View Full Version : 1990 honda civic lx..
nzunker
Nov 9, 2011, 03:16 PM
I was driving to work and my engine just stopped. I went to try and start it and nothing. It just turns over, but won't start. I checked the fuel line and pump and they are fine. I checked the distributor and spark plugs and those are also fine.. I'm not sure what else it could be? Any ideas? Please help.
odinn7
Nov 9, 2011, 03:29 PM
Have you checked the timing belt?
When you say you checked the distributor and the fuel pump, what do you mean by that? How did you check them?
nzunker
Nov 9, 2011, 03:35 PM
No I haven't checked the timing belt.. when I checked the distributor I did the screw driver trick and literally shocked myself.. and for the fuel line I disconnected it and had my fiancé try to start the car and it shot fuel everywhere so its getting fuel.
TxGreaseMonkey
Nov 9, 2011, 03:38 PM
If the CEL comes on for 2 seconds and then goes out, when the ignition switch is turned to Position II, then the problem is distributor related. Usually, replacing the Ignition Control Module (ICM) and coil solves the problem. This also assumes the T-Belt is fine--remove the oil filler cap and make sure the camshaft rotates, when someone else cranks the starter motor. Because the ICM is likely shot, you may have spark but it's not really firing when the ECM needs it to.
odinn7
Nov 9, 2011, 03:42 PM
Check the timing belt and make sure it's OK... beyond that, I would go with what TxGreaseMonkey said.
nzunker
Nov 9, 2011, 04:17 PM
Okay well the CEL does come on and then goes off.. and I just checked the belt and its good.
nzunker
Nov 9, 2011, 04:30 PM
And where is the ICM located?
nzunker
Nov 9, 2011, 04:51 PM
OK I got my distributor cap off and I'm looking at but what do I pull off next?
nzunker
Nov 9, 2011, 07:17 PM
Well I went and got a new rotor and cap for the distributor because there was some damage.. and it still didn't start..
TxGreaseMonkey
Nov 9, 2011, 07:22 PM
Did you replace the ICM and coil?
nzunker
Nov 9, 2011, 07:33 PM
No I was hoping this was the prob but it wasn't.. so how much is the ICM and coil going to run me?
TxGreaseMonkey
Nov 9, 2011, 07:39 PM
$50 for the ICM and $58 for the coil. It's best to replace them at the same time. However, if you want to go budget and take your chances, try replacing the ICM first. It is the most likely culprit.