1994 Honda Civic won't start
 

Hi,

My 94 Honda Civic EX automatic will not start. It has plenty of battery
juice, and turns over, just no ignition. Any recommendations? I'd like to
try to fix this without going into a shop.

Related info:
It's very humid, rainy.
This happened a once couple months ago, and seemed to resolv itself w/o
repair.

Thanks.

Re: 1994 Honda Civic won't start
 

hutchtoo wrote:
> Hi,
>
> My 94 Honda Civic EX automatic will not start. It has plenty of battery
> juice, and turns over, just no ignition. Any recommendations? I'd like to
> try to fix this without going into a shop.
>
> Related info:
> It's very humid, rainy.
> This happened a once couple months ago, and seemed to resolv itself w/o
> repair.
>

Are you getting spark?
Usually ignition problems that show up when it is humid or raining are
related to your cap, rotor and wires.
If it has been a while since they've been replaced, replace them. Use
original Honda components - they are a little more expensive, but do
tend to be better and last longer than aftermarket.

You if you are not getting any kind of spark, it could also be your
ignitor. This is an electronic component inside your distributor and
commonly fails on Hondas.
Here's some really good info on it:
http://www.tegger.com/hondafaq/start...tml#badigniter

Hope you'll fix it soon.
Remco

Re: 1994 Honda Civic won't start
 

"hutchtoo" <hutchtoo@gmail.com> wrote in message news:6J-dndYBbPb2aY_eRVn-hg@rcn.net...

> My 94 Honda Civic EX automatic will not start. It has plenty of battery
> juice, and turns over, just no ignition. Any recommendations? I'd like to
> try to fix this without going into a shop.
> Related info:
> It's very humid, rainy.
> This happened a once couple months ago, and seemed to resolv itself w/o
> repair.

Looks like you are located in Waltham, Massachusetts. If it
rainy and freezing I'd make sure the distributor seal is in
perfect condition to keep the moisture out. Use dielectric grease
to seal the ends of the plug wires.

In this image distributor seal is part #10

http://www.slhondaparts.com/images/PCI/13SR40/017/6.jpg

Re: 1994 Honda Civic won't start
 

"Remco" <whybcuz@yahoo.com> wrote
> hutchtoo wrote:
> > Hi,
> >
> > My 94 Honda Civic EX automatic will not start. It has plenty of battery
> > juice, and turns over, just no ignition. Any recommendations? I'd like
to
> > try to fix this without going into a shop.
> >
> > Related info:
> > It's very humid, rainy.
> > This happened a once couple months ago, and seemed to resolv itself w/o
> > repair.
> >
>
> Are you getting spark?
> Usually ignition problems that show up when it is humid or raining are
> related to your cap, rotor and wires.

I agree about the moisture, particularly affecting the distributor cap.

I'd start with replacing the cap (the part costs about $20). Still no start,
then change the plugs ($10-$20). Then the wires ($50-$75). Then the rotor
($15?).

If you have a voltmeter, you should be able to check the resistance of the
wires.

Alternatively, post the age (in years and miles of each of the above), and
people can comment further.

> If it has been a while since they've been replaced, replace them. Use
> original Honda components - they are a little more expensive, but do
> tend to be better and last longer than aftermarket.
>
> You if you are not getting any kind of spark, it could also be your
> ignitor. This is an electronic component inside your distributor and
> commonly fails on Hondas.

Agreed. A new ignitor will run about $100.

Buy OEM everything.

Re: 1994 Honda Civic won't start
 

hutchtoo wrote:
>
> Hi,
>
> My 94 Honda Civic EX automatic will not start. It has plenty of battery
> juice, and turns over, just no ignition. Any recommendations? I'd like to
> try to fix this without going into a shop.
>
> Related info:
> It's very humid, rainy.
> This happened a once couple months ago, and seemed to resolv itself w/o
> repair.
>
> Thanks.

=====================================

Hutchtoo,

Don't go off pursuing any untamed ornithoids. (wild goose chase).
Electronic components don't fail overnight. Spark plugs don't get fouled
overnight. We had the same problem on our Odyssey. One morning it just
wouldn't start. Spun good, but no start. If I had realized that one of
my injectors had simply dripped a load of fuel into the engine
overnight, I would have opened the Owner's Manual and found the part
about how to start a 'flooded engine'.

