1998 Honda Civic will not start
1998 Honda Civic DX
1.6L 4-cylinder
Automatic transmission
160,509 miles
1. When this problem first began, the engine would crank, but would not start, until I quit turning the ignition key. In other words, crank crank crank for a minute or less, quit turning ignition key, car then starts. Car would run for a minute or two, then die. Repeat process, the same thing happened.
2. Now, car will not start at all. When I carry out the above procedure, the car will crank, but will sometimes diesel (but not for long) or attempt to start after I quit turning the ignition key . But it does not start as before in number one.
3. Sometimes after cranking, I can smell gas.
4. Sometimes when I quit cranking it (quit turning ignition key) it makes a funny sound, but I cannot really describe it. I may be able to borrow a digital recorder and post the sound, if it would be helpful.
I have tested the wires and plugs for spark and there is none.
I have also tried a new ignition coil and it made no difference.
This car had a full tune up a few months ago (sometime in 2008).