I drove my 96 HX to work today and when I got back in it it wouldn't start. Replaced the distributor as the one that was in it had the pickup coil go out a couple months ago and I was afraid something else inside it had gone bad. I checked all the fuses and relays, and swapped the main relay for good measure. I'm getting a spark, but co-workers are thinking fuel pump. Less than a week ago it did this and I just jumped it off, battery light is staying on when I try to start it even when hooked to another car. Any ideas?

 

Can you hear the fuel pump priming? Attach a fuel pressure gauge and make sure you're getting pressure at the rail.

 

I'll try that tomorrow when I get in.

 

What CEL codes are thrown?

Is spark bright white at all four plugs?

 

RonJ, I don't see where he mentioned his CEL being on, just his battery light.

 

The CEL wasn't mentioned, so it's worth asking for codes. If the CEL is off, the bulb might be removed or blown.

I don't remember whether just cranking the engine generates enough voltage from the alternator to turn the charge system light off.

 

I do have CEL codes on, but they've been on since like October. EGR is unplugged as well as crank sensor. But as stated they have been that way for months.

 

What crank sensor code? That's a problem no matter what.

Also, because the CEL is always on, you don't know whether new codes have popped up. Pull the codes and note them. Then reset the ECU to see which codes repeat.

 

The sensor is disconnected, I replaced the engine harness and couldn't reach the connector to plug it in but the car ran so I didn't care.

 

What kind of technical help do you want? Your car is jerry rigged. If you want it to drive well, there are obvious fixes, including eliminating the CEL codes. Can't help you if you simply don't care.

 

It isn't part of the problem which is why I didn't mention it in my OP.

 

Bad assumption.

What color is spark at the plugs?

Will it start with starting fluid?

Did the timing belt skip some teeth?

Have you compression tested the cylinders?

 

I was the one turning the key while a co-worker checked spark so I don't know, it would fire though and run for a fraction of a second.