I really need some help with my car. This has been a 6 month battle that I am losing. I will be a brief as I can. Car ran great for years. Nothing but problems last 6 months. I fought an overheating problem for months but seem to have it ok for now. Now I have a recurring weak spark problem. I have replaced the fuel pump and filter as well to elimate a fuel issue. Car wouldnt start and I narrowed it to weak spark. New coil fixed it for about 3 weeks then came back. New module fixed it for 2 weeks now is back. After testing the coil and module as good I put a brand new distributor but same problem. It will not start and has a yellow spark. I have cleaned and checked all the ground wires. I have new plugs and plug wires. I am concerned it might be a bad ECU however it is not creating any codes. It was starting harder each day then quit starting. I have tested everything I can find info on exept the ECU. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

Have you check your alternator to see how much voltage it is making?

 

Sounds like you've covered most of the tests regarding ignition but have you checked the sticky's regarding weak spark/no spark diagnostics? https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-civic-del-sol-1992-2000-1/diy-how-test-spark-troubleshoot-spark-problems-2919450/

I would make sure you went over everything in this section, you might have already but based on the information given, "narrowed the problem" we can't assume you went over every step in the link given. After going over, or letting us know that you've gone over everything in the link it'll be easier to provide next steps.

 

Thank you for the link. Unfortunately I have done all of this. After my coil and module tested good this time and still had weak spark with all 4 plugs I decided it must be something inside the distributor itself. I already had a new cap and rotor. Now I have a new complete distributor with new everything internal but same weak spark on all 4 plugs. I dont know if the ECU is giving the distr what it needs at this point.

 

I really dont think I have an alternator problem. Engine cranks great and has been for the last 2 weeks while I have tried just about everything imaginable to this car. And I also have a new head gasket, water pump, timing belt, radiator, fuel pump, fuel filter, thermostat, fan switch, etc etc. This car has been a train wreck lately.

 

You're on the right track and from here you'll want to check this out, http://s639.photobucket.com/user/Ron..._5583.jpg.html Main relay could be the cause for the weak spark at this point. Hopefully this will be your last step in pinpointing your problem.

 

Got it. Thank you again. I have this and will follow up.

 

I did an initial quick test of the relay and it passed. I will do some more thorough testing however. Another question if it is my ECU that is bad I have found lots of them for sale but all the numbers do not match exactly. Are the last numbers a serial number of some kind and will not match? I have a 37820-P2E-A92. 6A 1201-364250. Its the 364250 part. All of find have different numbers here but the rest is the same. They all say they fit my car.

 

What were the results of your alternator test?

 

have you checked voltages and good grounds at the distributor plugs including the +5 volt reference?????

 

key switch

 

Correct me if I'm wrong HT, but the designations you want to be concerned with are the second two sections of the ecu listings, just as long as you have the 37820 there(all ecu's have this code). P2E is mostly referred to as the year/trim, this being 96+ DX make sure that's the correct application. And the following section, origin of make/trans/revision number, A92 is the automatic revision. Any further testing updates?

 

Sorry I have been away for the weekend. I will resume work now. Thanks for the info. I will run some more tests.

 

Update: Car is fixed. Went to some salvage yards and found a main relay and an ECU. The main relay didnt change anything however the spark changed with the ECU swap. Engine started fine and ran good. after final timing set running better than it has in a long time. Thanks to everyone for the assistance. Its been long road with this Civic.

 

Good to hear, and what better car to take you down the road than a honda?!?!