2000 Civic shutdown while driving

Tiny
VOLSGO30
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  • 2000 ALL OTHER MAKES ALL OTHER MODELS
2000 Civic LX 190,000+ miles- I was driving in a very remote area, when check engine light started flashing. I kept driving it to get back to civilization. When I was able to get to paved roads, I noticed it was hesitating and sputtering but I was able to get it to accelerate to highway speed. It then just shutdown, and would crank but not fire. I immediately assumed it was the fuel pump, replaced it with no luck. Plugs, wires, air @ fuel filters replaced a couple of months ago. I did however just check and now realize I was not getting spark. Before I repalce any other unnecessary parts I need your advice.
Saturday, December 9th, 2006 AT 6:32 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
BRUCE HUNT
  • MECHANIC
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Don't jump to conclusions on the pump. Best investment would be a OBD2 scanner for about $30. Find us the code from the CEL and we can help out better.
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Saturday, December 9th, 2006 AT 8:36 PM
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
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Hondas usually have one of two no-start problems. If the timing belt is good then it neds a distributor, Your MIL light is probably a crank sensor code. Theat is the dist. I wouldnt try to replace anything in it, just install a new one
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Sunday, December 10th, 2006 AT 8:03 AM
Tiny
VOLSGO30
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Okay.I purchased an OBDII Code Reader, but I assume that while having the battery disconnected while installing the fuel pump and then checking for fuel pressure, I deleted the codes. It read "0" on reader.
Also to add that when I went to check for spark I noticed that one of the plug wires had come off the Distributor cap, probably why the car was hesitating before my shutdown, (Re: my first post)
So the distributor is what I should look at? What is the cost? Looks like about $300-$400, is that about right for the whole distributor? Do I pull it out and simply put a new one in? Are their any timing issues I need to consider?
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Sunday, December 10th, 2006 AT 10:08 AM
Tiny
BRUCE HUNT
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Yes the whole assembly comes out and is a very simple process. When you put in the new one put a touch of oil on the oring and slip it. Timing will be a consideration, but even with out timing it correctly it should start. Center the distributer in its range of motion and then adjust after starting to the best sound. Then get the timing set as soon as possible.
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Sunday, December 10th, 2006 AT 10:15 AM
Tiny
VOLSGO30
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Before I try the distributor, is it possible anything else could be affecting the car having no spark?
What about the Main Relay?
Also where is it and how difficult is it to remove and replace?
From what I have researched it is under drivers' side dash.I have looked but cannot seem to find it?
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Monday, December 11th, 2006 AT 12:29 PM

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