92 honda accord turns over but won't start!

[pogozombie1]

the engine turns over but just when it seems like it's going to start, it backfires and turns over and over without starting. What could be wrong?

[jeffcoslacker]

Try to note if the dashboard idiot lights come on when the key is in the on position. If not, rotate the key slowly through the run position and see if they come on. If the ignition switch is bad, this is usually the first symptom.

When that happens they will usually start and run if you ease back off the key very slowly from the start position, but will stall when the key is let go to resting position in "Run".

Many time this will be preceded by random stalling for some time before complete no-start happens finally.

Otherwise could be many things. Might have stripped some teeth off the timing belt and it jumped time. Distributor could be bad ( check under cap for reddish/brown dust covering everything under there), main relay failing, bad ignition coil, ignitor, crank position sensor, etc...

[pogozombie1]

I'm gonna try the key thing, but I haven't noticed any problems with the idiot lights I've checked the distributor cap, and everything looks fine. Apparantly I need a mechanic! but it would probably cost more to fix than i paid for the car! Thank you for your input!

[mpumas]

The problem could be the ignition switch, the distributor (coil, igniter, position sensors), timing belt or fuel. Honda sez the problem is mostly likely a spark problem if you have reliable power to the distributor from the ignition switch. So you need to do some tests.
A voltage meter or a small 12 volt light, a means for checking for spark and the ability to see if the distributor rotor is turning when you turn over the engine are required. First check that the distributor rotor is tuning when the engine is turning over, then check for voltage into the distributor (Blk/Yel wire on one of plugs of the two that connect to the distributor) when the ignition key is on and also when you are trying to start the engine. Then it becomes a little more complicated because it involves checking the igniter and coil. Do the first tests then get back to us for further help.