1993 Honda Civic Won't start, sporadicly.

Tiny
PERRYMORE
  • MEMBER
  • 1993 HONDA CIVIC
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • MANUAL
  • 300,000 MILES
Appears to not be getting fuel when trying to start. Have already replaced fuel pump relay, (under drivers side dash). Have also already replaced fuel pump, screen, and fuel filter. I believe it is the Emission Control Computer, how can I check this?
Sunday, February 22nd, 2009 AT 9:48 AM

10 Replies

Tiny
F4I_GUY
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,302 POSTS
How much fuel pressure are you getting at the rail if any?

Do you hear the fuel pump priming?

Have you check if the signal and circuit is functioning properly? There should be a signal to the fuel pump when the key is turned to RUNII
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Sunday, February 22nd, 2009 AT 2:43 PM
Tiny
PERRYMORE
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  • 4 POSTS
When it won't start I get absolutely no fuel. Once started it runs perfect with no changes in fuel mileage, power or any other problems. Is there anything else I can check to determine what's causing this before I pck up a $350 part on Wed?
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Monday, February 23rd, 2009 AT 9:40 PM
Tiny
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When it doesn't start, make sure your fuel pump is getting the proper signal to turn on. If the circuit is fine, replace the pump. If there is no signal, take a close look at the relay.
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Tuesday, February 24th, 2009 AT 5:22 PM
Tiny
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I'm getting fuel to the rail, and can hear the pump working. I checked the relay today with a meter and it's working fine. I also am getting spark. Apparently the injectors are not putting fuel into the cylinders. How can I check the injectors? Or, is there another relay or something I missed that could cause the problem. Thanks for all the help.
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Thursday, February 26th, 2009 AT 12:12 AM
Tiny
F4I_GUY
  • MECHANIC
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How do you know your injectors are not working?

It is very rare on this vehicle for the injectors not to get a signal while the vehicle still has spark.

Anyways, unplug all injector connectors, the blk/yel wire should have battery voltage with the key on. Also each injector should measure between 10-13 OHMS.

Do these tests then get back to me and I will guide you in the right direction if it passes this test.

It's possible that you have a faulty ECM
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Thursday, February 26th, 2009 AT 4:55 PM
Tiny
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I check the voltage at the injectors and it is correct.
After I checked it the vehicle started, but is not starting every time. Also, what am I checking the resistance across on the injectors?
Also, I had a new ECU from the parts store and attached it briefly, but the car still did not start. Is it possible the Top Dead Center sensor, or another sensor could prevent the injectors from putting fuel in the cylinder consistently?
Tanks again for all your help.
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Friday, February 27th, 2009 AT 2:00 PM
Tiny
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  • MECHANIC
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Yes that is possible, but you would also have no spark as well as no injector pulse.
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Friday, February 27th, 2009 AT 5:49 PM
Tiny
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Thanks for all the help. I've checked about all I can, and it's starting again. I guess I'll take it to Honda next time it acts up. If you happen to think of anything else in the electronics or electrical system that would cause this as a sporadic problem it would be appreciated.
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Friday, February 27th, 2009 AT 7:25 PM
Tiny
HONDATECH74
  • MEMBER
  • 34 POSTS
Just a thought, you know that you have spark but is it strong enough? Does this happen when the engine is warm or cold? It is possible that you have a faulty ignitor or coil.
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Friday, February 27th, 2009 AT 7:34 PM
Tiny
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Did you check the ECM ground on the thermostat? Is the connection good and corrosion free? I've seen these grounds cause some weird issues at time.

If not, it's either a faulty injector driver in the ECM or if you have no spark as well as no fuel, it's a sensor inside the distributor.
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Sunday, March 1st, 2009 AT 2:15 PM

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