Honda Car Forum

I have a 95 Honda Civic EX (1.6L) that I just recovered after it was stolen
from me. The car has 142k miles and WAS in pretty good condition. When I got
it back it was missing a distributor, a battery and a broken Oil pressure
switch and therefore the car would not start.

So far I have:
1. Replaced the battery
2. Replaced the distributor (brand new from eBay)
3. Replaced the starter (remanufactured)

But the car still does not start ...... Any suggestions ???
- Perhaps changing all four spark plugs and wires?
- Also would a broken oil pressure switch prevent the car from starting ?
- How about a faulty fuel pump?
- Replay perhaps

I would appreciate any help greatly !

John

When you turn the key to ignition (past accessory, not all the way to
start) do you hear the fuel pump buzzing for a few seconds?. If not,
there probably is an issue with the main relay. It is one of the weak
points on Honda's, so it could have gone bad, or the thieves may have
removed and sold it.

When you got the new distributor, did it come with the coil and the
igniter (ICM, or ignition control module)? They are both mounted inside
the distributor. Do you have spark?

Do you have a service manual so that you can check that you got the plug
wires back in the correct order?



John wrote:
>
> I have a 95 Honda Civic EX (1.6L) that I just recovered after it was stolen
> from me. The car has 142k miles and WAS in pretty good condition. When I got
> it back it was missing a distributor, a battery and a broken Oil pressure
> switch and therefore the car would not start.
>
> So far I have:
> 1. Replaced the battery
> 2. Replaced the distributor (brand new from eBay)
> 3. Replaced the starter (remanufactured)
>
> But the car still does not start ...... Any suggestions ???
> - Perhaps changing all four spark plugs and wires?
> - Also would a broken oil pressure switch prevent the car from starting ?
> - How about a faulty fuel pump?
> - Replay perhaps
>
> I would appreciate any help greatly !
>
> John

I noticed in your other post that you worried about the TDC ambiguity.
(tail end of compression stroke or tail end of exhaust stroke). If you
can't find the mark in the cam shaft, you could try to simply swapping
the #1 and number 4 plug wires and also the #2 and #3 plug wires. If
this fixes the problem, you simply had the "wrong" TDC.

Randolph wrote:
>
> When you turn the key to ignition (past accessory, not all the way to
> start) do you hear the fuel pump buzzing for a few seconds?. If not,
> there probably is an issue with the main relay. It is one of the weak
> points on Honda's, so it could have gone bad, or the thieves may have
> removed and sold it.
>
> When you got the new distributor, did it come with the coil and the
> igniter (ICM, or ignition control module)? They are both mounted inside
> the distributor. Do you have spark?
>
> Do you have a service manual so that you can check that you got the plug
> wires back in the correct order?
>
> John wrote:
> >
> > I have a 95 Honda Civic EX (1.6L) that I just recovered after it was stolen
> > from me. The car has 142k miles and WAS in pretty good condition. When I got
> > it back it was missing a distributor, a battery and a broken Oil pressure
> > switch and therefore the car would not start.
> >
> > So far I have:
> > 1. Replaced the battery
> > 2. Replaced the distributor (brand new from eBay)
> > 3. Replaced the starter (remanufactured)
> >
> > But the car still does not start ...... Any suggestions ???
> > - Perhaps changing all four spark plugs and wires?
> > - Also would a broken oil pressure switch prevent the car from starting ?
> > - How about a faulty fuel pump?
> > - Replay perhaps
> >
> > I would appreciate any help greatly !
> >
> > John

And yes a broken oil pressure switch will prevent starting.

"John" <jchin92@dslextreme.com> wrote in message
news:100jbrop44j9q57@corp.supernews.com...
> I have a 95 Honda Civic EX (1.6L) that I just recovered after it was
stolen
> from me. The car has 142k miles and WAS in pretty good condition. When I
got
> it back it was missing a distributor, a battery and a broken Oil pressure
> switch and therefore the car would not start.
>
> So far I have:
> 1. Replaced the battery
> 2. Replaced the distributor (brand new from eBay)
> 3. Replaced the starter (remanufactured)
>
> But the car still does not start ...... Any suggestions ???
> - Perhaps changing all four spark plugs and wires?
> - Also would a broken oil pressure switch prevent the car from starting ?
> - How about a faulty fuel pump?
> - Replay perhaps
>
> I would appreciate any help greatly !
>
> John
>
>

No, a broken oil pressure switch will not prevent starting. The oil
pressure switch reports to the idiot light only. Besides, why would
there be an oil-pressure / starting interlock? There is no oil pressure
until after the engine is running anyway.


