Hi All, so heres the skinny, I know I am not getting any spark at the spark pulgs, I checked. I have replaced the coil, but this did nothing. the battery is good, and to my knowledge, so is the alternator and the starter. Here's a few more details which may be pertinent: before the car died all together, for several days it would run for a while, then it wouldn't start unless you let it rest for a while. then it started dying while it was idling at lights, and wouldn't start unless you let it rest for even longer. finally, it just died while driving and wouldn't start again. each time it died sooner after starting, and required more time to "cool off". another detail, that may or may not count, is that the negative battery wire, at the battery terminal, had melted through its insulation, it was hot. Oh, and the check engine light has been on for awhile, but I checked the code under the passenger floormat, it was 17 blinks, which I believe is nothing of consequence. OHH and there is a bit of oil in the spark plug cavities. Okay, i think thats about it. help please!?
The oil at the spark plugs is probably from a valve cover gasket leaking-not a problem, as far as the ignition system, but if too much, replace the valve cover gasket.
The heat at the negative post of battery indicates a loose connection, either there or where the cable is grounded, so check both and tighten. Also check engine to frame ground for any issue.
For no spark at the plugs, take off your igniter (the ignition control module) and have it tested for free at a parts store. If it is good, the distributor should be looked at. Is the rotor and dist. cap in good condition? There may be a pick-up coil inside the dist. for spark timing control-you would have to consult a wiring diagram or ask a Honda person familiar with your '89 civic. Some of them don't have replaceable parts for inside the dist., but require a new distributor-you will have to check that. Good luck. I like to see the old hondas still running: gives me hope for my '87 Sentra.
SOURCE: engine starts for about a second then dies.
It sounds to me like a possible fuel delivery problem or a possible power problem. Lets explore the possible fuel problem first then move on to the power. If it is fuel related then most likely it is a clogged fuel filter located under the hood next to the firewall behind the intake half way down close to the passengers side of the car. It is simple to change and just aggravating to get to. That is most likely the problem with the fuel or a bad fuel pump located under the car on the frame rail under the drivers side door. If it is a power problem the most likely candidate is a bad Alternator causing the battery to go dead upon the initial start up of the engine. it requires quite a lot of amperage to run a car such as this and approximately 10 of the 13 volts to keep it running that a typical alternator puts out when charging the battery up as well. Start with the basics like a bad battery and fuel filter then move on to the more expensive things that it could be like a fuel pump or alternator. Most repair shops are able to fix these problems relatively inexpensively or you can find someone in your area that is a "shade tree mechanic" with the knowledge to do this even cheaper. On occasion I have seen a starter relay (if equipped) that can cause this same issue on many other kinds of automobile. I have never had that in a Honda though so I am unaware if that would be a fix or not.
SOURCE: car won't start when it's hot outside
My daughter's 1991 Honda Accord did the same thing. I discovered that the main relay had to be replaced. Apparently the solder used in the original main relay was poor and would actually "soften" in the heat and cause a disconnection. When the cabin temperature dropped, the solder would cool and reconnect. Anyway, replacing the main relay worked. My daughter's car has not had this problem since.
SOURCE: 1992 Honda accord wont start and stay running.
MAKE YOU HEAR FUEL PUMP RUNNING WHEN TURN ON IGNITION KEY. IF NOT CHECK FUSE AND RELAY.IF YOU HEAR PUMP RUNNING. CHECK FUEL PRESSURE.IT SHOULD 36 TO 40 PSI.IF NOT REPLACE FUEL FILTER.IF FUEL PRESSURE IS STILL LOW FUEL PUMP IS BAD.
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