View Full Version : '90 Honda Civic - Won't Start
pdxginni
Sep 14, 2004, 05:55 PM
My Honda isn't starting... actually, it stopped running while I was pulling out of the driveway on Saturday.
What happens now is that the engine turns and moves around when I turn the key, but it doesn't start completely.
What we tried but didn't work:
1. Replaced the fuel filter
2. Tried to pop the clutch
3. Is fuel actually moving through the filter? Yes...
The battery seems to still have plenty of power as everything still turns on (lights, radio, beeping, etc.).
Any other suggestions?
labman
Sep 14, 2004, 08:22 PM
If it has spark plug wires, pull one off and hold the terminal near a ground while somebody cranks the engine over. If you don't get a spark, start checking the ignition system. Checking for spark with the direct ignition is harder. Pull off the ignition module. You can use an old spark plug or spark plug wire to check for spark the same way. Again, check the ignition system back to the key.
Many cars return gas to the tank. Even if fuel is flowing through the filter, it may not be reaching the injectors. Remove one or the whole rail and see if gas squirts out when you crank the engine. Be careful where you squirt the highly inflammable gas. If no gas squirts out, check the injector system back to the computer. There is a pressure regulator just before the injectors. Check it too.
If you have both gas and spark, and it still won't start, it may be a case for a professional.
damuho
Sep 15, 2004, 04:16 PM
Scan your computer for errors. If you see a Code 16 (error in fuel injector circuit), check your main relay. There are several "Honda No-Start" posts here that you might want to read. They are quite detailed.
The main relay is a common problem with your car, in addition to the igniter.
mrleenagle
Sep 27, 2004, 05:08 AM
I also have a 90 model civic it has the twin carby engine it stalled as I drove into a petrol station and hasn't started since. I got plenty spark plenty feul but won't start. Its flashing code 14 on the ecu can anyone help?
labman
Sep 27, 2004, 06:10 AM
Does your car have a timing belt? It could be broken. Sometimes a little of the belt is visible in front of the valve covers. If any of the cam shaft or valve gear is visible through the oil filler, you should be able see it move when you crank the engine. If you have a distributor, if it isn't turning when you crank the engine, the belt is broken. Replacing the belt is an expensive repair. In some engines, the valves may be damaged too.