I have a 1996 Civic Dx 5-speed which usually starts and runs fine. Today it wouldn't start. The lights turn on full strength. With the key in ignition, it makes the beeping sound when the door is open. With clutch depressed and key in start/ignition...only silence. With key in "on" position, the radio does not work; no dashboards lights turn on. Have not yet tried a rolling start. Not sure if the problem is the ignition switch, a relay or something else. I'm guessing it's not the clutch safety switch because that should not prevent the dashboard lights from working.

 

Throwing a good guess out there, the ignition switch sounds suspect, given the cold weather.

 

If you remove the steering column covers(4 - 6 screws or so) to access the ignition switch you can test for voltage at the ig2 solder point with the ignition switch to the on position. But this really does sound like ignition switch. It's really easy to replace provided you don't have an aftermarket alarm tapped into it.

 

I had somewhat of the same problem over the weekend, I had first thought it was my main relay (I have a 91 civic DX) Got a new one from the junk yard, thought that it was that, sadly it wasn't but only being $6 in the hole, I wasn't bothered. So checked my distributer and timing and it was all good (with a little work). finally checked my fuses and turned out it was a 10A fuse. so, if you haven't I would suggest you check your fuses under your dash. or check the main relay. older civics like mine tend to get that problem.