View Full Version : 91 hard start when damp. Checked relay and no codes
vladio
Sep 30, 2010, 02:36 PM
My 91 civic has become hard to start. It began early summer when it got hot. Now it's cooled off and damp, sometimes it won't start at all. Today was a good example. It rain heavy today and is damp/cool. I went out and hopped in, turned the iginition and nothing but cranking. I did notice after a few moments of trying that the crank would speed up like it was trying. I pulled the relay and reheated all the connections. I also flushed it out with electronics parts cleaner and hit it with compressed air. I feel all three clicks like was suggested. I then removed the throttle body cover and gave it a small shot of gum out. Still nothing. I then checked the ecu and am only getting the "hello" blink. I then pulled a plug wire and had someone crank it and got spark. I smelled the tailpipe while it was cranking and smell gas. I then pulled a spark plug and had someone crank it again just to recheck. I saw spark but it almost started. I put the plug back and it then cranked for a little while before finally starting. When It did start it really sputtered and was slow at first but then evened out and is running fine. I really don't think it's the relay but could use some advice.
TxGreaseMonkey
Sep 30, 2010, 02:51 PM
. 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
. Replace the distributor cap and rotor, if they have not been replaced in 60,000 miles. Ensure the O-ring on the distributor cap is coated with silicone grease, to help seal out moisture.
vladio
Sep 30, 2010, 04:51 PM
I just replaced the cap, rotor and plugs. Didn't make a difference. It still cranks for quite some time and then starts slow by sputtering then after a couple seconds gets up to normal idling speed.
TxGreaseMonkey
Sep 30, 2010, 05:02 PM
I'd focus on the ICM, coil, and ECM (perform K-Test).
vladio
Sep 30, 2010, 05:31 PM
I take it none of these will throw a code?
TxGreaseMonkey
Sep 30, 2010, 05:37 PM
Not usually. If it could only be that easy.
vladio
Sep 30, 2010, 05:44 PM
Lol, thanks so much for your help!
vladio
Sep 30, 2010, 06:04 PM
Quick question... Is the ICM you're referring to what Toyota calls an ignitor? I used to work for Toyo as a parts man for 11 years and from time to time we would sell these. However, they usually either worked or not. I don't remember ever having one that that worked other wise. If so, is honda's different whereas there's levels of how well it works?
Thank you.
TxGreaseMonkey
Sep 30, 2010, 06:13 PM
Yes, with Hondas it's almost never an either/or proposition with igniters. Testing igniters and coils is virtually useless, since they do not adequately simulate the heat associated with actual use. Igniters are very problematic on Hondas. I recommend replacing them, and coils, every 120,000 miles or 10 years, whichever comes first. It's cheap insurance for reliability.
If your CEL comes on and goes off after 2 seconds, when the ignition switch is turned to ON (Position II), then the ECM is likely fine. If that's the case, most problems after that involve the igniter and/or coil. These are bread and butter repairs at most Honda dealers.