Civic Wont start

Discussion in 'Civic' started by vsal, Jun 10, 2008.

  1. vsal

    vsal Guest

    Ok i just bought a 93 civic it been sitting for a lil bit and the
    owner never had a problem starting it also i didnt ether when i got it
    . but once i brought the car home and try to start it again i get
    nothing no sound from the engine. i no its not my battery cause my cd
    player and lights work still. o yea also the conection to the postivie
    side of the battery is a lil loose but its still on do i need a better
    conecteion?
     
    vsal, Jun 10, 2008
    #1
  2. vsal

    Elle Guest

    Start with the battery connection. Clean the battery
    terminal with a solution of two tablespoons of baking soda
    to one cup of water. Rinse with water. Tighten connection.

    For further troubleshooting,
    http://www.tegger.com/hondafaq/faq.html#startrun

    Strong candidates for failure (causing no start) for early
    1990s Hondas are: Main Relay, ignition coil, and igniter.
     
    Elle, Jun 10, 2008
    #2
  3. vsal

    dgk Guest


    Doesn't it take a lot more power to turn over the engine than to turn
    on lights or a CD player? I've had cars that did both of those things
    (well, cassette machine anyway) yet were too dead to start the car.

    I like your Main Relay though.That got me last year.
     
    dgk, Jun 11, 2008
    #3
  4. vsal

    Elle Guest

    I agree. Just because the car's lights and CD player are
    working does not mean the battery is in good enough shape to
    start the car.

    Seems like this group gets a couple reports a year of
    loose/corroded connections to the battery terminal being the
    cause of a run/start problem, as well. People really ought
    to get under the hood at least once every six months with
    the baking soda and water solution and a water spray bottle
    and clean the terminals.

    I am amazed how much corrosion builds up and can't stand to
    think what it does to my battery and the electrical system
    in general. The negative terminal is usually the dirtiest
    part of my engine compartment. I was helping a friend the
    other day (new battery last summer) and, upon trying to
    unscrew the terminal holddown bolt, sheared the darn thing
    right off from all the corrosion and spent an hour getting
    the remaining bolt out of the terminal clamp.
     
    Elle, Jun 11, 2008
    #4
  5. vsal

    Jim Yanik Guest

    heh,there's always something that screws up what should be a
    straightforward job!
     
    Jim Yanik, Jun 11, 2008
    #5
  6. vsal

    Elle Guest

    Yessir, it was one of those. Then I went to Autozone,
    Walmart, and Checkers, and none have the requisite IIRC 8 mm
    (square head) battery terminal bolt. *&^%$ I jury rigged it
    for the day and on my monthly sojourn to the local junkyard,
    I got another one. Dumb little thing but I try to get things
    right.

    For some real fun: The local Honda dealer called me
    yesterday saying they have had a real run on used cars. They
    asked if I wanted to sell my 91 Civic! Of course they mostly
    wanted me to trade it in and buy new, but the opening line
    sounded like a true report of the used Honda market right
    now. I laughed and said in fact I was looking for a used
    Civic for a friend right now. Had a good chat, despite my
    repeatedly telling the sales guy I am not buying a new car
    anytime soon, and I am particular about my used cars. He
    said he'll call with the next beater that comes in. :)
     
    Elle, Jun 11, 2008
    #6
  7. vsal

    Jim Guest

    Yeh right.
     
    Jim, Jun 11, 2008
    #7
  8. vsal

    motsco_ Guest

    =====================

    Tap the starter with a small hammer. Your brushes are getting short (or
    the commutator is a bit burnt) and they aren't providing a path to
    ground for the solenoid's current. That's why you're hearing nothing.

    I'll provide a good link later . . .

    'Curly'
     
    motsco_, Jun 11, 2008
    #8
  9. vsal

    Steven L. Guest

    There's one other thing that happened to me: My add-on antitheft system
    malfunctioned and disabled my Civic, so I couldn't start it. It mistook
    me for a thief. :)
     
    Steven L., Jun 11, 2008
    #9
  10. vsal

    Steven L. Guest

    Wow! I've got a '95 Honda Civic EX, great condition, only *80,000*
    miles on it (haven't driven it much due to my health problems). I
    thought I would have to pay a junk dealer to haul it away. Sounds like
    I could still sell it!
     
    Steven L., Jun 11, 2008
    #10
  11. vsal

    Elle Guest

    I'd pay a lot of money for a 95 with only 80k miles on it
    and in good condition (no head gasket problems; preferably
    working A/C). Right now, I am happily settling for 120k to
    175k miles on the 88-92 Civics and CRXs I am considering.

    Lately, per the suggestion of "JT" here, I have found
    Craig's List to be very good for buying and selling used
    autos. At least, there is much to choose from, and it seems
    where I live, there is a handful of people on it who post
    that they are looking for used Hondas.
     
    Elle, Jun 11, 2008
    #11
  12. vsal

    Jim Yanik Guest

    my add-on Black Widow alarm system with starter lockout didn't keep thieves
    from stealing my 94 Integra GS-R last June 29 at 3:40 AM.
    It took them less than 60 seconds to break in,start it,and drive off.The
    alarm went off when they opened the car door,but they drove it off a few
    seconds later,push-starting it,as I observed from my bedroom window.
    (newly gated community,too.)

    the alarm was still blaring and lights flashing as they drove it down the
    street. :-(

    If you really want to keep your car from being stolen,install a hidden fuel
    cutoff switch in the power line to the fuel pump.
     
    Jim Yanik, Jun 12, 2008
    #12
  13. vsal

    motsco_ Guest

    ======================= LINK:

    http://www.hondasuv.com/members/showthread.php?t=20252&

    :!:
     
    motsco_, Jun 12, 2008
    #13
  14. vsal

    Steven L. Guest

    Well, if the dealer can fix that A/C problem, then it will be working
    within a few more days. :)
     
    Steven L., Jun 17, 2008
    #14
Ask a Question

Want to reply to this thread or ask your own question?

You'll need to choose a username for the site, which only take a couple of moments (here). After that, you can post your question and our members will help you out.