Hello,
I have a 96 Civic EX Manual tranny. A few weeks ago the car went through a puddle (unavoidable, it was after Fay in Florida). Almost imideatly the check engine light came on and engine ran rough. After a while the CEL went out, and car ran smoother, but misfired once in a while. Today, the car died at a stop light, and now won't start. I checked under the hood, found one plug wire bad (pulled right out with out the rest of it coming with). I replaced all the plug wires, plugs, distributor cap and rotor button. Still have the same result, no start. I pulled one of the plugs to check for spark, no-go. I assume the problem is with the ignition module and/or coil, but would like to narrow it down before just shotgunning and replacing both. Any suggestions?


Jesse

It may be an over-stressed coil, due to the condition of the bad spark plug wire. Due to the age of the car, however, I would replace both the ICM and coil:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-t...tml#post265896

I have already priced those at advanced autoparts, around $170 for both I think... the car has 215,000 +/- on it, and those have not been replaced to my knowledge... could this also be related/caused by the engine getting wet? The car is at work (I work at an airport in a large hangar, all my tools are there) so I won't be able to do anything till tomorrow. Would you say best bet to just go the parts, put them in and see what happens? I appreciate your quick response to the question.
Another quick question for you... I read your write up on the ECUs going bad, and noticed you mentioned up to model year 1994. Did honda fix that problem in later models?

I love my civic, and want to drive it for many years to come if possible

Jesse

Check the prices at RockAuto.com. The TEC coils are OEM for a fraction of Honda's price.

I don't know if Honda fixed the problem with capacitors in later model Hondas or not. I have seen many ECMs on Hondas go bad. I don't often know exactly what went bad, however.

I would get the parts and put them in, especially if the CEL comes on and goes off normally, when the ignition switch is turned to ON.

Be sure and take a test light or multimeter and check all under-dash and under-hood fuses. Pay particular attention to the ACG (S) (ALT) fuse, in the under-dash fuse box. Flood waters often knocks out alternators. Are you sure your's is okay? This fuse affects spark, as well as the alternator.

I did check the fuses for the ignition and the fuel pump, ill check the rest tomorrow.

Thanks again for your help, ill let you know what happens.

Okay.

Clean the main ECM ground, located on the thermostat housing, and reset the ECM, by pulling the 7.5 amp BACK UP fuse in the under-hood fuse box for 10 seconds.

I got the coil and ICM today, took the origionals to the place just to make sure I got the right ones the first time. They tested the ICM, and it was indead bad, they didn't have a way to check the coil, but I got a new one anyway. Put the parts in, the car started on the first crank, better than I remember. Can't wait to get it out on the road to check the way it runs, but I bet it wi be tip top. Also going to hook my laptop up to the OBDII port and check if any codes come up or not.

Thanks for your very quick and accurate help.


Jesse

Good job! You just saved yourself a bundle.