Hold the pedal to the floor crank the starter for up to fifteen seconds.
When it starts to run, back off the pedal. It may blow a bit of smoke.
Run a tank of Gasohol or a bottle of injector cleaner thru it.

'Curly'

Re: 1994 Honda Civic won't start
 

"hutchtoo" <hutchtoo@gmail.com> wrote in
news:6J-dndYBbPb2aY_eRVn-hg@rcn.net:

> Hi,
>
> My 94 Honda Civic EX automatic will not start. It has plenty of
> battery juice, and turns over, just no ignition. Any recommendations?
> I'd like to try to fix this without going into a shop.
>
> Related info:
> It's very humid, rainy.
> This happened a once couple months ago, and seemed to resolv itself
> w/o repair.
>
> Thanks.
>
>

It could also be a bad main relay.
http://www.marklamond.co.uk/howto/el...main-relay.htm

tegger.com is also a great Honda/Acura info database.

--
Jim Yanik
jyanik
at
kua.net

Re: 1994 Honda Civic won't start
 

Thanks all, this is great info.

I'll definitely try the 15-second test before replacing the distributor
parts.

I got this car in Nov 1994 and suspect most of these parts are nearly
that old -- other than the plugs.

Any recommendations on sources for original Honda parts? I prefer go to
local shops like Lappens and NAPA, which mostly sell 3d party parts
like Beck Arnley distributor parts.

Thanks again.

Re: 1994 Honda Civic won't start
 

> It could also be a bad main relay.

Good to know. Though both times this happened with a cold start (albeit
in warm humid weather). Distributor assy seems to be the top suspect
based on most of the feedback....

Re: 1994 Honda Civic won't start
 

hutchtoo wrote:
> Thanks all, this is great info.
>
> I'll definitely try the 15-second test before replacing the distributor
> parts.
>
> I got this car in Nov 1994 and suspect most of these parts are nearly
> that old -- other than the plugs.
>
> Any recommendations on sources for original Honda parts? I prefer go to
> local shops like Lappens and NAPA, which mostly sell 3d party parts
> like Beck Arnley distributor parts.
>
> Thanks again.

If you end up replacing ignition components, replace them with OEM
Honda: using aftermarket is just asking for trouble.

Re: 1994 Honda Civic won't start
 

Are you in a hurry?

If not, I recommend www.slhonda.com (in California). Great drawings to find
your parts. All OEM. Good service, based on my one order from them so far.
Your parts should arrive within ten days or even a week.

It's been reported here that some dealers (parts dept.) will give you
www.slhonda.com's prices if you come to them with a printout of prices from
slhonda.

Also, Curly's point is a good one, by the way, AFAIC. On the other hand, the
distributor, wire, and plug parts mentioned earlier all have to be changed
out every few years anyway, so it's not like you're throwing money away.
(Some folks are saying OEM Honda wires last a really long time, though... )

"hutchtoo" <hutchtoo@gmail.com> wrote
> Any recommendations on sources for original Honda parts? I prefer go to
> local shops like Lappens and NAPA, which mostly sell 3d party parts
> like Beck Arnley distributor parts.

Re: 1994 Honda Civic won't start
 

<snip>

>
> If you have a voltmeter, you should be able to check the resistance of the
> wires.
>
<snip>


How conclusive is this test? I've heard varying opinions.

Greg.

Re: 1994 Honda Civic won't start
 

In article <6J-dndYBbPb2aY_eRVn-hg@rcn.net>, "hutchtoo" <hutchtoo@gmail.com> writes:
>
> My 94 Honda Civic EX automatic will not start. It has plenty of battery
> juice, and turns over, just no ignition. Any recommendations? I'd like to
> try to fix this without going into a shop.
>
> Related info:
> It's very humid, rainy.
> This happened a once couple months ago, and seemed to resolv itself w/o
> repair.

(I don't know how technical you are - please pardon anything here
that's blatantly obvious to you.)

Have you checked for moisture in the distributor cap? That's the
classic rainy-day ignition problem. (It's even been immortalized in
song, by Ed's Redeeming Qualities: "And if your car won't start in
the rain / New distributor cap".) Easy to check - label the plug
wires (so you can be sure to put them back correctly!) and disconnect
them from the distributor, remove the cap, and wipe the inside with a
tissue or something similar to see if there's moisture inside. Cheap
to fix, if it's just the cap - you can get a replacement cap and
rotor for many cars from places like Carquest for under $20. (I don't
know how much a '94 Civic's is, but it doesn't seem like something
that'd be unusually expensive.)

