1994 Honda Civic distributor

Tiny
EVANLAPLANTE
  • MEMBER
  • 1994 HONDA CIVIC
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
I recently did a dtc on my 1994 honda civic 1.6 liter engine, ex vtec. It came up with a code fro a sensor in the distributor. I bought a distributor off ebay and hooked it up but it wasnt the right one. So I put the old one back on and it started up for a min and died. It cranks but wont start up. What could be wrong?
Sunday, March 8th, 2009 AT 2:35 PM

6 Replies

Tiny
OBXAUTOMEDIC
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,711 POSTS
Hello,

What was the code. Will help in pointing you in right direction.

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Sunday, March 8th, 2009 AT 2:39 PM
Tiny
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  • 16 POSTS
The code was nine
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Sunday, March 8th, 2009 AT 5:52 PM
Tiny
OBXAUTOMEDIC
  • MECHANIC
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There is a connector by the right front shock tower that is the connector for the distributor sub harnesss and the ECM. If that connector is loose or corroded or if the terminals are making poor contact you get codes. My recommendation is to separate the connector and inspect the terminals then put the connector back together. Remove the back-up fuse in the underhood fuse panel and leave it out for about 5 mintues. Then put the back-up fuse back in. That will clear the check engine light from the memory of the ECM and erase the code. Then try starting and drive the car.

If it runs and no additional problems great. If still have problem purchase a new distributor.

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Sunday, March 8th, 2009 AT 6:19 PM
Tiny
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We replaced the distributor and it lasted for about 15 mins and the car died again and wont start. This is the 2nd distributor we have put on.
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Thursday, March 12th, 2009 AT 7:35 PM
Tiny
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  • MEMBER
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Also wanted to make note that the code cleared itself after the correct distributor was put in. So it ran for 15 min after driving it around, we started to adjust the timing and it died and will only crank now.
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Thursday, March 12th, 2009 AT 8:03 PM
Tiny
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  • MECHANIC
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Check timing - Bring the #1 cylinder to TDC on Compression Stroke then remove cap and make sure the rotor is pointing at the #1 tower.

I not have someone try starting vehicle and see if rotor turns.

If timing seem to be right check for power to coil if has power check for fire at plugs.

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Saturday, March 14th, 2009 AT 10:04 AM

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