My 1999 Honda civic 1.6 8valve will not start. I have checked everything I can think of. I have good spark and plenty of fuel on all four cylinders. My timing belt is on and appears to be in good shape. I don't think it could have jumped a tooth. I have tried to follow Txgreasemonkeys advice and done some of the tests as best as I could but my engine light does not come on at all, I think it may be burnt out but not sure how to change it. So I can't use it to get code read outs and I'm not sure which holes to use the paper clip jumper in even if it was working and I have no other way of scanning it because I don't have money for a scanner and I can't drive it anywhere to have one done. Nor do I have a multimeter and I don't see the letters and numbers on my ECM/ECU that he refers to so I can't do a K test even if I did. But the fuel pump comes on for two seconds when in position number two and then I here the click when it stops so I'm pretty sure that the main relay is working. I have talked to and been told many different things from many different mechanics and tried to follow all there advice as best I could. But I'm still stumped and so are most of them. I don't have the money to take it in and let them mess with it so I'm stuck on my own. Could the MAP sensor alone mess up the timing enough to not even get it fire at all? Could the ECM/ECU alone mess up the timing enough to not even get it fire at all? I have been told that either one would just make it run rough but it would still run as long as I have the four basic elements for combustion. Which I believe I do. But another mechanic told me that it could be the ECM alone and to change it.He claims he's seen it before. The problem being that there not cheap (even used)and non refundable. So I need to be sure. I'm starting to strongly lean towards ECM. Because I feel like I've tried everything else. But just because that's what I want it be doesn't mean that's what it is. What do you boys think?

Try cleaning the main ECM ground on the thermostat housing and inspect the 10 amp. BACK UP LIGHT fuse in the under-hood fuse box.

Since the main relay works fine, I don't suspect the ECM is bad. If the problem persists, I suspect one or more bad sensors inside the distributor; i.e. failed Crankshaft Position Sensor, TDC Sensor, or Cylinder Position. Since these sensors are not repairable, the distributor housing would need to be replaced (genuine Honda only). Reuse your existing ignitor and coil. With the limited information provided, this is the best advise I can give at this point.

You don't have a Service Check Connector on your newer model Civic. Therefore, no need to worry about jumping it with a paperclip.

I checked the fuse and it was fine. All the fuses under the hood and dash are fine. The ground on the ECM housing seems good. If it wasn't good then the ECM wouldn't work at all and I wouldn't be getting good spark and fuel and my relay clicking right ? Now are these sensors all in the housing or in the distributor itself? And if I change the housing will it need to be re timed?

This sounds stupid but I have been told before that these cars flood out with they are moved and stopped frequently without having enough time to burn off excess gas. Are your spark plugs fowled out? Or are your cyclinders full of gas? Perhaps try pulling all the plugs out and crank the car over a few times.

Helo dear ; i am looking for a big ;head ache ; car like yours... to test my skills/
Let me know when you give up... then shoot me an email; [email protected]

Same problem with my honda civic at the shop for 3 months still nothing!