It is -10C and my 4 cylinder Honda won't start. It turns over like crazy, but will not fire. The fuel tanks is 3/4 full. The main relay seems to click twice when going from the off position to the start position and is located under the dash by the steering column. This is the second time in a week that this has happened. Last time it just fixed itself as I tried to start it a half dozen times over 2 days and then it just started. It has run for a week without any problems, until today when it would not start again. What is my next thought? I am about 70 miles from a Honda dealer and if I can trouble shoot it myself I would just go and pick up the parts from them instead of having to tow it that far.

If the Check Engine Light comes on for two seconds and then goes out, when the ignition switch is turned to ON (Position II), then I would replace the Ignition Control Module (ICM) and coil:

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

If the problem persists, after changing the ICM and coil, replace the distributor housing only with one made by Honda. Over 50% of new aftermarket distributors for Hondas have not worked at AMHD. It's fine to install an aftermarket ICM and coil in the Honda distributor housing. Here's how to do it yourself:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-t...tml#post288473

Quote:

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Originally Posted by TxGreaseMonkey

If the Check Engine Light comes on for two seconds and then goes out, when the ignition switch is turned to ON (Position II), then I would replace the Ignition Control Module (ICM) and coil:

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

If the problem persists, after changing the ICM and coil, replace the distributor housing only with one made by Honda. Over 50% of new aftermarket distributors for Hondas have not worked at AMHD. It's fine to install an aftermarket ICM and coil in the Honda distributor housing. Here's how to do it yourself:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-t...tml#post288473

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Thanks for the advise. I tested for spark and only got spark on 2 of the spark plugs. The proceeded to check the distributor cap and rotor. Lo and behold there was a bunch of crust built up on the contact points in the distrubutor. I cleaned them off, reinstalled the distributor cap and the car fired right up with spark on all 4 plugs... Thanks for all the help!! Hope that this may help someone as well...

You might find this of interest:

Distributor cap, rotor--Replace every 60,000 miles. I prefer BWD distributor caps and rotors. Besides coming with a lifetime warranty, BWD distributor caps have brass contacts inside, which don't corrode and erode as fast as the aluminum contacts on Honda distributor caps.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by TxGreaseMonkey

You might find this of interest:

Distributor cap, rotor--Replace every 60,000 miles. I prefer BWD distributor caps and rotors. Besides coming with a lifetime warranty, BWD distributor caps have brass contacts inside, which don't corrode and erode as fast as the aluminum contacts on Honda distributor caps.

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Thanks for the advise. I'll be sure to get one of these new caps... thx again!!

When you install the new distributor cap, coat the O-ring with silicone grease, if you have some. At least make sure the O-ring is properly installed.