Starting issue

Wagonman91Wagonman91 Band Wagon
in Engine & Drivetrain
I have a 91 honda civic wagon that did get pretty warm today by sitting in the sun with most it's windows up all the way. It's a manual transmission and I was going to leave for a friends house like I always do and after putting the key in the ignition and pressing the clutch inwards like I always do the car's starter wouldn't turn over. I could hear the fuel pump starting and I had all my dash lights on so I know that it wasn't a battery question. I just changed out the alternator and battery less than 4 months ago. I checked for a broken relay beneath the dash and cooled them off and plugged them back in but still no dice.

Lastly I just drove the car fine all week and yesterday it was fine but most of the driving was after it was cool in the evening. I did let it sit for about a week and a half in the sun while I was on vacation an I think that might've been part of the problem.

Any other suggestions before I pull the starter completely? I really don't think it's the starter because I hear nothing when I turn the key over. No clicking or anything period.

I'm fresh outta ideas and need your help.

Comments

  • Nasty Addiction WagonNasty Addiction Wagon Band Wagon
    I had this same problem yesterday sound way to familiar , I checked fuel, main relay,ground wires,battery terminals ,ecu lastly was the ignition and sure enough the ignition was not making contact properly unless i pushed it in and held it . I changed the white ignition plug behind the key cylinder . and POOOF with started working !
  • Wagonman91Wagonman91 Band Wagon
    Nasty Addiction Wagon wrote: »
    I had this same problem yesterday sound way to familiar , I checked fuel, main relay,ground wires,battery terminals ,ecu lastly was the ignition and sure enough the ignition was not making contact properly unless i pushed it in and held it . I changed the white ignition plug behind the key cylinder . and POOOF with started working !


    Oh really?? Is that a common failure on an older wagon? Also, can you outline how to access that and replace the wire? Can you remember how long it took to replace the wire, ease of repair, etc.?
  • bam-bambam-bam Council Member
    You mentioned the clutch. Check the clutch safety switch first. More specifically, see that the little plastic bumper that contacts the switch isn't broken.
  • Dj HentaiDj Hentai Wagonist
    I had issues with mine and it was the ignition cylinder pigtail (wiring/plug behind the ignition switch.) According to my local Honda Guru it's pretty commonly that.
  • galexgalex Band Wagon
    I've had 10 wagovans. I replaced the pgm-fi main relay when your issues happened to me and it solved the problem. The part cost around $50 @ O'Reilly's. If you look in the mechanics repair manual, you'll see the location in the Relays and Control Unit Locations. 23-6. Some people resoder the connections inside the relay. Good Luck.
  • Wagonman91Wagonman91 Band Wagon
    There's a white wire in the bottom left corner of the ignition I saw after I took off the steering column protector. Is that the one I need to replace that you're referring to? If not, can I get a better idea of what to replace? I only want to buy one wire to replace in order to fix it. I got a quote for a parts store that the wire would be $60.00 with a lifetime warranty and before I pay that much I'd like to know that this is the right fix. I've checked all of the other solutions or things that could be the problem and nothing else checks out. Funny that this wire would go bad seeing that it's only copper. Maybe the connectors go bad or if it gets too hot it fries them?

    I appreciate the support I've received so far though.

    CivicWagon LOVE!
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