Hello, new to this site, and thanks in advance. Great site.

Well here goes. my car wouldn't start, no spark, so I took off distributor cap and saw that there piece (rod?) that goes into the coil was fried. I replace the cap with a new one, still didn't fire up. I then replace the ICM, it fired up and ran immediately, but when I tried to drive the car there was a little hesitation problem, taking off from a stop it dies. But, being stubborn I still wanted to test drive it, thinking that whatever it was would work it's way back into shape (duh, I had to call my brother to tow me back home, now feeling really stupid). I found this site, and started reading, and here is where I am now, when I turn the ignition on , the CEL doesn't come on, I hear the click, I hear the fuel pump coming on for 2 seconds. By the way, I can't start the car, but when I was being tow, it kick started fine, I tried it 3-4 times . I tried to find the ACG fuse under the dash that you were talking about but I don't know which one it is. By the way I have a 1989 CRX DX stock. Thanks in advance again.

txgreasemonkey

1. Make sure battery is fully charged.
2. Test all under-hood and under-dash fuses with a test light or multimeter. Particularly check the under-hood Back Up Light fuse.
3. Check for codes.
4. Run the K-Test.
5. If your car starts when towed, then you might have a problem with your starter motor. Engines must turn a certain rpm in order to start. It has to do with output signals from distributor sensors. It also could be a sign of defective distributor sensors, in which case you need to replace the distributor housing.

89crx

Hello,

The battery is fully charged.
I checked all of the fuses and all checked good.
There are no codes.
I did the K-Test, and I got 5.04 volts, when I checked the (when looking at the connector) right socket and to ground, I also checked the left connector to ground and I got 4.09 volt, I don't know if it means anything. I started the car when towed, I left it running till I got home, but the car still was having problems, It would not keep running.
Thanks again for any help.

txgreasemonkey

. Does the CEL come on for 2 seconds and then go out?
. Does the starter motor crank normal speed?

If the answer is "Yes" to both questions, then I'm inclined to suspect the coil. I would likely replace it. It might have been damaged from what you described.

89crx

No the CEL doesn't come on. I also just performed the coil test, here are the results:

from Positive to Negative I get a resistance reading of 0.0.
from Positive to inside the coil I get a resistance reading of 11.8.

I was going to go and buy a new coil based on those readings.

Thanks again.

txgreasemonkey

Does the starter motor run normally? Does the oil light come on, when you turn the ignition switch to ON?

89crx

Yes, the starter motor runs normal, but as far as I can remember my CEL has never come on since I have own the car. Yes the oil light come on. All the other dummy lights seem normal. I've had my CRX for about 7 years.

txgreasemonkey

The CEL may be burned out and you might want to replace it. There might also be an open in the GRN/ORN wire between ECM (likely A13) and gauge assembly. Make sure your main ECM ground on the thermostat housing is clean.

Outside of suspecting a problem with the coil and possibly with distributor sensors, I don't know much else to suggest. There's always a possibility of a problem with the ECM. Do you have the ability to substitute another?

txgreasemonkey

Is your rotor in good shape?

89crx

Yes my rotor is in excellent shape, as for the ECM, I guess I have to buy another one to check out, I don't know anyone with a honda. Thank you again.