Ducky wrote:
>
> And yes a broken oil pressure switch will prevent starting.
>
> "John" <jchin92@dslextreme.com> wrote in message
> news:100jbrop44j9q57@corp.supernews.com...
> > I have a 95 Honda Civic EX (1.6L) that I just recovered after it was
> stolen
> > from me. The car has 142k miles and WAS in pretty good condition. When I
> got
> > it back it was missing a distributor, a battery and a broken Oil pressure
> > switch and therefore the car would not start.
> >
> > So far I have:
> > 1. Replaced the battery
> > 2. Replaced the distributor (brand new from eBay)
> > 3. Replaced the starter (remanufactured)
> >
> > But the car still does not start ...... Any suggestions ???
> > - Perhaps changing all four spark plugs and wires?
> > - Also would a broken oil pressure switch prevent the car from starting ?
> > - How about a faulty fuel pump?
> > - Replay perhaps
> >
> > I would appreciate any help greatly !
> >
> > John
> >
> >

Randolph,

1. I just tried turning the ignition key past accessory and YES I did hear
it buzz for a couple seconds so I think my relay and fuel pump are ok.....

2. I am pretty clear on the TDC issue now .... I was able to check with the
TDC markings on the belt and felt for compression on piston one as I hand
cranked it from the side bolt.

3. My wires go in this firing order 1,3,4, 2 (compared to diagram from a
service manual). Assuming piston one is the furthest right , closest to the
belts

4. The distributor I got is brand new and I am still waiting for a reply
from the seller on whether it included a coil and a ICM.

However, in looking at the distributor, it looks like the coil is in there?

Still it trys to turn over but I dont think it is getting spark...

Thanks for your help !

John

"Randolph" <trash@junkmail.com> wrote in message
news:4009C009.5FB75906@junkmail.com...
> I noticed in your other post that you worried about the TDC ambiguity.
> (tail end of compression stroke or tail end of exhaust stroke). If you
> can't find the mark in the cam shaft, you could try to simply swapping
> the #1 and number 4 plug wires and also the #2 and #3 plug wires. If
> this fixes the problem, you simply had the "wrong" TDC.
>
> Randolph wrote:
> >
> > When you turn the key to ignition (past accessory, not all the way to
> > start) do you hear the fuel pump buzzing for a few seconds?. If not,
> > there probably is an issue with the main relay. It is one of the weak
> > points on Honda's, so it could have gone bad, or the thieves may have
> > removed and sold it.
> >
> > When you got the new distributor, did it come with the coil and the
> > igniter (ICM, or ignition control module)? They are both mounted inside
> > the distributor. Do you have spark?
> >
> > Do you have a service manual so that you can check that you got the plug
> > wires back in the correct order?
> >
> > John wrote:
> > >
> > > I have a 95 Honda Civic EX (1.6L) that I just recovered after it was
stolen
> > > from me. The car has 142k miles and WAS in pretty good condition. When
I got
> > > it back it was missing a distributor, a battery and a broken Oil
pressure
> > > switch and therefore the car would not start.
> > >
> > > So far I have:
> > > 1. Replaced the battery
> > > 2. Replaced the distributor (brand new from eBay)
> > > 3. Replaced the starter (remanufactured)
> > >
> > > But the car still does not start ...... Any suggestions ???
> > > - Perhaps changing all four spark plugs and wires?
> > > - Also would a broken oil pressure switch prevent the car from
starting ?
> > > - How about a faulty fuel pump?
> > > - Replay perhaps
> > >
> > > I would appreciate any help greatly !
> > >
> > > John

I agree,

Although I am not a mechanic by any means .... I don't feel as a though a
snapped off oil pressure switch will prevent the car from starting.

