I picked up a 2000 Si as a second vehicle so I can get some maintenance done on my 1991 Si. I have taken several trips with it with no problems but tonight I encountered an issue where the engine bogged down and then cut out when I took it out of gear, and I coasted into a parking lot. I heard no sound from the motor to indicate something failed. When I tried to start it again, then engine turned over and acted like it wanted to start but sounded like it was misfiring and would not stay running. I listened to make sure the fuel pump was kicking on, which it was. I pulled the fuel filter to see if it had maybe become clogged... it was fine. Pulled the distributor cap and found the rotor had broken off and figured I'd found my culprit. I caught a ride from my mom to Autozone and bought a cap and rotor, replaced them and the car fired right up without hesitation. While I was talking to my mom the engine cut out again and would not restart. It just turns and doesn't sound like it's getting spark. I checked the rotor again to make sure I tightened the screw enough to keep it on... it was fine. I would not consider this a huge issue if I had been in my own town, but I was 55 miles away when it happened and I'm kind of shitting donuts over having to leave it there. I informed the police about it and left a note on the dash. I'm still gradually learning how to fix my own vehicles. I need to have it out of there tomorrow and can't afford to have it towed that far. If you were in my position, what would you check next? Any input is greatly appreciated.

 

Any CEL codes?

Check for spark and resistance test the coil. See FAQs sticky.

 

Check for spark (should be bright white at all four plugs), check fuel pressure (should be 36-40PSI as tested at the fuel filter, and should hold for at least an hour after removing the key), check for fuel (remove the rail and make sure all injectors are spraying an even pattern), check ignition and mechanical timing, and check compression. No-start 101.

 

No CEL codes at this time. I assume I would need a code reader to plug into the OBD port, which I don't have. CEL has been on since I bought it, but it was the result of an aftermarket cat. Is the coil the thing under the distributor cap with the spring sticking out the end? Bear with me, my auto repair knowledge isn't great. I will look over the FAQs and do what I can to get stuff tested. Thanks very much for your input, guys.

 

Read the Codes sticky. You can pull codes at home by jumping the service connector.

Yes, coil has the spring. See diagrams in FAQs sticky.

Also check whether dash fuse 9 is blown.

Also click the Spark link in my signature.

 

Man, you are awesome... Thank you.