91 AWD wagon won't start (long post)

outcast

Won't start.

More than 2 weeks ago, it had been beginning to develop problems similar to the dreaded "main relay syndrome." The car sat for about a week ,when I tried to start it, it wouldn't start. The motor turned , but wouldn't catch.Re soldered the main relay and tested it as per the Haynes manual and still no luck. I can hear the fuel pump doing its thing when I first turn the key as well. I replaced the battery,cap,rotor , plug wires .

I also tested the coil and the igniter and got some results that confused me.The coil tested within specs for the secondary resistance (11,610 ohms), but was outside the spec for primary resistance (.7 ohms).

I also tested the igniter and with the ignition on got battery voltage at both the black/yellow and the white/blue wires. On neither the white or blue wires did I had no continuity with ground though.So does this mean I suddenly have both a bad coil and two open circuits in the main wiring harness?!! The odds seem pretty remarkable.

The ECU has NO codes prior to this or now. Did I miss something?. The Haynes manual has NO 1987+ interior wiring diagram to examine.

Any pointers or suggestions . I'd love the input.Sorry for the long post .

beer time...


outcast

wagodizzle

since you mentioned coils and such, it could be a Distrubutor failure. also a common problem. see if you can find a spare dizzy, and see if thats the problem.

SiWagon

Do it the O.G. way, shoot starting fluid into the manifold & try starting it.If it starts go down to the HOnda dealer for the FREE Upgrade:
http://www.hondacivicwagon.com/board/vi ... .php?t=104

Even if it doesn't start ur prob maybe solved with the FREE Upgrade.Call Honda 's 8OO # to c if your's been upgraded.

outcast

Thanks for the input so far.

Engines with carburetors I understand, but I must admit that this fuel injection stuff is black magic in my eyes.

Can I simply disconnect the plastic hose bit of the air filter and shoot the starter fluid into the throttle body just like a regular carburetor?

I'd previously read your post about the replacement igniters from Honda, but as the closest dealer is about two hours away, I unfortunately have to get the car running well first before I can get to a dealer to replace it. A bit of a catch 22 I'm afraid. I'll call them though to find out if my car is still eligible.

I've got a post in the parts section to buy a used distributor but so far no responses.

On an aside, I see that my original post has been edited (by a moderator I assume) without any additional notation. Is that normal procedure for this forum?

Thanks again for the help.


outcast

Haydz

Yes you can squirt the starter fluid down the bare naked throttle body. Try that and see if she splutters.

SiWagon

outcast wrote:

Thanks for the input so far.
On an aside, I see that my original post has been edited (by a moderator I assume) without any additional notation. Is that normal procedure for this forum?

Thanks again for the help.

outcast

:oops: No it isn't normal.Your original posting was too long.I'm guilty as charged.I randomly go through the forum to clean up & clarify postings so it's easier,faster & more enjoyable for our wagoneers.