Even after reading all the postings on not starting, I still have my own! Here's where I'm at:

- Started in the morning to go to work and it died after about 5 seconds of running
- The engine continues to turn over freely, but does not run
- The engine does get gas (as evident by smell and on tips of the spark plug)
- The engine does NOT get spark
- The distributor cap and rotor have been replaced
- The ICU (ignitor) has been replaced
- The 50 amp IG fuse has been test OK
- The coil has been tested according to the test procedures and tests OK

After all this, I can not see why I'm not getting a spark? If I didn't replace them with new, I've tested all the ignition components and can not figure out the problem. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

CroCivic91

Test to see if you're getting about 10-25k ohms of resistance on your spark plug wires. Check to see that your timing belt didn't snap. If it snapped - the camshaft will not turn - and as a result of that it will not spin the distributor rotor - and there will be no spark.

Also, it could cause a huge hazard inside the engine if it snapped. Civic engines are known as "interference type engines" meaning the pistons could hit the valves which would destroy both the valves and the pistons.

Hopefully your timing belt is still intact. Do get back to us.

jamarine_73

The timing belt is definitely intact because the rotor spins when I crank the engine.

I've checked the plug wires and they test ok. I purchased a new ignition coil today and am going to put it in tonight. I'm hoping that solves the problem. If not I'm going to be at the end of my rope! Thanks for the help.

jamarine_73

I went by a shop this morning that specializes on Acura and Hondas. After describing my circumstances, the mechanic had a recommendation. Even though everything checked out OK on the coil, he recommended to change it. He has told me that the test procedure is not 100% reliable. He also told me that 99% of all ignition problems relating to "no spark" are caused either by (1) the ignition module or (2) the coil.

Since I had already changed the ignition module, I decided it would be a good idea to change the coil as well to cover my bases.

Long story short - the car is now running like a top.

This site definitely has a lot of helpful information. I too have encountered the "main relay phenomenon" and am going to try the fix listed on another posting. I hope that my information can help the next guy - Thanks to CroCivic91 for the help!

CroCivic91

Thank you very much for sharing your experience with us.

We will be able to recommend your solution next time someone asks. Enjoy your car!