My '93 Civic EX (manual) had that problem, and also occasional
stalling. Initially thought it was the alternator because when the
car would start, alternator output often would be fine initially but
then drop.

Turned out that the ignition switch was bad, and some of the contacts
were failing intermittently. Moisture seemed to aggravate the
problem. Unfortunately, I didn't manage to diagnose this one
myself - it was my shop that finally tracked it down, after I'd
looked at the alternator and various other things - so I'm not sure
what the best way to test for it would be. If removing the switch
isn't difficult, I'd probably try checking it with an ohm meter for
a reliable connection between the appropriate points at the various
key positions.

--
Michael Wojcik michael.wojcik@microfocus.com

Is it any wonder the world's gone insane, with information come to be
the only real medium of exchange? -- Thomas Pynchon

Re: 1994 Honda Civic won't start
 

"Greg" <not_here@nospam.com> wrote
> > If you have a voltmeter, you should be able to check the resistance of
the
> > wires.

> How conclusive is this test? I've heard varying opinions.

If you mean that a wire whose resistance is in spec is not necessarily fine,
then I agree. But if the resistance is way high, the spark at the plug will
be inadequate, and this may be the cause of the no start. (Note: I am going
on the assumption people have all-in-one electric meter gadgets that include
both a voltmeter and ohmmeter, among other testing features. I just called
these gadgets "voltmeters" for short.)

Ways to check plug wires are discussed a lot on the web. Google for {plugs
wires resistance check}, and see for example:

http://www.inct.net/~autotips/plugwire.htm

http://www.ehow.com/how_16427_replace-spark-plug.html (see the tips on wire
testing at the bottom)

http://ca.autos.yahoo.com/maintain/a...n_system2.html

Re: 1994 Honda Civic won't start
 

"hutchtoo" <hutchtoo@gmail.com> wrote in
news:1125336241.867122.84170@g49g2000cwa.googlegro ups.com:

>> It could also be a bad main relay.
>
> Good to know. Though both times this happened with a cold start (albeit
> in warm humid weather). Distributor assy seems to be the top suspect
> based on most of the feedback....
>
>


Actually, distributor cap and wires are both equally likely suspects.
Moisture/insulation breakdown/cracks will all leak voltage to ground on wet
days.

This is the sort of thing regular maintenance prevents 100%.

And use OEM. Forget the aftermarket . It's false economy.

--
TeGGeR®

The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
www.tegger.com/hondafaq/

Re: 1994 Honda Civic won't start
 

"hutchtoo" <hutchtoo@gmail.com> wrote in
news:1125336241.867122.84170@g49g2000cwa.googlegro ups.com:

>> It could also be a bad main relay.
>
> Good to know. Though both times this happened with a cold start (albeit
> in warm humid weather).

A symptom of a bad MR.(not humidity,though)
even just whacking the MR can temporarily 'fix' it and get your car
started.Lose fuel pressure and your car will not start,and you can crank
until the battery is dead.

> Distributor assy seems to be the top suspect
> based on most of the feedback....
>
>

Yes,but it's very easy to resolder the main relay and *eliminate* it as a
source of trouble.Much easier than messing with the distributor.

I note the others have you swapping parts right off the start.
Parts cost money.

--
Jim Yanik
jyanik
at
kua.net

Re: 1994 Honda Civic won't start
 

Jim Yanik <jyanik@abuse.gov.> wrote in
news:Xns96C1C98B3E057jyanikkuanet@129.250.170.86:

> "hutchtoo" <hutchtoo@gmail.com> wrote in
> news:1125336241.867122.84170@g49g2000cwa.googlegro ups.com:
>

>> Distributor assy seems to be the top suspect
>> based on most of the feedback....
>>
>>
>
> Yes,but it's very easy to resolder the main relay and *eliminate* it
> as a source of trouble.Much easier than messing with the distributor.
>
> I note the others have you swapping parts right off the start.
> Parts cost money.
>


You mean me? You're right.

