View Full Version : 91 honda civic cranks but won't start
91 civic
Jan 11, 2009, 01:37 PM
I started my Civic one morning last week, put it into reverse and it just died. Put it back into park to start it again and it just will not start. It has plenty of gas but it won't get any spark. I have done the following: checked for voltage at the 2 igniter wires and for continuity at the other 2. There is voltage and continuity but none at the BLU wire to ground, checked the coils primary and secondary resistance(within specs), verified that the check engine light goes out after 2 seconds and that the main relay clicks and the fuel pump turns on. I also checked the ecu for and codes(red led flashes). There is only 1 flash when the key is turned on. I have replaced the igniter and it hasn't changed anything. The cap, rotor and plugs wires are new. My info says to check for an open in the BLU wire between the igniter unit and the tachometer or the A/T control unit if there is no continuity. The car doesn't have a tach. What and where is the A/T control unit. Please if anyone can help?:confused::confused:
TxGreaseMonkey
Jan 11, 2009, 01:56 PM
. Disconnect the BLU (tachometer) wire going to the ignitor--it may be grounding out. This is a possibility, not a high probability, however.
. Replace the coil and ensure the female connnectors to the ignitor are clean and tight. I place very little faith in bench testing coils and ignitors. I've seen too many test okay that don't work.
. Coat the back of the new ignitor with a thin, even coat of heat-transfer silicone grease; otherwise, it won't last long.
If the problem persists, one or more sensors (CKP, CYL, or TDC) inside the distributor are bad, which are unserviceable. I only recommend replacing the distributor housing with a Genuine Honda part--way too many problems with aftermarket distributors for Hondas.
TxGreaseMonkey
Jan 11, 2009, 02:26 PM
Check the first "bullet."
91 civic
Jan 11, 2009, 02:40 PM
Do you mean to disconnect the BLU wire and then try to start it. Since the car does not have a tach, does that BLU wire go to the A/T control unit. There isn't any continuity from that wire to ground like Chilton and ALLDATA says there should be. Do you know what the A/T control unit is?
TxGreaseMonkey
Jan 11, 2009, 02:46 PM
Yes, disconnect the BLU wire from the ignitor and try to start the engine. The BLU wire is used to drive a hand-held tachometer, which is used to set idle rpm. Its comes out behind the driver's-side strut tower. It's buried in a bundle of wires. It does not go to the A/T Control Unit.
The A/T Control Unit likely = the Transmission Control Unit (computer).
TxGreaseMonkey
Jan 11, 2009, 02:52 PM
Ignitor and coils need to be replaced every 120,000 miles or 10 years, whichever comes first, in this generation of Hondas. These are two of the most problematic components on these cars. This is "bread and butter" repair work for most Honda dealers, likely doing several a day.
91 civic
Jan 11, 2009, 03:25 PM
I disconnected that BLU wire and tried to start it but it still will not run. I think its time to replace the coil and give it another try. Thanks for the help