Engine sputtered now will not start up?

Tiny
MADDEN1086
  • MEMBER
  • 1992 HONDA CIVIC
  • 1.5L
  • 4 CYL
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 180,000 MILES
Car would start fine but sputter a little when idle like at a red light or stop sign, then when it would get to normal operating temperature sputtering got worse but it never stalled. Changed spark plugs and wires but sputtering continued and each day (about 1 week maybe 2) I drove it, it became worse and harder to get to start. Went out today and the car won't start at all. It cranks but will not start, it has half a tank of gas and recently had an oil change.
Sunday, December 29th, 2019 AT 6:18 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,758 POSTS
Hi,

If it won't start at all, the first things you need to check is if the engine is getting both spark and fuel. Based on your description, I have a feeling it has something to do with fuel pressure. Take a look through this link:

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

The easiest thing to do is see if it starts for a couple seconds using starting fluid. If it does, then we know it is a fuel related issue. If it fails to even try to start, then suspect it is ignition related.

Here are two links. One explains how to check for fuel pressure and the other how to check for ignition spark. Do these two things and let me know what you find, or try the starting fluid and let me know.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

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

One last thing. Because of the model year, the vehicle has an OBD1 computer system. You can retrieve trouble codes without a scanner. All you need is a jumper wire or even a paper clip. Here is a link that explains how it is done. If you find codes, they may be helpful in directing us to the problem.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/honda-car-1990-1995-obd1-code-retrieval-procedure-and-definition-table

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe
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Sunday, December 29th, 2019 AT 10:34 PM
Tiny
MADDEN1086
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Okay, thank you. I will try these and let you know. We did take it to brake masters but they said it didn't give any codes. That was the day before it stopped starting. Got it home then nothing.
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Monday, December 30th, 2019 AT 12:48 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,758 POSTS
Let me know about the fuel and spark tests. If you can, see if there are any codes now. Something may have set one at this point.

Take care,
Joe
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Monday, December 30th, 2019 AT 11:00 PM
Tiny
MADDEN1086
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Okay, thank you. I'm off tomorrow so will be trying all this this then and will let you know.
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Tuesday, December 31st, 2019 AT 12:20 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,758 POSTS
That sounds like a plan. Hopefully, there will be a diagnostic trouble code that helps.

Take care and I hope you have a great and safe New Year's Eve!

Joe
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Tuesday, December 31st, 2019 AT 8:41 PM
Tiny
MADDEN1086
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
No happy new year here. My boyfriend can't get any codes and very little time to try and work on it. I'm taking lyft for the time being. Thanks for all your help hopefully when more time opens up we will use the info you gave me and we will get it up and running again. Thanks again for your help it was immensely appreciated.
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Friday, January 3rd, 2020 AT 12:42 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,758 POSTS
I'm sorry to hear that. Listen, when you guys get the time, let me know what is found or if you need help. I'll be here. Try to have a good new year regardless of the car.

Let me know if I can help.

Take care,
Joe
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Friday, January 3rd, 2020 AT 10:54 PM

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