Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    nzunker's Avatar
    nzunker Posts: 7, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Nov 9, 2011, 03:16 PM
    1990 honda civic lx..
    I was driving to work and my engine just stopped. I went to try and start it and nothing. It just turns over, but won't start. I checked the fuel line and pump and they are fine. I checked the distributor and spark plugs and those are also fine.. I'm not sure what else it could be? Any ideas? Please help.
    odinn7's Avatar
    odinn7 Posts: 7,691, Reputation: 1547
    Entomology Expert
    		  
    #2

    Nov 9, 2011, 03:29 PM
    Have you checked the timing belt?

    When you say you checked the distributor and the fuel pump, what do you mean by that? How did you check them?
    nzunker's Avatar
    nzunker Posts: 7, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #3

    Nov 9, 2011, 03:35 PM
    No I haven't checked the timing belt.. when I checked the distributor I did the screw driver trick and literally shocked myself.. and for the fuel line I disconnected it and had my fiancé try to start the car and it shot fuel everywhere so its getting fuel.
    TxGreaseMonkey's Avatar
    TxGreaseMonkey Posts: 16,761, Reputation: 5597
    Uber Member
    		  
    #4

    Nov 9, 2011, 03:38 PM
    If the CEL comes on for 2 seconds and then goes out, when the ignition switch is turned to Position II, then the problem is distributor related. Usually, replacing the Ignition Control Module (ICM) and coil solves the problem. This also assumes the T-Belt is fine--remove the oil filler cap and make sure the camshaft rotates, when someone else cranks the starter motor. Because the ICM is likely shot, you may have spark but it's not really firing when the ECM needs it to.
    odinn7's Avatar
    odinn7 Posts: 7,691, Reputation: 1547
    Entomology Expert
    		  
    #5

    Nov 9, 2011, 03:42 PM
    Check the timing belt and make sure it's OK... beyond that, I would go with what TxGreaseMonkey said.
    nzunker's Avatar
    nzunker Posts: 7, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #6

    Nov 9, 2011, 04:17 PM
    Okay well the CEL does come on and then goes off.. and I just checked the belt and its good.
    nzunker's Avatar
    nzunker Posts: 7, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #7

    Nov 9, 2011, 04:30 PM
    And where is the ICM located?
    nzunker's Avatar
    nzunker Posts: 7, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #8

    Nov 9, 2011, 04:51 PM
    OK I got my distributor cap off and I'm looking at but what do I pull off next?
    nzunker's Avatar
    nzunker Posts: 7, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #9

    Nov 9, 2011, 07:17 PM
    Well I went and got a new rotor and cap for the distributor because there was some damage.. and it still didn't start..
    TxGreaseMonkey's Avatar
    TxGreaseMonkey Posts: 16,761, Reputation: 5597
    Uber Member
    		  
    #10

    Nov 9, 2011, 07:22 PM
    Did you replace the ICM and coil?
    nzunker's Avatar
    nzunker Posts: 7, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #11

    Nov 9, 2011, 07:33 PM
    No I was hoping this was the prob but it wasn't.. so how much is the ICM and coil going to run me?
    TxGreaseMonkey's Avatar
    TxGreaseMonkey Posts: 16,761, Reputation: 5597
    Uber Member
    		  
    #12

    Nov 9, 2011, 07:39 PM
    $50 for the ICM and $58 for the coil. It's best to replace them at the same time. However, if you want to go budget and take your chances, try replacing the ICM first. It is the most likely culprit.
Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions
 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

1990 Honda Civic [ 5 Answers ]

My sons civic won't start. We traced the no spark problem to the coil. After replacing the coil, it fired right up. It ran most of the day, that is fired up on several stops at friends houses; however, in the evening it quit... no more spark to the coil. When testing the issue again, we...

1990 honda civic [ 1 Answers ]

My 1990 Honda Civic fuel pump won't fire so that the gas isn't coming up to the accelerated why?

My 1990 honda civic [ 1 Answers ]

My 1990 honda civic ex will not start it will crank but that is about it I have no clue what to do I need my car please help

1990 Honda Civic DX [ 3 Answers ]

Here is my problem: My engine starts and idles fine. Under acceleration it accelerates up to about 2500 rpm, then the ignition cuts off. When you shift gears you can run it back up to about 2500 rpm again, then it cuts out again. This occurs through all the gears. The check engine light stays on...

View more questions Search