I forgot the most obvious method of temporarily fixing a moisture problem:
Wipe off the rotor and the inside of the distributor cap, wipe off all the
plug wires. Spray wires with WD-40 (don't wipe WD-40 off). Reinstall. If it
still won't start, then it's something else.

--
TeGGeR®

The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
www.tegger.com/hondafaq/

Re: 1994 Honda Civic won't start
 

"TeGGeR®" <tegger@tegger.c0m> wrote in
news:Xns96C1CEA23FB40tegger@207.14.113.17:

> Jim Yanik <jyanik@abuse.gov.> wrote in
> news:Xns96C1C98B3E057jyanikkuanet@129.250.170.86:

>>
>> I note the others have you swapping parts right off the start.
>> Parts cost money.
>>
>
>
> You mean me?

Not just you,and no offense meant to any of you.

The Honda main relay is such a common,frequent problem,and she DID say WARM
along with humid,and beginning with a cold start;sounded just like the MR
problem. It's a problem easily eliminated without new parts,IF one has the
tools and skillset.

I think you folks saw the words 'humid' and 'ignition'(which I took to
meaning "not firing up",or starting),and put together -ignition problems-
(no spark),which IMO,are a bit less common than the relay problem.

I also think that if it were ignition problems,the 'starting' would be a
bit rough,like misfiring,where she said it just cranked and didn't start.

I still could be wrong,and you folks could be right,though.

I just read it a little differently.

--
Jim Yanik
jyanik
at
kua.net

Re: 1994 Honda Civic won't start
 

"Jim Yanik" <jyanik@abuse.gov.> wrote in message news:Xns96C1C98B3E057jyanikkuanet@129.250.170.86.. .
> "hutchtoo" <hutchtoo@gmail.com> wrote in
> news:1125336241.867122.84170@g49g2000cwa.googlegro ups.com:


> Yes,but it's very easy to resolder the main relay and *eliminate* it as a
> source of trouble.Much easier than messing with the distributor.

Easy to solder, but not easy to remove it from inside the dash.

Re: 1994 Honda Civic won't start
 

"hutchtoo" <hutchtoo@gmail.com> wrote in message news:1125335673.543774.164870@f14g2000cwb.googlegr oups.com...
> Thanks all, this is great info.
> I'll definitely try the 15-second test before replacing the distributor
> parts.
> I got this car in Nov 1994 and suspect most of these parts are nearly
> that old -- other than the plugs.
> Any recommendations on sources for original Honda parts? I prefer go to
> local shops like Lappens and NAPA, which mostly sell 3d party parts
> like Beck Arnley distributor parts.
> Thanks again.

The genuine distributor cap seal is about a dollar and last much longer.
Napa probably sell an aftermarket one for $3. Only replace it when the
seal feels stiff, cracking or flattened. Dielectric grease is about $3 to $5
at Napa. A rag to wipe out the moisture is free. Wipe everything from
coil to the spark plugs. WD-40 will also absorb the moisture.

Remove the spark plug wire from the socket and apply a small amount of
dielectric tune up grease to the insulator, apply some to the distributor
cap where there are gaps.

Use your finger to the dielectric grease around the ceramic
portion of the spark plug to help maintain a dry environment for the
plugs. If you need help go here.

http://www.techguys.ca/howto/spark_plugs.html

For the paranoid, spray a silicone film on the plug wires and cap to further
insulate from moisture.

Re: 1994 Honda Civic won't start
 

"'Curly Q. Links'" <motsco__@interbaun.com> wrote in message news:43132BC0.3D698C36@interbaun.com...

> Hutchtoo,
> Don't go off pursuing any untamed ornithoids. (wild goose chase).
> Electronic components don't fail overnight. Spark plugs don't get fouled
> overnight. We had the same problem on our Odyssey. One morning it just
> wouldn't start. Spun good, but no start.

The OP's problem is due to moisture from his climate change. Leaky
injectors would leak wet or dry, no?

The OP should check for sparks and observe the smoke from the
tailpipe to fill us in to real nature of the problem.

