Civic starts then dies

[The Rude HB]

Well I've without a working Civic and my car has been stuck in the Garage because it will only start 1/50 times, and whenever it did start, it would die within a minute of idling.

After taking a tremendous amount of time, and trouble shooting, I have done the following things:

1) Cleaned my IACV = didnt work
2) Cleaned (sanded) my distributer cap terminals = didnt work
3) Cleaned my spark plugs = didnt work
4) Checked my ignition switch = didnt work

5) Tested and replaced by Ignition Coil = IT WORKED (EDIT: Problem returned -- see posts below)

My car first stalled a couple times. But after the third start, a couple revs, and let the car idle for at least 10 minutes. I finally got it to work


Just thought I share this in this forum as I know many people and many threads have been created about this, but I NEVER see a solution. If anyone ever did figure it out, they sure as hell didnt post their solution (lazy asses). Here's my solution.

Happy troubleshooting everybody.

-I'm Too Rude

 

[RonJ]

Often the coil is killed by bad plugs, wires, cap, or rotor. Consider replacing these important components as well to avoid a future breakdown. Use OEM parts.

 

[Puma]

my mini me is doing something similar. on a hot day when i come to a stop she dies. she starts just fine anytime/any day though. on a cool day she won't die.

i can't change my spark plugs yet b/c number 4 is cross threaded/seized and don't want to risk it breaking off so i'm going to buy a new head just in case it does. i'm sure if i could replace those, plus the wires it would help tremendously.

 

[The Rude HB]

No kidding?

Ill work on replaceing those remaining parts this weekend.

 

[The Rude HB]

Update.....that didnt fix it.. I tried to start my car again.
It cranks, but no start.
It starts 1/30 times I try it

FUUUUUUCK!! (help)

What else is there to check at this point?

I replaced the following at this point already:
1) Distributor cap
2) Spark Plugs
3) Spark Plug wires
4) Ignition Control Module (ICM)
5) Ignition Coil

I also did this:
6) Cleaned IACV
7) Tested fuel flow after the fuel filter (ok)

 

[RonJ]

Any CEL codes?

When the engine won't start:

1) Do you hear the fuel pump prime?
2) Is there spark at the plugs?

 

[The Rude HB]

No engine codes

And yes my fuel pump primes

Tommorow Im hunting for a MAP sensor

 

[RonJ]

No engine codes

And yes my fuel pump primes

Tommorow Im hunting for a MAP sensor

It gets expensive replacing parts at random.

Spark?

Does the CEL work?

 

[The Rude HB]

CEL light is functional

I can't verify spark yet.

 

[Paul2281]

Too bad you don`t have another ECU to try and see if it is that .....
Hell, you`ve changed and checked all other stuff ,EXCEPT spark at the plugs......
Grounds, fuses, relays????

 

[RonJ]

I can't verify spark yet.

Click the Spark link in my signature.

 

[The Rude HB]

Will do. Thanks for the guidance.

I do have an extra ECU at my parents house actually.
At least I got a few options.

I'll update everyone as soon as I get a chance to scope it out again.

 

[Civic gooroo]

Get a bottle of heat from advanced condinsation in fuel tank made mine do that

 

[The Rude HB]

Today I bought a spark plug tester to test for spark

I used it on all of my spark plug wires and there is NO spark.
What else is there to check at this point?

I replaced the following at this point already:
1) Distributor cap
2) Spark Plugs
3) Spark Plug wires
4) Ignition Control Module (ICM)
5) Ignition Coil
6) MAP sensor

I also did this:
6) Cleaned IACV
7) Tested fuel flow after the fuel filter (ok)
8) Tested for spark with spark plug tester = NO SPARK

Fuel pump primes
Fuel goes through the fuel filter just fine
No engine codes


Still doesnt work.
Next attempt. I'm getting my other ECU. I guess we'll see what happens...

 

[mastashea20]

could it simply b a starter?

 

[The Rude HB]

Naw.

The starter works because it still cranks my engine fine.

 

[93eg93]

i had the same issue when it would not start but did crank. I took it to inlinefour.com and they were able to start withing 5 minutes. they stated that it was the ignitor.

it was a pain cuz i had changed everything, spark plugs, cap, rotor, and cables.

hope you can fix your car... I know how it feels when

 

[The Rude HB]

Okay. I need to step back and let everyone know what I did today.

The last thing I replaced on my car was the ICM.
When I replaced it, I failed to hook up ALL the wires.
Today I opened up my distributor again and decided to take another look at it.

Sure enough I forgot to hook up all the terminals to the new ICM
I attached it and my car fired up on the first try.

I'm not saying I officially fixed it yet.
I'm going to give it a couple more tries throughout the day and see if my car consistently turns on.

Stay tuned....