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View Full Version : 1992 Civic DX - no start, have spark


big_e131
Feb 25, 2010, 11:56 AM
It has been ~3 weeks since my '92 Civic started last. I parked it in the garage with a heater inside to dry it out as the carpet was wet, left that in for ~2-3 hours, removed. Car was left for 1 week in the garage and when I tried to start it again it would crank but not turn over.

I checked the spark, had none. I have since replaced the distributor cap, ignition coil, ICM, rotor and plugs. After this, I had a bright blue/white spark from plug 1 but still no start.

I then checked the fuel pump - I heard it come on when the CEL light comes on on the dashboard. The CEL goes out, fuel pump stops. I loosened the bolt connecting to the fuel rail and when I turn the car to the "ON" position, fuel sprays out around the loosened bolt. In addition to that, the spark plugs smell like gas and are wet when removed.

I can feel and hear the main relay click when it's supposed to (ON, Start, ON). I removed it to check the solders and one or two had small cracks. I re-soldered them, put the main relay back and it does the same clicks.

I have apprx. 5 Volts at the MAP sensor, I have cleaned the ground on the thermostat to make sure it is getting a good ground.

I have checked all fuses with a multimeter, replaced the 1 that I had found blown (7.5 V, "Back Up" under hood, near battery)

I am fresh out of ideas as to what this may be, any suggestions would be very much appreciated.

[Before it quit, I noticed at times when I was driving, specifically in the rain, the speedo would stop working. Not sure if it is related/important. The car does have a leak in the drivers side fender, top corner that I need to repair]

TxGreaseMonkey
Feb 25, 2010, 12:14 PM
It sounds like the internal distributor sensors (CKP, CYP, and TDC) are bad. Since they are unserviceable, replace the distributor housing (genuine Honda only). Transfer your new ICM, coil, rotor, and cap to the new housing. Here's how to replace the distributor:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-trucks/faq-how-troubleshoot-repair-maintain-hondas-selected-other-vehicles-46563-4.html#post288473

Be sure you applied heat transfer compound to the back of the ICM. All of this will take about an hour and then your Civic will fire right up.

big_e131
Mar 12, 2010, 04:32 PM
You were right, once I installed the new distributor (complete with new cap/rotor/ICM/ignition coil) it started right up after the flooded engine was cleared

**anyone that replaces the distributor, if it still does not start make sure to clear the engine of flooding, it saves frusteration, anger, and a $45 tow to a shop where a mechanic does it in 10 seconds**

HOWEVER, now the speedometer/temperature gauge/odometer/turn signals will not function. I would have thought the whole instrument panel had quit but the fuel gauge seems to be working still.

Do you have any possible suggestions to this problem?

TxGreaseMonkey
Mar 12, 2010, 05:30 PM
. Speedometer and Odometer Problem. It's likely a blown under dash fuse, possibly Fuse No. 12 (15 A). Regardless, check all under dash and under hood 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 a lot of time and money.

. Temperature Gauge Problem. Read the link below:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-trucks/faq-how-troubleshoot-repair-maintain-hondas-selected-other-vehicles-46563-11.html#post2043857

. Turning Signal Problem. Remove the turn signal/hazard relay from the under dash fuse/relay box. Inspect the relay holder terminals to be sure they are all making good contact. If the terminals look OK, the turn signal/hazard relay may be faulty. Test whether the hazard lights work or not. If the problem persists, check/replace the combination light switch.

big_e131
Mar 12, 2010, 07:01 PM
Turns out that it was the 7.5 Amp fuse beside fuse #12, the previous owner had done something to widen the area where that fuse plugs in, it practically fell out when I touched it. I widened the fuses contacts with tinfoil as a temporary fix and everything works fine now.

TxGreaseMonkey: thank you for all your help, people like you that take the time to help the general public make a huge difference in this day and age.

TxGreaseMonkey
Mar 12, 2010, 07:11 PM
You don't want to use tin foil! Instead, take a pair of pliers and slightly twist the contacts. They will then fit snugly. Have it so they look like this, after cleaning them with abrasive cloth:

\
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Here are some significant maintenance tips to keep your Civic on the road for 300,000 miles:

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