Re: 1994 Honda Civic won't start
 

"B Squareman" <Squareman@none.com> wrote in
news:U3SQe.967$nB6.321@newssvr30.news.prodigy.com:

> "Jim Yanik" <jyanik@abuse.gov.> wrote in message
> news:Xns96C1C98B3E057jyanikkuanet@129.250.170.86.. .
>> "hutchtoo" <hutchtoo@gmail.com> wrote in
>> news:1125336241.867122.84170@g49g2000cwa.googlegro ups.com:
>
>
>> Yes,but it's very easy to resolder the main relay and *eliminate* it
>> as a source of trouble.Much easier than messing with the distributor.
>
> Easy to solder, but not easy to remove it from inside the dash.
>
>

It is if you remove the knee bolster.
http://www.tegger.com/hondafaq/mainrelay.html


--
TeGGeR®

The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
www.tegger.com/hondafaq/

Re: 1994 Honda Civic won't start
 

>> Yes,but it's very easy to resolder the main relay and *eliminate* it as a
>> source of trouble.Much easier than messing with the distributor.
>
> Easy to solder, but not easy to remove it from inside the dash.
>

That's the problem. Not too hard to find but really tough to extract. I'm
going to have to go spend at least $20+ on wrench extensions to get this
thing out...

Re: 1994 Honda Civic won't start
 

>
> It is if you remove the knee bolster.
> http://www.tegger.com/hondafaq/mainrelay.html
>

Even with the bolster out, in the 94 civic there are other parts that
prevent me from using my normal wrench. The main relay (I assume this is it,
looks like the pictures on the page above) is to the left of the fusebox,
wedged up against the left above the hood latch in a tight spot.

Re: 1994 Honda Civic won't start
 

Jim Yanik wrote:
> "TeGGeR®" <tegger@tegger.c0m> wrote in
> news:Xns96C1CEA23FB40tegger@207.14.113.17:
>
> > Jim Yanik <jyanik@abuse.gov.> wrote in
> > news:Xns96C1C98B3E057jyanikkuanet@129.250.170.86:
>
> >>
> >> I note the others have you swapping parts right off the start.
> >> Parts cost money.
> >>
> >
> >
> > You mean me?
>
> Not just you,and no offense meant to any of you.
>
> The Honda main relay is such a common,frequent problem,and she DID say WARM
> along with humid,and beginning with a cold start;sounded just like the MR
> problem. It's a problem easily eliminated without new parts,IF one has the
> tools and skillset.
>
> I think you folks saw the words 'humid' and 'ignition'(which I took to
> meaning "not firing up",or starting),and put together -ignition problems-
> (no spark),which IMO,are a bit less common than the relay problem.
>
> I also think that if it were ignition problems,the 'starting' would be a
> bit rough,like misfiring,where she said it just cranked and didn't start.
>
> I still could be wrong,and you folks could be right,though.
>
> I just read it a little differently.
>
> --
> Jim Yanik
> jyanik
> at
> kua.net

When I saw the words humid and ignition, I asked if he had spark or
even a weak one. Usually my answers go like "does it do this?", "If so,
check this..".

Since he then asked about OEM vs aftermarket parts, it was my (and
probably everyone's) conclusion that he lost spark.

Humidity is actually a fairly common cause of a no-start. He could have
easily have a cracked cap. Replacing this components periodically,
especially if they've never been replaced, is just good maintenance.

To just swap parts is expensive but I don't think that was suggested.

Remco

Re: 1994 Honda Civic won't start
 

hutchtoo wrote:
>
> >
> > It is if you remove the knee bolster.
> > http://www.tegger.com/hondafaq/mainrelay.html
> >
>
> Even with the bolster out, in the 94 civic there are other parts that
> prevent me from using my normal wrench. The main relay (I assume this is it,
> looks like the pictures on the page above) is to the left of the fusebox,
> wedged up against the left above the hood latch in a tight spot.

There is a trick to it; Don't try to unbolt the relay. Rather, pull the
guts out of it while the housing is still in place. Then you can
resolder and re-install, or you can put the guts from a new replacement
relay into the old housing.

