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-   -   1990 civic LX will not start (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=297888)

  • Jan 1, 2009, 04:09 PM
    buckI
    1990 civic LX will not start
    Hi, I have a 1990 civic LX that will not start. I checked on a similar question thread on this website and followed the diagnostic steps mentioned in the following link.
    I got the ICU checked at autozone and they said it was bad. So I replaced it. The car still won't start.

    https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-t...les-46563.html


    Then I performed the K-test and got zero to no voltage on the +ve terminal of the MAP sensor. So I went to the next step i.e. the cofirmation, but when I pulled the D terminal on the ECU, the #19 slot was empty. I am cofused. I did pull the connector from the ECU like advised but it has the following slots empty: 5,15,19,32

    Please advice
  • Jan 1, 2009, 05:08 PM
    TxGreaseMonkey

    Does the Check Engine Light come on and stay on, when the ignition switch is turned to ON? If the answer is no, then the ECM (computer) is likely fine. If yes, then the ECM is likely bad, particularly if confirmed by the K-Test. Don't worry about the confirming test.
  • Jan 2, 2009, 08:10 AM
    buckI

    The check engine light comes on and then turns off.
    One more thing I noticed. Before removing the ECM I replaced the ICU. When the switch was turned to on, the CEL would come on then go off, and the led on the ECM would keep blinking. I counted it to go up to 30 and then turned the key off. I thought it was blinking to say that it was alive. After I removed the ECM from the car and then plugged it back in, the ECM light only comes on momentarily when the switch is turned to on. It does not blink any more.
  • Jan 2, 2009, 08:25 AM
    TxGreaseMonkey

    Sounds like the ECM is okay. I would replace the coil, since you already replaced the Ignition Control Module.
  • Jan 12, 2009, 03:41 PM
    buckI
    Well, I ordered a complete new distributor from the car parts warehouse.com and finally after a fortnight I got it! I installed it in my civic and cranked it. For a split second it look like it was going to take off, but then nothing. I tried a few more times and gave up. I could smell gasoline which made me wonder if I flooded the engine? I also pulled out the lead of #1 spark plug, stuck an old plug in it and checked if the new distributor was providing the spark. It is working!
    The fuel filter looked like it was the one that came with the car! So I replaced that too. Waiting for the battery to charge up so I can try crank it one more time before getting it towed.
    Not sure what else to check. Any help is greatly appreciated.

    Thanks.
  • Jan 12, 2009, 05:16 PM
    TxGreaseMonkey

    Try replacing the old distributor and installing the coil from the new distributor, if the new distributor was not a Genuine Honda part. We have had many problems on this site with new aftermarket distributors for Hondas not working. The problem is with one or more of the sensors in the distributor. Aftermarket ICMs and coils, however, have been fine. Just a thought, before having it towed.
  • Jan 13, 2009, 10:32 AM
    buckI

    After posting my last message, I went back put my car together and then gave it one final crank, 5-10 secs. It must have felt eternally long, but at the end of it I heard the beating of the car. It finally started up :)
    I think it may have been the coil or some other connection in the old distributor.
    Thank you all for your help.
  • Jan 13, 2009, 10:43 AM
    TxGreaseMonkey

    Good job.

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