Ask Me Help Desk - 1990 civic won't fire

HI:
My 1990 honda civic would have the battery light on occasionally for a few minutes... figured the alternator was going bad. Then a couple of weeks later the headlights started surging to some degree. I figured the voltage regulator was ready to go... then I was at a light and the car started to idle badly and died. Now it will turn over but, won't fire at all. Disconnected the fuel supply line at firewall and it is pumping fuel so the fuel pump is good. Checked the 50 amp fuses in engine compartment and the agc fuses under the dash. Took out a spark plug and it doesn't appear to be firing. If the voltage regulator or the alternator is bad would it prohibit the engine form receiving voltage?? Seems like it would get juice from the battery as it is still charged and turning the starter well. I replaced the coil several months ago, and the main relay. When I crank the car the engine light comes on for a couple of seconds and then goes of like normal. Maybe the igniter?? Where is the ECM? I guess the big question is would a bad alternator or voltage regulator keep it from firing?? Thanks to anyone out there with a suggestion:)

I think you have diagnosed the problem pretty well. I would focus on the igniter, which are notorious on Hondas for failing. The ECM is located on the passenger-side kick panel, which is covered by carpeting. If your Check Engine Light is coming on and going off after 2 seconds, then your ECM is probably fine. Yes, if the battery is fully charged, then the alternator/voltage regulator is not going to prevent the ignition system from receiving current. The battery light coming on was likely a function of the engine laboring and rpm dropping, probably due to a failing igniter. Heat is what usually causes igniters to fail. Make sure to apply silicone dielectric grease on the back of the new igniter, or the back of the old igniter if it checks out OK, and the four terminals. The igniter is mounted on a steel heat-sink inside the distributor.

Howdy:
Thanks a lot for getting back so soon. Well, it turns out the 13 month old Advance autoparts coil was dead. The oem went for 14 years theirs for 14 months. I just couldn't believe it would be the coil. I have a 90 civic also and switched the igniters and the 91 was still dead. So I took a long shot and replaced the coil... VIOLA... She started right up. I guess instead of buying a new coil... I should have went to the junk yard and saved some money the first time around... it might have been better quality. Sorry to be so nasty , but I wasted a lot of time and sweat on this one.:confused:

Quote:

Originally Posted by kalakaua

HI:
I replaced the coil several months ago, and the main relay.

Since you mentioned you had just replaced the coil, I assumed your existing coil was good. Don't assume the Advance Auto coil was bad. In fact, it may be symtomatic that there is a problem in your high voltage circuit and your new coil will meet the same fate. You may need to replace your spark plug wires, rotor, and distributor cap. High voltage may be finding the path of least resistance to be your coil. Check it out.