'91 Civic Won't Start

[number4t1]

This is quite a saga, but I'll try to be breif..... Without prior indication of problems, by 'Vic died on me on the way to work - just shutoff at highway speed and would not start.

I thought it was the fuel pump. Changed that - no luck.
Changed the ignition coil - no luck.
Changed the ignition module - no luck, but something changed. Before, the engine just turned over and wouldn't start. Now it turns over a few times, then I get a "poping" sound like it is backfiring out of the air intake, but still never starts.

I have spark on all 4 plugs. I have fuel (based on the smell of gas when trying to start). I have no error codes on the ECU LED display. I don't know where to go from here. The timing belt and tensioner were changed about 15K miles ago, so I initially ruled out timing as an issue. Now I am not so sure. Any ideas on what else to try before tearing into the timing belt?

[amy@af]

it kind of sounds like it jumped time on you. i would get a timing light on it.

are you sre you have the spark plug wires in the correct order? that will make it sound like a backfire out the intake. starting from c #1 (generally the lower left) directly to the right would be #2. above #1 is 3. directly to it's right is #4...starting from the driver to passenger side 1,2,3,4.

it doesn't exactly sound like it but have you checked the ground on thermostat housing?

[number4t1]

Thanks for your help! Turnes out I had #3 & #4 plug wires crossed . I must have done that when I changed out the ignition module. She's running like a champ again!

[number4t1]

OK, I'm back again. The car has been running great since I fixed the ignition module and the crossed plug wires....that is until today. It started up fine this morning and ran fine all the way to work (about 56 miles). When I eft work this afternoon, it wouldn't start - same as before I changed the ignition module. It turnes over fine, but just won't start. I wnet to check the error codes on the ECU, and found that it does not come on at all when I turn the key to the "On" position. I am assuming that this is the root of my problem. How do I go about trouble-shooting this?

Please help! It costs me $20/day to drive my jeep to work, I need to fix this fast!

[BullShifter]

Check the main relay! Turn the key on without starting, listen for a few clicks by the hood release. If you don't hear the noise and the car isn't starting, it's the main relay. Main relays act up when it's warm in the car. So if it doesn't start, let the car air out then give it a try. Once cooled down most will start unless the relay is toasted. Main relays control the fuel system and are very common to go bad. One day at our shop we had 3 Honda's all with bad main relays. My car needs one too but I'm too lazy to replace it so I just let it air out if it's warm, pretty sad for a mechanic.

[stnapycnaf]

The ECU should blink once when going from ACC [the middle position] to the START position

If it doesn't you might want to look at say, the ECU fuse ... or possible a new ECU

[Christ]

BullShifter, it's actually pretty common for a mechanic.. when I worked at sears, I did tires, batteries and brakes all day... what do you think my car always needed the most? Tires, a new battery, and brakes. oh, and a transmission, new turbo seals, a clutch, tail light, several other parts, etc... you get the point...

Turbo Ford Escort GT it was more of a pain than it was worth... until I got to actually drive it, then it was all better

[number4t1]

OK, the car started with no issue for me to go home, but my relief was short-lived. The car shut off on me about 30 miles from home. I am getting an 8 & 15 error codes on the ECU. What do they mean?

[papdetomaso]

Check here....


http://autorepair.about.com/library/...htm?once=true&

[Christ]

this basically means that you need a new dizzy, or part of your rebuild has gone sour.

8 - TDC sensor (in the dizz)
15 - ignitor output (in the dizz)