--
================================================== =====
A very modest collection of Honda tech info can be found at:
http://www.geocities.com/ng_randolph

Re: 1994 Honda Civic won't start
 

"Remco" <whybcuz@yahoo.com> wrote in
news:1125407496.432222.49930@o13g2000cwo.googlegro ups.com:

> Jim Yanik wrote:
>> "TeGGeR®" <tegger@tegger.c0m> wrote in
>> news:Xns96C1CEA23FB40tegger@207.14.113.17:
>>
>> > Jim Yanik <jyanik@abuse.gov.> wrote in
>> > news:Xns96C1C98B3E057jyanikkuanet@129.250.170.86:
>>
>> >>
>> >> I note the others have you swapping parts right off the start.
>> >> Parts cost money.
>> >>
>> >
>> >
>> > You mean me?
>>
>> Not just you,and no offense meant to any of you.
>>
>> The Honda main relay is such a common,frequent problem,and she DID
>> say WA
> RM
>> along with humid,and beginning with a cold start;sounded just like
>> the MR problem. It's a problem easily eliminated without new parts,IF
>> one has the tools and skillset.
>>
>> I think you folks saw the words 'humid' and 'ignition'(which I took
>> to meaning "not firing up",or starting),and put together -ignition
>> problems- (no spark),which IMO,are a bit less common than the relay
>> problem.
>>
>> I also think that if it were ignition problems,the 'starting' would
>> be a bit rough,like misfiring,where she said it just cranked and
>> didn't start.
>>
>> I still could be wrong,and you folks could be right,though.
>>
>> I just read it a little differently.
>>
>> --
>> Jim Yanik
>> jyanik
>> at
>> kua.net
>
> When I saw the words humid and ignition, I asked if he had spark or
> even a weak one. Usually my answers go like "does it do this?", "If
> so, check this..".
>
> Since he then asked about OEM vs aftermarket parts, it was my (and
> probably everyone's) conclusion that he lost spark.
>
> Humidity is actually a fairly common cause of a no-start.

Not a total,crank-to-death no-cylinder-firing no-start,but a
stumbling,erratic misfiring no-start.I didn't get that from his post.

> He could
> have easily have a cracked cap. Replacing this components
> periodically, especially if they've never been replaced, is just good
> maintenance.
>
> To just swap parts is expensive but I don't think that was suggested.
>
> Remco
>
>



--
Jim Yanik
jyanik
at
kua.net

Re: 1994 Honda Civic won't start
 

"B Squareman" <Squareman@none.com> wrote in
news:V3SQe.969$nB6.83@newssvr30.news.prodigy.com:

> "'Curly Q. Links'" <motsco__@interbaun.com> wrote in message
> news:43132BC0.3D698C36@interbaun.com...
>
>> Hutchtoo,
>> Don't go off pursuing any untamed ornithoids. (wild goose chase).
>> Electronic components don't fail overnight. Spark plugs don't get
>> fouled overnight. We had the same problem on our Odyssey. One morning
>> it just wouldn't start. Spun good, but no start.

Here he gives a slightly better description;"spun good",but no start.
He didn't mention any misfiring like one would get if there were leaking
spark impulses.

"spun good" but not starting is a typical failed MR indicator.
>
> The OP's problem is due to moisture from his climate change.

Says who? the OP didn't give any indication of leaking HV like misfiring or
stumbling,only "no start" which doesn't describe anything.

> Leaky
> injectors would leak wet or dry, no?
>
> The OP should check for sparks and observe the smoke from the
> tailpipe to fill us in to real nature of the problem.
>

Smoke would indicate that some cylinders were igniting,at least part of the
time,and there would be misfiring and stumbling in trying to start it.



--
Jim Yanik
jyanik
at
kua.net

Re: 1994 Honda Civic won't start
 

Randolph <trash@junkmail.com> wrote in
news:43147531.669463FB@junkmail.com:

> hutchtoo wrote:
>>
>> >
>> > It is if you remove the knee bolster.
>> > http://www.tegger.com/hondafaq/mainrelay.html
>> >
>>
>> Even with the bolster out, in the 94 civic there are other parts that
>> prevent me from using my normal wrench. The main relay (I assume this
>> is it, looks like the pictures on the page above) is to the left of
>> the fusebox, wedged up against the left above the hood latch in a
>> tight spot.
>
> There is a trick to it; Don't try to unbolt the relay. Rather, pull
> the guts out of it while the housing is still in place. Then you can
> resolder and re-install, or you can put the guts from a new
> replacement relay into the old housing.
>



Can anyone send me a photo of a relay that's in that location? I'd like to
add it to the relevant FAQ page to complement the pics that are there now.

--
TeGGeR®

The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
www.tegger.com/hondafaq/

Re: 1994 Honda Civic won't start
 

> Can anyone send me a photo of a relay that's in that location? I'd like to
> add it to the relevant FAQ page to complement the pics that are there now.

