My engine has no spark can you help me fix it?

Tiny
KASEKENNY
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Hi Tyler,

Have you actually tested the coil? This is what is responsible for your spark strength. This is a spark amplifier so if you have a weak spark, it is the most likely cause.

I attached the procedure on how to test these. I have seen too many times when you get a coil out of the box and it fails almost immediately. You need to prove out the coil is ok even if it is new. Otherwise, we will be chasing out tails because we assume new parts are good parts.

https://youtu.be/1zQQy9noYQ0

Please let me know your resistance measurements and we can go from there. Thanks

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter
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Wednesday, January 20th, 2021 AT 1:00 PM (Merged)
Tiny
TYLER ROY
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I don’t have my meter with me, if I check spark from coil it’s blue and strong, go to plug wires it’s very faint arc.
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Wednesday, January 20th, 2021 AT 1:00 PM (Merged)
Tiny
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Okay. Just to get the progression. You have a hard start condition and you found weak spark on your plug wires. You traced it back and found strong spark at the coil. However, you replaced coil, distributor and wires. After you replaced this, it will start and run well. Then go to restart and it will not start again and you found weak spark again. Is this all true? Or do you find times when it does start and times it does not start?

If you have a strong spark at the coil but not at the plug wires, then you have high resistance somewhere from the distributor forward.

I am concerned about going with the look of the spark when doing these types of tests because it is subjective. Taking actual voltage measurements is much more definitive but with no meter, I get your approach.

Let's just start with us getting on the same page of the progression of this and go from there.
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Wednesday, January 20th, 2021 AT 1:00 PM (Merged)
Tiny
TYLER ROY
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I replaced all the components being frustrated, sometimes the car fires right up and runs perfect, go to start it back up and back to little to no spark at wires.
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Wednesday, January 20th, 2021 AT 1:00 PM (Merged)
Tiny
TYLER ROY
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Also it seems this happens only when the outside temperature and humidity is high, if I go out at night when it’s cooler it fires right up! Very confusing!
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Wednesday, January 20th, 2021 AT 1:00 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KASEKENNY
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Okay. When you replaced the distributor was the ignition control module included?

Is there any chance that you have a lab scope? I know most people don't but I want to ask.

What I suspect is happening is the control module/igniter is the issue. This will actually mask the issue and make us blame the coil. The coil is responsible for building the primary spark and delivering the secondary but a faulty control module or igniter limits the amperage for the primary, then the coil delivers a weak spark.

Here is the test for the control module but I am hoping you have a scope so we can capture this. Thanks
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Wednesday, January 20th, 2021 AT 1:00 PM (Merged)
Tiny
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I just read your last post. I copied a link here of another one that I am working. Seems like if we fix yours, we will fix the other or vice versa.

I will keep you posted on the other one. Very weird to have two identical vehicles with the same problem unless you posted this twice under a different name. :)

https://www.2carpros.com/questions/car-wont-start-all-the-time-2340567
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Wednesday, January 20th, 2021 AT 1:00 PM (Merged)
Tiny
TYLER ROY
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May have been my girl. Sorry
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Wednesday, January 20th, 2021 AT 1:00 PM (Merged)
Tiny
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Haha! No problem. Just reply to this post then. That is kind of what I figured because that was very unlikely. Let me know about that lab scope and ignition control module and we can go from there.

I just found this video. This is a little lengthy but explains exactly what I am driving towards.

https://youtu.be/eoodIVGgGyw
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Wednesday, January 20th, 2021 AT 1:00 PM (Merged)
Tiny
TYLER ROY
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I don’t have a scope, let me see if I can get my hands on one. Also I noticed when cranking the car the tachometer doesn’t move with this weak spark condition.
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Wednesday, January 20th, 2021 AT 1:00 PM (Merged)
Tiny
WILLYQ
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  • 1996 HONDA ACCORD
1996 Honda Accord 4 cyl

I have a 96 honda accord lx that has no spark and no signal or codes enter the auto scanner. We have changed everything (distributer, map, coil, spark plugs, etc.) And the panel was also checked and it seems to be working. The car cranks, but does not start. Thanks
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Wednesday, January 20th, 2021 AT 1:00 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
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Hi willyq,

If any repair was carried out on the engine, then you need to check the ECM grounds at the thermostat housing.

Does the Check Engine Lamp shows for 2 seconds and goes of at initial ignition switch ON?
Is there battery voltage at the Black/Yellow wire of distributor with ignition switch ON and while cranking?
Are the dash lights showing while cranking?
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Wednesday, January 20th, 2021 AT 1:00 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KASEKENNY
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That is great. I would be shocked if the ICM is not your issue. The ICM controls the tachometer as well, which I am sure you knew, and is why you mentioned it.

Here is your power flow for this system. Also, it has its own ground, I know you said you checked grounds but just want to make sure this is one that you checked.

Check out that video and let me know what you find. Thanks
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Wednesday, January 20th, 2021 AT 1:00 PM (Merged)
Tiny
TYLER ROY
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I will check that and get back with you. Thanks
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Wednesday, January 20th, 2021 AT 1:00 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RUBEN541X13
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  • 1994 HONDA ACCORD
  • 2.2L
  • 4 CYL
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  • MANUAL
I have this I replaced the distributor pick up coil and main relay and theres no spark
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Wednesday, January 20th, 2021 AT 1:00 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DR LOOT
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It can only be spark or fuel. If there is no spark at the spark plugs, Then check at the distr cap and the wire. If no spark there, Check your grounds and especially the Dizzy connectors. Then pull associated fuses and replace as necessary. The igniter inside the dizzy can go bad, the rotor button and cap can get corrosion in side there. I bet it is wiring. I bet it is the ground wire for the ECU that attaches to the intake manifold. It is about 3 wires together in one connector that gets a 10mm bolt through it. See if it is loose, If so, remove bolt, sand all contact surfaces and replace with tightness. Should start. If not, I will offer more with additional input.
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+2
Wednesday, January 20th, 2021 AT 1:00 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DICEBERG
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  • 1990 HONDA ACCORD
  • 160 MILES
This is the 4cyl injected engine. Helping my neighbors friend whose car stalled out front. He tells me that this has been going on for quite a while. Also that the car usually starts fine once its cooled off. I checked the honda boards and it seems others had had main relays issues.

The main relay was my first thought as well. I havent mapped out the electrical yet to the coil or the pump, looking for a wiring guide. Also looking for a wiring guide for the main relay as well.
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Wednesday, January 20th, 2021 AT 1:01 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
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The main relay would not result in loss of sparks. If sparks is missing, I would suggest checking the ignition switch.

Ensure you have battery voltage at the ignition coil while cranking.
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Wednesday, January 20th, 2021 AT 1:01 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HONDATECH1983
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It is pretty unusual to have a no spark and no fuel condition at the same time. Is your coil internal or external of the distributor? You can pull out the main relay and check for cracking solder joints inside to see if that might be your no fuel problem.
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Wednesday, January 20th, 2021 AT 1:01 PM (Merged)
Tiny
TULEL1
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  • 1990 HONDA ACCORD
  • 2.2L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 190,000 MILES
I have a crank no spark situation with no power to starter signal although the fuse is good. I tested the ignition coil and control module and replaced them but with no success.

I think there is fuel pressure since the fuel pump is fairly new, the starter solenoid is new, distributor is new, starter relay is new and the ignition wiring is new. I read something about the blue wire at the ignition area and I am not sure if that is the issue and I have been reading about the ground wires.

Any assistance to solve this issue will be highly appreciated.

Thanks
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Wednesday, January 20th, 2021 AT 1:01 PM (Merged)

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