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carnovice
Jul 9, 2011, 01:02 PM
I have a 1995 Honda Civic that turns over but won't start.

The blogs say it may be the spark plugs, or fuel pump or fuel fuse, but that as a starting point I should check the ECU for any error messages. I do not have the manual for the car, so I was wondering if you could tell me where I can find the ECU in a 1995 Civic.

I have tried looking under the passanger side carpet and did not see anything, but I am not sure what I'm looking for so might have missed it.

TxGreaseMonkey
Jul 9, 2011, 01:37 PM
Does the Check Engine Light come on for 2 seconds and then go out, when the ignition switch is turned to ON (Position II)? If so, the ECM is fine and there are no codes.

If the Check Engine Light (CEL) stays on, it will be necessary to locate the 2-pin Service Check Connector (SCC). It is normally located under the dash, approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the right kick panel. Take a small screwdriver and carefully pry it from the rubber mount. The other 3-pin connector in the rubber mount is the Data Link Connector (DLC), which should be left alone. Jump the SCC with a paper clip, turn the ignition switch to ON (Position II), and count the number of times, if any, the CEL flashes. Reference a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) chart to identify the code being displayed. The SCC is also jumped, when an induction timing light is used to check engine timing.

After troubleshooting, turn the ignition switch OFF, remove the jumper wire, and reset the ECM, by removing the BACK UP (7.5 A) fuse from the under-hood fuse box for 10 seconds. Disconnecting the BACK UP fuse cancels preset radio stations and the clock setting; therefore, they will need to be reset.

carnovice
Jul 9, 2011, 04:45 PM
Thanks TxGreaseMonkey.

The check engine light is not staying on.

Do you have any suggestions as to what I should check next ?

How do I go about cheching if the spark plugs need replacing, or is the issue going to be something else ?

TxGreaseMonkey
Jul 9, 2011, 05:03 PM
Verify that you can hear the fuel pump run for 2 seconds, when you turn the ignition switch to Position II. If you can hear it run, the problem is likely with the distributor. In this case, it's very likely replacing the Ignition Control Module (ICM) and coil will solve the problem.

carnovice
Jul 9, 2011, 05:13 PM
Sorry for the silly question, but what does the fuel pump running sound like. I can hear a faint hum when I turn the ignition to position II, and then a click off which coincides with the engine check light coming on and off. I don't hear anything else.

Does this sound like the fuel pump or does this mean the fuel pump is not running ?

TxGreaseMonkey
Jul 9, 2011, 05:32 PM
That's the fuel pump running. Therefore, I would replace the ICM and coil, which are located inside the distributor. Be sure to apply the silicone heat transfer grease to the back of the new ICM. You may need someone to help you with this job.

Afterwards, replace the spark plugs (NGK only) if they have not been changed in the last 3 years.

odinn7
Jul 11, 2011, 09:23 PM
Again, TxGreaseMonkey is right. Common problem is the ignitor unit on the 90's Hondas. If it's not the fuel pump relay then it's likely the ignitor. Something else I just wanted to point out... did you check the timing belt to be sure it's OK?