I have a 2000 Honda Civic, SOHC, Automatic, D16Y7 engine. I went out to run some errands this morning and made a couple different stops. I came home, got some things together, and when I tried to leave for my Mom's house, the car would not start. The engine seems to be turning over but does not fire up. It does seem like the fuel pump powers on, because I can hear it when I turn the key in the ignition. I tried jumping the battery, but of course, that made no difference. I have very little car knowledge, so I've been doing some research online. I'm thinking it could be a clogged fuel filter or fuel line. Maybe even bad spark plugs.
I've put 100,000 miles on the car and haven't had any tune-ups, so it seems like it could be anything. I have no tools and no garage, but I'm wondering if it would be advisable to try replacing the fuel filter and spark plugs, with rented/borrowed tools, before spending the $$$ to have it towed to a shop. My mechanically-inclined boyfriend would be doing the work, NOT me.
Also, I have noticed a decline in performance and sometimes rough idling which might point to bad spark plugs.
Could anyone offer any insight or suggestions? I'm sorry if I haven't provided enough info...if I haven't please let me know what else I can tell you. Thanks!

 

I'm sorry but how is the car even running after that many miles an no tune ups ! you(someone) must have changed the oil,plugs,cap,rotor and so at lest once if not. do a FULL tune up flush all the fluids while you're at it

 

What happened here?
https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-civic-del-sol-1992-2000-1/2000-civic-need-replace-cat-o2-sensors-iac-valve-3135204/

 

You need to change the spark plugs, wires, and cap and rotor. I have a D16, which is a similar (but better) engine. The costs for me, doing my own work, were as follows:

Spark plugs - 20 dollars (20 minutes)
Spark plug wires - 35 dollars (15 minutes)
Distributor cap/rotor - 50 dollars (30 minutes)

I just bought the cap, because I broke the cap when I pulled out the plug wires. The cap was like 20 dollars.

I honestly think it has nothing to do with fuel and more with ignition. Just start from there.

 

Start with the aforementioned basic maintenance. And ask your mechanically inclined boyfriend. If that doesn't help replace him too.

 

I think it stems from the fact that no preventative maintenance has been done to the car in 100K miles! That and the problems that apparently went unfixed from the previous post would explain it.

 

If u take care of ur ride, it will take care of u. Don't neglect it. (Esp. That long!)

 

For it to go with out a tune up or maintance for that long it could be more than just old plugs and small things like that but replace those first then fix any codes you're getting as you made a post saying you were getting some.

 

THANKS everyone for your suggestions...and I know, I know...I am hanging my head in shame. BUT by "no tune-ups in 100K miles" I mean I haven't replaced spark plugs, fuel filter, etc. I HAVE had oil changes (usually full-service), new tires, brakes, muffler, and exhaust pipes over the years. The tech did recommend an engine flush the last time I had my oil changed, but I was hesitant since I've heard pros and cons of an engine flush. I've found lots of difinitive "yes, go for it!" and "no, never!" and "maybe yes, maybe no" while researching the issue.

UPDATE on the current issue of the car not starting- I tried again today just to see if there was a difference, and yes, there was. It now seems to be "cutting out" slightly as it's turning over (that's the best that I can describe it), and I can definitely smell fuel pretty prominently. I don't see any fuel under the car, though. Not sure what this latest development means.

Unfortunately, I have been experiencing monetary setbacks which has kept me from addressing the codes mentioned in my other post...that, and not really knowing where to start or what shops I can trust in a new city. I'm just hoping I can get it started and go from there.