I have a 90 automatic. I have tried everything, i turn the key and everything comes on except the motor. i took the starter out and had it tested(good). Battery was tested and its perfect. I have been using a test light and there is power going to the starter, and the starter signal fuse lights up when the key is turned on. I am not very technically enclined, i have tried everything i can think of. If there is any ideas or suggestions i would really appreciate it.

 

is the motor turning over or just dead?

 

florida has lots of rust; your battery cables might be really-really corroded. There might not be enough amperage jumping thru the (remaining) starter cables.

You have a test light, do you have access to a "multimeter"? What you want to test is HOW much is actually making it thru to the battery....

I think there are a few ppl on this board who are pretty familiar with start problems on the 4th gens...sit tight.

 

The motor is not turning over at all, it is not making any sound at all. I cleaned the battery cables, and had it tested so i dont think it is that. I checked the battery ground and it is secure. It was running perfect the day before, came home parked it at my house and went out in the morning and nothing would happen. Any more suggestions would really help.

 

Yeah, but what Rotary is saying is that sometimes the cables can become corroded inside the covered/shielded part of the cable. I know my friends Focus had the same problem you're describing, and it turns out that's what it was.

 

Is it a 5 spd? The clutch interlock circuit could be the problem. Happens a lot on 4G civics/crxs. I assume it has cruise control too, so there should be 2 switches on the clutch pedal.

1. Make sure car's in Neutral w/ e-brake on.
2. lean under dash w/ flashlight and look up at the switches attached to the clutch pedal bracket assy. the lower switch deactivates cruise control. the upper switch(harder to get to) interrupts the starter circuit.
3. push the plunger in with one hand and turn the key with the other hand.

Hopefully the car starts. If not, work the button on the switch in & out a few times. If it still doesn't work, unplug the 2-pin connector off the back of the switch and jump the 2 wires together w/ a paper clip.

Still doesn't work? Look into the batt. cables, ignition switch, and starter. Starter's easy to take off and take to Auto Zone to have tested.

EDIT: Disregard everything in italics. I didn't want to delete it because somebody w/ a 5 spd might find it useful. In your case, the Neutral Safety Switch performs a similar function to the clutch interlock switch.

If the switch doesn't sense your shifter in either P or N, it won't start. Switch is on the shifter, under the plastic cover.

 

The gear indicator on the dash shows what gear the car is in. I will definately try cleaning or just getting new battery wires, hopefully it will be something that easy. All the ideas are great, any more would be appreciated. thanks

 

you say you are getting a signal to the starter?
not the 4 gauge cable but the little wire with a black boot around it it should have a female type connector. use a test light to see if when you hit the key it it lights up? if not turn the key to the on position not start but on and jump from the battery to the starter where the small wire plugs in. hope it helps.

 

maybe main relay or key switch.

 

check your sparkplugs and wires

 

got it started, ended up being a bad starter. dont take anything to pep boys for testing, they have no idea what is going on. thanks for all the suggestions, really appreciate it.