My Civic wouldn't start

[johnb16a2]

so I ran through the basics. The ECU didn't have any codes in memory. The main relay seemed to be clicking away properly, the fuel pump sounded like it was working. I attached a spare spark plug to one of the spark wires, put it to ground, my brother turned the engine over and I didn't see a spark (the spark plugs were wet with gasoline). OK, so the problem appeared to be with the ignition. I measured the coil resistance, and it was in spec. That left the igniter or the ECU itself, so my Dad got out his home made test light and checked the input to the coil from the igniter while I turned over the engine and the light was dim. I confirmed a low voltage condition (8v) to the coil with the multi-meter so I took a chance and replaced the igniter (nearly $95 with a lifetime warranty at AutoZone) and my Civic STARTED!!

The moral of this long story is to check the basics, the computer may not always have the answer, and do a little investigating before you start replacing parts.

Thank you.

[crxlvr]

congratualtions on finding out the problem, good thing you had all the tools handy.

[johnb16a2]

Thanks.

BTY most multi-meters aren't too costly and you can do all kinds of diagnostic tests, I highly recommend them!! (get a Fluke brand meter, good stuff)

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