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Liquid Reign · Apr 6, 2007, 08:35 AM

Hi I am at a loss I just got this car about 10 days ago and it was running great 94,000 original miles. Then I started it up and started to pull out of my Dr's parking lot and it coughed once like it was running out of gas and then died it wasn't out of gas, and now won't start. I have a couple of friends that know a little about cars and I am getting gas to the fuel rail, but I am not getting any spark through the spark plug wires from the distributor. I have read on the net in several places this could be caused by many different things. I just don't want to start replacing parts randomly hoping it will fix the problem so is there any other way to check things to see where the problem is with out having it towed to a shop and having it hooked up and diagnosed. Thanks for any help

TxGreaseMonkey · Apr 6, 2007, 08:44 AM

Reading sections A and B, in the link below, should help immensely:

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

Information is applicable to Accords, as well as Civics.

FixHondas · Apr 6, 2007, 09:48 PM

Originally Posted by Liquid Reign

Hi I am at a loss I just got this car about 10 days ago and it was running great 94,000 original miles. Then I started it up and started to pull out of my Dr's parking lot and it coughed once like it was running out of gas and then died it wasn't out of gas, and now won't start. I have a couple of friends that know a little about cars and I am getting gas to the fuel rail, but I am not getting any spark through the spark plug wires from the distributor. I have read on the net in several places this could be caused by many different things. I just don't want to start replacing parts randomly hoping it will fix the problem so is there any other way to check things to see where the problem is with out having it towed to a shop and having it hooked up and diagnosed. Thanks for any help

Remove the oil cap and look inside while someone cranks the engine. Make sure the cam is turning - if it is not, you probably have a broken timing belt. (Then engine will crank oddly also).
Then check inside the distributor. These are known problem areas on that generation Accord. Pull the distributor cap off and check to see if the distributor is full of rusty material. If it is, chances are you will need a new distributor. (Some of the distributors for this model come with cap/rotor/ and ignitor).

If there is not a huge amount of rusty colored dust, then you should check for ground pulse at the ignition coil. I believe your ignition coil is mounted inside the distributor (some have external coils).
Get a simple 12v test light.
(Distributor cap removed)
Turn the key to ON (dash lights come on).
Check for +12v at each terminal on the ignition coil (has two phillips head screw terminals on it).
With one end of the test light hooked to battery positive+ and the othe connected to one of the screw terminals on the coil, have someone crank the engine for a few seconds (keep clear of the coil output - it can bite you!).
Check for the test light to pulse off and on while you crank at each terminal.
One of the terminals has ground pulsed to it by the ignitor.
If you have a pulsing light, then your ignitor is working and probably have a bad coil.
If the light doesn't pulse on either of the terminals, then it is likely that your ignitor is burned out.

Bad coils are usually caused by worn out plugs/ distributor cap/rotor (causing excessive current draw to allow the spark to jump the gap). You can look inside the distributor cap in the middle - there is a carbon button that contacts the rotor. When it is new, it is rounded. If it is flat then it is worn out and needs replaced. Only use ignition parts from a Honda dealer - all the aftermarket parts are absolute garbage and will cause you problems.

If your ignitor is smoked, get a new one from Honda. The no-name crap they sell at Autozone, etc. won't last long. When replacing, be sure the terminals fit tightly - squeeze them with pliers a little before installation. On another note, if you need to replace just the coil, look at the ignitor - if it is made by OKI - replace it - it WILL go bad. NEC makes the improved part. Occasionally it is made by Hitachi (green) - those are good also.

Liquid Reign · Apr 10, 2007, 09:25 AM

Thanks guys for all the good info I have a whole brand new distributor on the way I will let you know if that solves the problem. I figured replacing the whole unit was probably needed and cheaper in the long run than just parts like the coil and ignitor.

TxGreaseMonkey · Apr 10, 2007, 10:46 AM

Smart move.

Liquid Reign · Apr 20, 2007, 02:24 AM

Well I replaced it myself in about 20 minutes and it fired right up. I know everyone says not to buy aftermarket, but this one looked to good not to try. Thanks for all the good info.
eBay Motors: BRAND NEW 90-91 Honda Accord 2.2L Ignition Distributor (item 170100484845 end time May-10-07 09:29:09 PDT)