Engine sputtered now will not start up?

MADDEN1086

MEMBER
1992 HONDA CIVIC
1.5L
4 CYL
AUTOMATIC
180,000 MILES

Car would start fine but sputter a little when idle like at a red light or stop sign, then when it would get to normal operating temperature sputtering got worse but it never stalled. Changed spark plugs and wires but sputtering continued and each day (about 1 week maybe 2) I drove it, it became worse and harder to get to start. Went out today and the car won't start at all. It cranks but will not start, it has half a tank of gas and recently had an oil change.

7 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,328 POSTS

Hi,

If it won't start at all, the first things you need to check is if the engine is getting both spark and fuel. Based on your description, I have a feeling it has something to do with fuel pressure. Take a look through this link:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

The easiest thing to do is see if it starts for a couple seconds using starting fluid. If it does, then we know it is a fuel related issue. If it fails to even try to start, then suspect it is ignition related.

Here are two links. One explains how to check for fuel pressure and the other how to check for ignition spark. Do these two things and let me know what you find, or try the starting fluid and let me know.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-an-ignition-system

One last thing. Because of the model year, the vehicle has an OBD1 computer system. You can retrieve trouble codes without a scanner. All you need is a jumper wire or even a paper clip. Here is a link that explains how it is done. If you find codes, they may be helpful in directing us to the problem.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/honda-car-1990-1995-obd1-code-retrieval-procedure-and-definition-table

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe