I am having problems with getting my 1994 Honda Civic EX to start. I am getting no spark at the spark plugs, but I am getting fuel to them. I have read through the FAQ listed in the forum on the subject. I have replaced the spark plugs, spark plug wires, rotor, distributor cap and Igniter Module. I have checked the coil resistance and found it to be in spec. I have also run the resistance checks on the sensors inside the distributor and have found them to all be in spec. I have inserted the jumper wire in the diagnostic connector to read the codes from the ECM. The response that I got was that the Check Engine Light stayed on continuously (no flashing of any kind) and the SRS light flashed steadily (no pattern for reading a number). I have removed power (disconnected battery), rerun the test, and got the same response. This condition is not identified in the Haynes manual that I am using. Can anyone provide any guidance? Sounds like the ECM is bad (not much else to replace, unless the distributor sensors can pass the resistance check and still be bad).

You are getting no spark at the spark plugs. I have to civic 92. The engine cut off after 5 to 20 minutes. We checked and found no spark at the spark plugs. We let the engine cool down or put on ice pack on the distributor for a few minutes , the spark will come back then the engine start again.
This is just a though since you checked and replace most items but not the distributor yet. Good luck.
:)

One thing I always suggest is that you find someone who has the same engine as you, and ask them to try their ECU in your car. If it works - you know you have a faulty ECU. If it acts the same way - you know your ECU is fine. Just make sure you get the same ECU (same engines use same ECUs).

One more thing you should check is to make sure the distribtor is turning while cranking the engine. If not, check the timing belt. It is possible to have fuel pressure and no spark on that engine with a broken timing belt, as the fuel pump is primed when the key is turned on.

Thanks for the replies. I have been unable to get the engine started, so it does not appear to be an issue with cooling down the distributor and sensors inside to get it to work. I have checked the distributor to make sure the shaft and rotor are spinning. With regards to the ECU, I do not have another one available to swap with. I was hoping that someone had seen the response to the diagnostic check that I described before I go out and get a new ECU.

Hi, I've had the same problem with my civic.. It has fuel but no spark... Not sure if it's the distributor or the timing belt. I replaced the cap, rotor, and resoldered the main relay. I tried shorting the circuit on the passenger side and had the same problem you had. Either we both have faulty ecus or it only works for the generation of civics before ours.

BTW, I also replaced the spark plugs. I don't want to end up replacing random parts but am not sure how to check resistance in the distributor.

The same thing has just happened to my 95 Civic EX.Parked it night before last and it wouldn't start yesterday morning.No spark.Can someone tell me where the ECU is on this model?Or make any further suggestions?

The ecu is under the carpet against the wall near the passenger side door. Just behind the glove department should be a green housing with 2 harnesses. One harness has 3 pins and the other has 2. If you get a paperclip or anything that shorts the 2 pin wire and click your ignition to "II", it should show you some error codes on the cluster. I believe it was the SRS light that flashes but one of them on the cluster will flash. Long flashes represent the first digit and the short flashes represent the second.

Here's the codes:

0: Engine Control Module


1: HO2S Or O2S


2: HO2S Or O2S{2}

VSS{1}


3: MAP Sensor


4: CKP Sensor{2} - Vacuum Switch{1}



5: MAP Sensor


6: ECT Sensor


7: TP Sensor{2}

M/T Clutch Switch Signal{1}

A/T Shift Position Signal{1}



8: TDC{2}

Ignition Coil Signal{1}


9: No. 1 Cylinder Position Sensor


10: IAT Sensor


12: EGR System


13: BARO Sensor


14: IAC Valve{2}

EACV{1}


15: Ignition Output Signal


16: Fuel Injector System


17: VSS


19: Lock-Up Solenoid Valve


20: Electric Load Detector


21: VTEC Solenoid Valve


22: VTEC Pressure Switch


23: KS


30: A/T FI Signal A


31: A/T FI Signal B


41: HO2S Heater


43: Fuel Supply System


48: HO2S{3}



Please let me know if you get any error codes because from what I've read, none of the people with our model civics have gotten any codes but they state that it'll show error codes in the service manual...

Thank you evil civic.I'll let you know what shows up asap.

Evil civic... I found the two female connectors,one 2 pin and one 3 pin in blue plastic housings in a green wrap.I tried jumping the 2 pin connector with a paper clip and got nothing in the way of a diagnostic code in the instrument cluster.Does this tell you anything?I hate to take it into the shop cause they'll probably just start installing parts.

You did turn the key to position "II" ("ON") when you jumped the 2 pins and then checked for codes?

Yes sir I did.And just this aftrnoon,replaced the ignitor.Nothing

So you're not getting any spark whatsoever? It may be a faulty ignition coil. You've only replaced the coil? I have the same problem as you right now as I'm not sure about purchasing an ignitor unit... I've ran diagnosis for the ignitor unit and it turns out that all voltage/resistance going to it is perfect...

Not the coil .The ignitor assy.That was the easiest,least expensive and best first guess I came up with.Aftermarket.I worked in a Honda dealership service dept. for about 11 years and the ignitors used to cause problems then,just in a different way.When they were failing,the engine would die until it cooled off.
I left Honda in 89 and don't have any manuals to refer to for the "later" models.Was hopeing to get back to you with good news on the ignitor ,but...
May try the coil next.Let you know.

If all the circuitry (around the igniter) tests show up good, then the igniter is most likely bad.

CroCivic91... Have you had any problems with aftermarket ignitors?
Quite a difference in price!
Aftermarket-92$
Honda/Hitachi-212$
Trouble is,didn't fix anything.:D

I haven't had any trouble with them. I found this spare igniter that had NEC written on it (forgive me if I don't know what that stands for) and it works fine in my car (Civic '90) for half a year almost. Also, my friend has the same one, and it works for over 2 years in his car (Civic '91).

Hey guys... Just wanted to let you know that a new ign. Coil solved my problem.
Thanks for your help/input.
Sincerely,copen

Can you now take your old ignition coil and run the tests in the FAQ on it, and report back what you got?