I have an 89 civic 1.5L 4door manual.

It will randomly die while driving - doesn't matter if engine is at 3,000rpm going 50mph or 600 stopped at a light. Sometimes it'll start right back up, other times it'll take 5 minutes of cranking to get it to go again.

the 2 weeks prior, I would get very small jerks from time to time like the engine just lost power but then regained it. It wouldn't last for more the 1/2 a second.


Any ideas? Replaced ignition coil, didn't fix. New distributor cap/plugs/wires - didn't fix.


I need to get this fixed in the next 2 days, because I have to go on a trip Friday

I would replace the igniter and main relay, neither of which is expensive. Because of the age of the Civic, both need to be replaced from a preventive maintenance standpoint anyway. I feel this should cure your problem. If you haven't replaced your fuel filter in the last 60,000 miles, I recommend you replace it, too. Remove your coil, in order to give you more room to work on the igniter inside the distributor. Remember to apply the silicone grease, which normally comes with the igniter, to the back of the new igniter, which mounts to a heat sink, and lightly coat each of the 4 terminals.

I would replace the igniter and main relay, neither of which is expensive. Because of the age of the Civic, both need to be replaced from a preventive maintenance standpoint anyway. I feel this should cure your problem. If you haven't replaced your fuel filter in the last 60,000 miles, I recommend you replace it, too. Remove your coil, in order to give you more room to work on the igniter inside the distributor. Remember to apply the silicone grease, which normally comes with the igniter, to the back of the new igniter, which mounts to a heat sink, and lightly coat each of the 4 terminals.


Did this solve your problem? My 91 is doing the same thing.

How hard is this "Ignitor" to change never heard of it, and where is the main relay located?

biohazardbill, see the link below:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-trucks/faq-how-troubleshoot-repair-maintain-honda-civics-46563-4.html#post265896

The main relay is located on the driver's side kick panel, next to the hood release. Remove the fuse box cover and the lower dash panel for access. Turn ignition switch on and off and listen for the click, to help you locate it.