I have a 96 Honda Civic DX Sedan. The other day I was driving on the highway and it seemed like the fuel just cut out. My foot on the accelerator and there was nothing. It shut off completely and I tried to crank it over (which it cranked but didn't start). I pulled over and let it sit for a few moments then it started and I got it home. I thought it may be fuel related so I replaced the fuel filter. It started right up and was idling, then it died and wouldn't start. It would crank but not start. I left it for a few days then came back and it turned over and I was able to drive it for another day. It started acting up again so that's why I am here. The fuel pump still engaged when I turn the key but it may be that. I was thinking from other forums that I have read it could be the Ignition switch but I'm unsure.

The odd thing that happens is when I try to crank it over and it fails to start, the whole engine moves when I turn the key off. The way I can describe how it seems is if you didn't engage the clutch and it stalls.

Any ideas, similar issues, or known fixes would be awesome.

Thanks!

 

Pull the CEL codes and post them.

 

where's waldo...

 

Replace distributor cap and rotor

 

The check engine light is not on. I don't imagine it will give me codes if it's not on right?

 

Still haven't found Waldo. Still looking.


Sparks, wires, cap, and rotor all replaced end of October.

 

It can't give you codes if the bulb is blown or the circuit has been disabled. Does the CEL work?

 

I was wondering that myself because I had never seen it on but then in October it came on hence the reason I knew to replace Sparks etc.

 

Did the CEL bulb blow after October? It's easy to check.

 

I'm not sure. It's possible. I presume I would have to take cluster out to do so correct?

 

No

Turn key from OFF to ON(II). The CEL should turn on for 2 seconds and then turn off, if no codes are stored in the ECU.

If the CEL never turns on, the bulb is probably burned out.

 

Have you used an OBD2 code reader to check for pending codes?

 

Bulb is working as it should.

 

I haven't yet.

 

Any pending codes?

If not, Ohm test the ignition coil inside the distributor.

Alternatively, wait until engine won't start, and then immediately check for spark. Have a properly gapped spark plug handy to do this. If you don't get spark, the coil and ICM are the prime suspects.

When engine won't start, also listen for whether the fuel pump primes.

 

I will ohm test it today. Just take the cap off and check between the 3 points in the coil correct?

Now, if it were the coil or ICM, would it work on and off like it is?

What is the best way to check the spark?

 

 

Ran the ohm test and they ran at 15.66, 15.66, and between the 2 were .7.

I guess I can keep a spark plugs handy and see if it has spark the next time it won't start.