1991 honda won't start

what is wrong with the car if the check engine light comes on then the car
just dies? When you try to start it up again the engine sounds like it's
not getting enough electricityor what?

 

You have to retrieve what's called a "code" to find out why the check engine
lamp is lit. Underneath the passenger side floormat is the engine's computer
(also known as the ECU). On top of it is an LED light. It will blink. Count
the blinks that are close together. Post back what they are. Or go to
http://media.honda.co.uk/car/owner/media/manuals/CRXManual/62SH200/6-18.pdf
for an elaboration.

Can you give some maintenance history on this car? For example, when were
plugs, ignition wires, distributor cap and rotor last replaced? Were the
parts used genuine Honda parts? Air filter and fuel filter?

Miles on car?

If the engine is turning over (= cranking = camshaft etc. turning) but not
quite "catching," then there's a good chance the problem traces to the
distributor or wires or plugs. But I'd really like to know what code is
being set before speculating further.

 

In addition to what Elle wrote, it would help to know what model of Honda
you are talking about. Civic, Accord, Prelude, CRX?