1991 Honda Civic Engine Dies

Tiny
RYLED_UP
  • MEMBER
  • 1991 HONDA CIVIC
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 300,000 MILES
I have a ’91 Civic Hatchback 1.5L DPFI. I let it sit for a week and it’s now giving me some troubles. First, I had a fight with the alarm trying to disable with the valet switch (fob battery died). When I finally disabled the alarm and started it, it was very hard to start. I thought the starter was just spinning at first but I was able to get it going. It was a very rough start too. I let it run for about 10 minuets and all seemed fine. For the next 2 days I did nothing but a couple short trips and no problems.

Now when I start it after sitting all day or overnight, it will shut off a couple times within the first 5 or 10 minutes of operation (idle or driving). It’s not a slow die out either. It just shuts off instantly. The very first time it happened, I almost couldn’t get it to start again. Since then it’s been getting easier and easier to turn over after it stalls but this problem isn’t going away. This morning while driving I felt the engine die and saw the rpm’s go to zero. I could hear the engine get louder when I hit the gas so I don’t think it’s the fuel pump. After about 2-3 seconds it started again while still in motion. I drove for an hour after and not a single problem. I know that after work today it will do it again. It has all week.

I’m guessing this is electrical but I have no clue where to start looking. I thought it could be the ignition switch but I replaced that last year.

Thanks
Friday, July 30th, 2010 AT 9:36 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi ryled_up,

For such intermittent fault, I would suggest checking the PGM-FI main relay. Remove the relay to check for cracks to soldered joint. Replacing the solder should work.
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Saturday, July 31st, 2010 AT 2:44 PM

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