I've read countless posts on this exact issue but I want to make sure I have it all.

I got back from a week long vacation and when I went out this morning for work, the car would not start. :confused: this is my daily driver so I need to fix it ASAP! :(

It cranks forever but will not start. I changed the plugs, cap & rotor, got the coil tested but Autozone didn't have the directions to test the ICM. I didn't want to really only on my own multimeter tests.

So, Im at a loss. I tried shooting starting fluid in, I tried jump starting it with my other car but nothing. It HAS spark, I CAN smell fuel, but It just cranks.

Any Ideas?

Thanks. :o

Try the alternator.

Thanks for the reply. Wouldn't the alternator be bypassed if I try to jumpstart? I mean it makes sense in other situations Ive been in but I wonder if the alternator could go "just like that" all of the sudden. My intitial thought after reading posts was ICM, but it has spark.

Dumbfounded.

Just what is an Alternator??

This is the best article about just what is an alternator and just what does it do. Basically your car will start as you have spark, etc. but the alternator keeps it running as it basically is an electric motor. Please read and you'll see why I am pointing at the alternator.

Also has this car's alternator been changed since it was new? I've had alternators die and others sort of fade out and then die. A smaller car like yours would probably drop dead right away versus linger and then die.

Thanks! I'll check out the article.

Your alternator will NOT prevent your car from starting.

Check your main relay. When you turn on your key you should hear 2 clicks from under you dash. One energizes your system and 2nd powers up your fuel pump. It is a common area that goes bad on Civics. If not that, I would say to change the ignitor in your ignition system.

Thanks guys. Funny... anyway, I am about to go out and see what's happening.. I knew I understood alternators from the 60's & 70's cars, and that huge article proved it. I just learned that we got about 4" of rain while I was gone, are there any "common" underhood connections that fail due to moisture?

Oh yeah, and would any distibutor problems such as (ignitor) coil? Or ICM still give me spark? I didn't think it would...

You could have a flakey ignitor. I have one check out good at autozone, replaced everything except that. Rechecked it and still checked out good. Replaced it anyway and it fixed the problem.

Puzzled the heck out of me. Took it back and checked it one more time and still tested out good. Put it in another Civic just for kicks and giggles, and you guessed it, it would not start. BTW: There is some stickys at the main page all about Honda's and testing their components. Although I don't agree with all of his advice, his testing procedures are spot on. Give them a gander...

Are you sure this car isn't just flooded?

I had a similar issue once with my civic, it kicked back while turning over and flooded itself then refused to fire - just cranked forever and never went. It still sparked and you could smell fuel.

The solution was to clamp pliers on the fuel hose behind the engine and turn it over until it started to fire, then release the clamp so the fuel flowed freely again. It starts and smokes for a bit while it burns off the unburnt fuel but it'll soon clear and would be fine from then on.

Its not always a complicated solution, may be worth a try in this case.

I had a similar problem with my vehicle. Check the fuel injector and filter. Have someone try to crank the car, put your ear right next to the gas tank, if you hear a humming noise the filter is fine. If not spend 12 bucks and change it. My husband checked the injector first, but I have no advice on how to check it.