engine wiring thinking maybe an ECM "main relay"

1998 HONDA CRV

190,000 MILES • 2.8L • 4 CYL • AUTOMATIC

PEGRAMITE64

MEMBER
1 POST

Just acquired vehicle, replaced cap, rotor, plugs and wires. Battery fully charged. Turns over but doesn't start. Light tested plug wires while cranking no spark. Checked distributor plug had power. Removed cap, power at internal coil but still no spark at cranking. Thinking maybe an ECM "main relay" but didn't know if there is a non Honda "someplace" that can test? Or, if i can get a used one from a local salvage. does it have to be"flashed"? Or is it simple plug and play? Or God forbid there is some sort of matching resistor in the key like GM? Hope not. Or can you think of anything else for more to try beside the ECM?
Anyway, lot to take in. sorry

Mar 9, 2019 at 6:48 PM

SCGRANTURISMO

✓ASE Certified Mechanic
4,897 POSTS

Hello,

This could be a problem with the internal windings on the ignition coils. In the diagrams down below I have included manufacturer troubleshooting for your vehicle's ignition system. Please go through it and get back to us with what you find out.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros

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Mar 17, 2021 at 11:50 AM

JIS001

✓ASE Certified Mechanic
3,412 POSTS

If you have no spark then the coil inside the distributor or the ignition control module could be bad. Distributors nowadays are cheap to replace. Have you done a computer scan to check for codes?

Here is a link for no spark condition:

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

And here is a link to do a computer scan if you have a scanner:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Let us know if there are any codes to better guide you.

Mar 17, 2021 at 11:50 AM