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    irishtommy's Avatar
    irishtommy Posts: 5, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Feb 9, 2010, 02:54 PM
    My 97 civic won't start HELP!
    MY 1997 Honda Civic 1.4 Hatchback won't start it tries to turn over but won't please help !
    TxGreaseMonkey's Avatar
    TxGreaseMonkey Posts: 16,761, Reputation: 5597
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    #2

    Feb 9, 2010, 03:03 PM

    Perform tests in Sections 1 and 2 of the Sticky:

    https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-t...les-46563.html
    irishtommy's Avatar
    irishtommy Posts: 5, Reputation: 1
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    #3

    Feb 9, 2010, 03:10 PM
    Forgot to mention that also the oil light is on and the oil seems runnier than it should ?
    irishtommy's Avatar
    irishtommy Posts: 5, Reputation: 1
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    #4

    Feb 9, 2010, 03:16 PM

    The CEL goes on and of and I can hear the fuel pump click ?
    TxGreaseMonkey's Avatar
    TxGreaseMonkey Posts: 16,761, Reputation: 5597
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    #5

    Feb 9, 2010, 03:29 PM

    The CEL going on and off normally says the ECM is fine. The problem, therefore, is likely with the distributor. I assume you have no spark.

    The oil light will likely go out after the engine starts.
    TxGreaseMonkey's Avatar
    TxGreaseMonkey Posts: 16,761, Reputation: 5597
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    #6

    Feb 9, 2010, 03:31 PM

    Assuming there's no spark, I would replace the Ignition Control Module (ICM) and coil:

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

    If the problem persists, replace the distributor housing with only a genuine Honda product and install the new ICM and coil in it, to keep the cost down:

    https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-t...tml#post288473
    irishtommy's Avatar
    irishtommy Posts: 5, Reputation: 1
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    #7

    Feb 9, 2010, 03:32 PM

    OK illl be honest I don't know a lot about mechanics I'm only 17 how do I check if I have spark and is a new distributor expensive ? I really apriciat the help
    TxGreaseMonkey's Avatar
    TxGreaseMonkey Posts: 16,761, Reputation: 5597
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    #8

    Feb 9, 2010, 03:36 PM

    Perform the standard spark test; i.e. remove a spark plug wire and attach it to a properly gapped spark plug, touch the plug to a convenient ground, and observe the spark, while someone cranks the engine. Look for a good, solid spark.
    TxGreaseMonkey's Avatar
    TxGreaseMonkey Posts: 16,761, Reputation: 5597
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    #9

    Feb 9, 2010, 03:41 PM

    Once you get your car running again, my advice is to only use 5W-30 full-synthetic engine oil; e.g. Mobil 1 or Pennzoil Platinum.

    https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-t...ml#post2162069

    It will keep your engine out of trouble and help avoid expensive engine work. It's best to learn this early in life.
    irishtommy's Avatar
    irishtommy Posts: 5, Reputation: 1
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    #10

    Feb 9, 2010, 03:50 PM

    Thanks loads for the help I hope this sorts it : ) really apriciate it
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