Tegger, I emailed you a photo from my 94 civic. Let me know if you need a
re-send.

Re: 1994 Honda Civic won't start
 

It could be the fuel pump. My '90 Accord did the same exact thing a couple
years ago.

Josh
http://www.pingeek.com pinball stuff

"hutchtoo" <hutchtoo@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:6J-dndYBbPb2aY_eRVn-hg@rcn.net...
> Hi,
>
> My 94 Honda Civic EX automatic will not start. It has plenty of battery
> juice, and turns over, just no ignition. Any recommendations? I'd like to
> try to fix this without going into a shop.
>
> Related info:
> It's very humid, rainy.
> This happened a once couple months ago, and seemed to resolv itself w/o
> repair.
>
> Thanks.
>

Re: 1994 Honda Civic won't start
 

"Jim Yanik" <jyanik@abuse.gov.> wrote in message news:Xns96C272883C72Cjyanikkuanet@129.250.170.84.. .
> "B Squareman" <Squareman@none.com> wrote in

> > The OP's problem is due to moisture from his climate change.

> Says who? the OP didn't give any indication of leaking HV like misfiring or
> stumbling,only "no start" which doesn't describe anything.

The OP hinted that "It's very humid, rainy." The OP crank but won't
start in this condition. A leaking HV from the coil straight to
ground via moisture (and never making it to the plug wires) will crank
but not sputter. And yes, if it's leaking from a spark plug wire or two, it will
stumble/misfire. We shouldn't be too adamant about one scenario.

Re: 1994 Honda Civic won't start - RESOLUTION
 

The problem is fixed. After finding the ignition coil was bad, but after
having subjected the rotor and assembly to lots of abuse removing the seized
rotor screw, I decided to replace the entire distributor.

Against some people's advice, I've purchased a $185 non-OEM distributor
(plus new cap and rotor) at the AutoZone down the street. I made this
cost/convenience decision based on my short time horizon for this car and
low mileage. The new distrbutor fixed the problem. If it fails in the future
I will send an update.

Thanks again to everyone for all the feedback.

"hutchtoo" <hutchtoo@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:6J-dndYBbPb2aY_eRVn-hg@rcn.net...
> Hi,
>
> My 94 Honda Civic EX automatic will not start. It has plenty of battery
> juice, and turns over, just no ignition. Any recommendations? I'd like to
> try to fix this without going into a shop.
>
> Related info:
> It's very humid, rainy.
> This happened a once couple months ago, and seemed to resolv itself w/o
> repair.
>
> Thanks.

Re: 1994 Honda Civic won't start - RESOLUTION
 

Congratulations! Did the non-OEM distributor include a new coil and new
ignitor?

Thanks for the update, and way to hang in there. :-)

"hutchtoo" <hutchtoo@gmail.com> wrote
> The problem is fixed. After finding the ignition coil was bad, but after
> having subjected the rotor and assembly to lots of abuse removing the
seized
> rotor screw, I decided to replace the entire distributor.
>
> Against some people's advice, I've purchased a $185 non-OEM distributor
> (plus new cap and rotor) at the AutoZone down the street. I made this
> cost/convenience decision based on my short time horizon for this car and
> low mileage. The new distrbutor fixed the problem. If it fails in the
future
> I will send an update.
>
> Thanks again to everyone for all the feedback.

Re: 1994 Honda Civic won't start - RESOLUTION
 

> Congratulations! Did the non-OEM distributor include a new coil and new
> ignitor?

Yes, it included both a coil and ignitor, and has a lifetime guarantee. It
did not include a rotor or cap.

I should also put a good word in for AutoZone. Those guys were a big help
getting the seized rotor screw out.

Re: 1994 Honda Civic won't start - RESOLUTION
 

"hutchtoo" <hutchtoo@gmail.com> wrote
> > Congratulations! Did the non-OEM distributor include a new coil and new
> > ignitor?
>
> Yes, it included both a coil and ignitor, and has a lifetime guarantee. It
> did not include a rotor or cap.

Wow. For $180, even if it dies in say, six months, that's worth it.

> I should also put a good word in for AutoZone. Those guys were a big help
> getting the seized rotor screw out.

I toast AZ. :-)