanical timing is not extremely difficult. Most members could describe the procedure.