Hi I have a 92 honda civic dx and yesterday my car ran just fine until I pressure washed under the hood to try to remove some of the dirt under there. The car was turned off while I pressure washed under the hood and when I was done I started the car up and it ran for all of 3 seconds. Before I could get to the exit of the car wash the car stopped and wouldn't started back up. So I pushed it off to the side and let it set over night to dry. But it still won't start. When I turn the key the car turns over and wants to start but doesn't. If any one could might possibly know what could be wrong your feedback would be greatly appreciated. My dad just bought me this car and its my only means of transportation and I really need some expert help. Thank you

I am unsure if this is it or not but my ex-fiance used to have a 94' Honda Civic and it did the same thing. It was raining for days on end one week last summer and she went through a puddle and the car died. Wouldn't start for like 3 days.

It turns out the distributor cap was loose (actually a blot broke) so water was getting in and not allowing the spark needed to start the car.

What I suggest is taking the cap off, drying it, refastening it, starting your car!

Good Luck and let me know

Rick

. Remove the distributor cap and dry it out. Spray the inside of the cap with WD-40 to displace any moisture, wiping the excess off with a clean, soft rag. Open the hood and allow everything to dry out. This link may help:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-trucks/faq-how-troubleshoot-repair-maintain-hondas-selected-other-vehicles-46563-5.html#post520809

. Check all under hood and under dash fuses with a test light or multimeter:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-trucks/faq-how-troubleshoot-repair-maintain-hondas-selected-other-vehicles-46563-3.html#post252145

Be very thorough, since it will save you a lot of time and money. Particularly check the ACG (S) (ALT) fuse in the under dash fuse box.

. Tips to keep your Civic going strong, once you get it running:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-trucks/faq-how-troubleshoot-repair-maintain-hondas-selected-other-vehicles-46563.html#post219991

Unfortunately, you learned an important lesson about modern-day vehicles the hard way. Never hose off the engine compartment--it's too easy to short out the ECM, alternator, and a host of sensors. It's best to spot clean by hand.

I am unsure if this is it or not but my ex-fiance used to have a 94' Honda Civic and it did the same thing. It was raining for days on end one week last summer and she went through a puddle and the car died. Wouldnt start for like 3 days.

It turns out the distributor cap was loose (actually a blot broke) so water was getting in and not allowing the spark needed to start the car.

What I suggest is taking the cap off, drying it, refastening it, starting your car!

Good Luck and let me know

Rick

I tried this and it still won't start

. Remove the distributor cap and dry it out. Spray the inside of the cap with WD-40 to displace any moisture, wiping the excess off with a clean, soft rag. Open the hood and allow everything to dry out. This link may help:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-trucks/faq-how-troubleshoot-repair-maintain-hondas-selected-other-vehicles-46563-5.html#post520809

. Check all under hood and under dash fuses with a test light or multimeter:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-trucks/faq-how-troubleshoot-repair-maintain-hondas-selected-other-vehicles-46563-3.html#post252145

Be very thorough, since it will save you a lot of time and money. Particularly check the ACG (S) (ALT) fuse in the under dash fuse box.

. Tips to keep your Civic going strong, once you get it running:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-trucks/faq-how-troubleshoot-repair-maintain-hondas-selected-other-vehicles-46563.html#post219991

Unfortunately, you learned an important lesson about modern-day vehicles the hard way. Never hose off the engine compartment--it's too easy to short out the ECM, alternator, and a host of sensors. It's best to spot clean by hand.


I also tried this and its still not starting

Does the Check Engine Light come on and then go off, when the ignition switch is turned to ON (Position II)?

Hi i have a 92 honda civic dx i pressure washed under the hood and now the car wont start. I ve let it sit to dry, used wd 40, starting fluid, etc. Still no start. When i turn the key the car turns over very well just wont start. I also checked the spark plugs by grounding one to check for a spark and i got no spark at all. So i am wondering if the ignition control is bad or is the coil pack, crank censor , or spark plugs and wires just bad. IF ANY ONE KNOWS YOUR FEED BACK WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Does the Check Engine Light come on and then go off, when the ignition switch is turned to ON (Position II)?

Yes it does

Next, I would replace the Ignition Control Module (ICM) and coil:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-trucks/faq-how-troubleshoot-repair-maintain-hondas-selected-other-vehicles-46563-4.html#post265896

This is the ideal time to replace the rotor, distributor cap, and spark plug wires. Remember, replace one wire at a time, so that you don't really mess things up.

Next, I would replace the Ignition Control Module (ICM) and coil:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-trucks/faq-how-troubleshoot-repair-maintain-hondas-selected-other-vehicles-46563-4.html#post265896

Where is the ignition control module located and should I replace the whole coil pack or just the coil

Read the link provided--the ICM is inside the distributor. You have a coil, not a coil pack. It's likely located outside the distributor, on your model Civic.

Read the link provided--the ICM is inside the distributor. You have a coil, not a coil pack. It's likely located outside the distributor, on your model Civic.


I checked both and they are sound but I did notice when I start my car the rotor in the distributor is not turning what would possibly cause that?

Broken timing belt. They should be changed every 90,000 miles or 7 years, whichever comes first.