I have a 1990 Civic DX, you know the little 1.5L wonder? Yeah right...

Anyway, sometimes when I drive and stop at a light or am sitting idle to car will die. I try to restart but it wont start, it just turns over. After I wait about 2 or 3 minutes it will start and run fine as normal. Any ideas?

Thanks
Jon Black

 

start to look at the ignition system first

 

Basic maint. Replace plugs, change oil and replace plug wires.

Might as well pull the throttle body and clean it with some carb cleaner.

 

Yeah Im thinking "spark." When it is turning over it doesnt sound like it is "hitting." Plus its burning oil so it may have some fouled plugs.

Thanks for the direction
Jon Black

 

spark and carbon build up...

 

Blah Blah Blah Blah!!!!!!!

Its probably your ignitor. One of the most common no start problems on civics, besides the main relay. If it just dies then restarts after a few minutes I would try replacing the ignitor first. I'll bet thats whats wrong with it.

Alot of people will tell you to check your plugs and stuff but honestly if your plugs were that bad that it made your car stall then the car would have probably never started in the first place.

 

Yep i agree.

 

OK, I will check the ignitor as well. Is that located behind the rotor inside the distributor cap?

Thanks
Jon Black

 

99% of the time the plugs are not the problem. They're just the easiest thing to replace.

I don't know how many times people come into my work(sears repair center), saying they need a new plug for their lawnmower because it won't start...and it's ALWAYS something else.

The plugs won't keep it from running, but they'll keep it from running correctly and to full potential.

Any luck??

 

LoL! Yeah, that spark build up will get you every time!

I vote ignitor...