1994 Honda Civic Stalls

Tiny
CJMARTINEZ
  • MEMBER
  • 1994 HONDA CIVIC
I have a 1994 Honda Civic LX (1.5 liter) with app. 175,000 miles on it. It has always been a great working car until now.I am having a huge problem getting it to start. Here's the deal.

I turn the key to start the car and it fires up like it is going to start, but as soon as I let go of the key, it stalls and will not go anywhere!

I was told it was the Main Relay, so I replaced that and the problem was not corrected. I am stuck! I don't even know where to begin to look. Please help!
Tuesday, December 19th, 2006 AT 8:56 AM

6 Replies

Tiny
BRUCE HUNT
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,753 POSTS
With the aide of another test the spark to the plugs. Do this one at a time so you don't confuse the wires. Test them to see if there is a good blue firing. You can use an old spark plug or pull one out and use it on the rest of the wires. Make sure the tip is grounded to the engine.

Make sure that the vehicle is getting fuel to the cylinders. With the wire off one of the plugs crank over the engine several times and immediately pull the plug out and see if there is fuel on the plug. You should be able to see the wet and smell it.

Has the check engine light come on? Is the engine turning over at a normal speed that it usually cranked at?
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Tuesday, December 19th, 2006 AT 9:20 AM
Tiny
CJMARTINEZ
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Thank you so much for the advice.I haven't even checked the spark plugs. It is trying to turn over at normal speed. Not hesitating or anything. No engine light has come on.I did notice the other day that when my husband held down the key and pressed the gas, white smoke came out of the exhaust pipe. Would this have anything to do with the problem?
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Tuesday, December 19th, 2006 AT 9:25 AM
Tiny
BRUCE HUNT
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Check the coolant level at the radiator. How much white smoke are we talking about? Did it smell sweet? You may have hit on the key to the problem. Check the oil for any coolant in it. There are tests to see if the head gasket is gone. I suspect if the cloud of white was fairly big that you have a failed head gasket. Cars will NOT run on water, atleast not your car.
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Tuesday, December 19th, 2006 AT 9:31 AM
Tiny
CJMARTINEZ
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It was a very little bit of white smoke, hardly visible. It didn't smell sweet. Smelt more like burnt gas or something. So, I need to concentrate on the Spark Plugs and Coolant at this point I guess.I will have my husband try that and see what happens. I really appreciate your help!
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Tuesday, December 19th, 2006 AT 9:35 AM
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
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I wouldntover lookthe distributor. Could eabadcrakaglesesor in the dist. Be sure it keeps it poweriafter the key is released
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Tuesday, December 19th, 2006 AT 3:03 PM
Tiny
MIKEB623
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  • 13 POSTS
If you turn the car over let the key down until the starter shuts off but not into the run position will it stay running? If so I was told the problem is the ignition switch b/c I am having same problem in my 92 accord
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Tuesday, January 16th, 2007 AT 9:45 PM

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