I have a 95 Honda Civic. When I turn the key to the # 1 position, the cel does not light up. It will light up only when key turned all the way and attempting to start the car. I have checked the Alt (s) 15amp fuse and it is fine. I am thinking that it is the main relay but do not want to purchase another if it is not. Please help me out. This is my only veh and it is very much needed. There is spark! And you can hear the fuel pump engage.

See if this helps:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-trucks/faq-how-troubleshoot-repair-maintain-hondas-selected-other-vehicles-46563-4.html#post291477

Checked all under hood fuses. All OK

TxGreaseMonkey, I really wish you were in Austin Texas. I have read a lot of your post and your great. I checked all fuses under hood and under dash. Everything looks good. You can hear the fuel pump ingage and there is spark. I know it is electrical, just a matter of finding which relay/fuse is the culprit. Could it also be the ignition itself? Help please

Did you test all under hood and under dash fuses with a test light or multimeter?

. Perform K-Test on the ECM, after cleaning the main ECM ground:

The K-Test: Remove the MAP Sensor connector and turn the ignition switch to ON (Position II). Using a multimeter, check for 5 volts going between the MAP Sensor connector's reference wire (+) and ground. As you look at the connector, this is the socket on the right. Really press the black test lead into a cleaned main ECM ground on the thermostat housing. If the voltage is low, it's probably indicating ECM failure. Most failed ECMs will record a fraction of a volt. To me, the K-Test is simple, elegant, and accurate.


. Check the ignition switch for wear, pitting, or melting:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-trucks/faq-how-troubleshoot-repair-maintain-hondas-selected-other-vehicles-46563-2.html#post224652

The CEL should come on for 2 seconds and then go out, when the ignition switch is turned to Position II, not Position I. If you performed the CEL test incorrectly, at first, confirm that the CEL comes on for 2 seconds and then goes out, when the ignition switch is turned to Position II. If it does, I suspect the Ignition Control Module (ICM) and coil should be replaced. You may have spark but the ICM may not be firing at the proper time. Here's how to replace the ICM and coil:

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

In position I, II there are no lights. The only lights are when it is turned completely and you are trying to start it. It will try to start but never turn over. As long as you hold the key in full position it will attempt to start, ignition only, but will never kick in.

So sorry, but, what is ECM in plain Jane language?

ECM or Engine Control Module is the computer.

It's sounding more and more like the ignition switch may be bad.

Did you use a test light or multimeter to test all fuses?

I need to go get a test light. Will test everything then. I have a friend that is going to run a diagnostic on it and see what codes show up. Thank you so very much for your help. You are truly a blessing. I will keep you posted and let you know what is happening

Since you have an OBD-I Civic, you can't use a code reader to check for codes. Here's how you do it for your car:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-trucks/faq-how-troubleshoot-repair-maintain-hondas-selected-other-vehicles-46563-6.html#post832012

Be very thorough when you check the fuses, since it will save a lot of time and money.

Did you fix your car?

My 1995 Honda Civic was running and when I put it in drive it went forward but then it cut off and now it won't start. I will turn over but it won't start. I have checked all fuses inside and outside. What else could it be.

Perform tests, in Sections 1 and 2, below:

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

Could this problem be the cylinoid wire in the transmission? Everything else is checking out. Ignition, relays, fuses, all OK

No.

Have you checked the ignition switch for wear and pitting? Did you check for any codes?