Crank, no start

Tiny
CAMMACMILLAN
  • MEMBER
  • 1995 HONDA CIVIC
  • 1.5L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 200,000 MILES
As the weather has gotten colder, the car starts immediately and cuts out right away. Second time usually starts and runs perfect (occasionally need to start it three times). This morning, turned the key strong crank, but would not fire. I can hear the fuel pump when the ignition is turned on. The relay clicks with the key and to stop the fuel pump. Unclear if it's related to the start/stall issue that's been happening or if it's different. Suspecting no spark, coil? Distributor? Haven't changed the plugs in a very long time, but I wouldn't think it would go from running well to not running at all if it was just plugs.
Wednesday, December 19th, 2018 AT 10:39 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good afternoon.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

Check for spark at one of the plugs while cranking to see if there is any spark.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-an-ignition-system

The other possibility is compression. Do a compression test to be sure the timing belt has not failed.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-engine-compression

Roy
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Saturday, January 2nd, 2021 AT 11:50 AM
Tiny
CAMMACMILLAN
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Spark seemed to be absent. Removed the distributor cap and tested the resistance on the coil, which seemed to be okay. Was going to put it back together and noticed significant corrosion on all four distributor contacts. Sanded them, reassembled and it's up and running!
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Saturday, January 2nd, 2021 AT 11:50 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good find.

To be sure, I would replace the cap and rotor to prevent future failure.

Roy
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Saturday, January 2nd, 2021 AT 11:50 AM

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