John


"Randolph" <trash@junkmail.com> wrote in message
news:4009C887.890DCED0@junkmail.com...
> No, a broken oil pressure switch will not prevent starting. The oil
> pressure switch reports to the idiot light only. Besides, why would
> there be an oil-pressure / starting interlock? There is no oil pressure
> until after the engine is running anyway.
>
>
> Ducky wrote:
> >
> > And yes a broken oil pressure switch will prevent starting.
> >
> > "John" <jchin92@dslextreme.com> wrote in message
> > news:100jbrop44j9q57@corp.supernews.com...
> > > I have a 95 Honda Civic EX (1.6L) that I just recovered after it was
> > stolen
> > > from me. The car has 142k miles and WAS in pretty good condition. When
I
> > got
> > > it back it was missing a distributor, a battery and a broken Oil
pressure
> > > switch and therefore the car would not start.
> > >
> > > So far I have:
> > > 1. Replaced the battery
> > > 2. Replaced the distributor (brand new from eBay)
> > > 3. Replaced the starter (remanufactured)
> > >
> > > But the car still does not start ...... Any suggestions ???
> > > - Perhaps changing all four spark plugs and wires?
> > > - Also would a broken oil pressure switch prevent the car from
starting ?
> > > - How about a faulty fuel pump?
> > > - Replay perhaps
> > >
> > > I would appreciate any help greatly !
> > >
> > > John
> > >
> > >

It seems you have the service manual, but if you don't you can find some
drawings of the distributor assembly with igniter and coil indicated at
http://www.angelfire.com/ca/DrOhm/di...torRepair.html.

I have not worked on the distributor on my '94. How close do you think
the timing is after you put a new distributor on the car? Might be worth
trying to retard or advance the timing by 10 degrees or so and try to
start it again.

John wrote:
>
> Randolph,
>
> 1. I just tried turning the ignition key past accessory and YES I did hear
> it buzz for a couple seconds so I think my relay and fuel pump are ok.....
>
> 2. I am pretty clear on the TDC issue now .... I was able to check with the
> TDC markings on the belt and felt for compression on piston one as I hand
> cranked it from the side bolt.
>
> 3. My wires go in this firing order 1,3,4, 2 (compared to diagram from a
> service manual). Assuming piston one is the furthest right , closest to the
> belts
>
> 4. The distributor I got is brand new and I am still waiting for a reply
> from the seller on whether it included a coil and a ICM.
>
> However, in looking at the distributor, it looks like the coil is in there?
>
> Still it trys to turn over but I dont think it is getting spark...
>
> Thanks for your help !
>
> John
>
> "Randolph" <trash@junkmail.com> wrote in message
> news:4009C009.5FB75906@junkmail.com...
> > I noticed in your other post that you worried about the TDC ambiguity.
> > (tail end of compression stroke or tail end of exhaust stroke). If you
> > can't find the mark in the cam shaft, you could try to simply swapping
> > the #1 and number 4 plug wires and also the #2 and #3 plug wires. If
> > this fixes the problem, you simply had the "wrong" TDC.
> >
> > Randolph wrote:
> > >
> > > When you turn the key to ignition (past accessory, not all the way to
> > > start) do you hear the fuel pump buzzing for a few seconds?. If not,
> > > there probably is an issue with the main relay. It is one of the weak
> > > points on Honda's, so it could have gone bad, or the thieves may have
> > > removed and sold it.
> > >
> > > When you got the new distributor, did it come with the coil and the
> > > igniter (ICM, or ignition control module)? They are both mounted inside
> > > the distributor. Do you have spark?
> > >
> > > Do you have a service manual so that you can check that you got the plug
> > > wires back in the correct order?
> > >
> > > John wrote:
> > > >
> > > > I have a 95 Honda Civic EX (1.6L) that I just recovered after it was
> stolen
> > > > from me. The car has 142k miles and WAS in pretty good condition. When
> I got
> > > > it back it was missing a distributor, a battery and a broken Oil
> pressure
> > > > switch and therefore the car would not start.
> > > >
> > > > So far I have:
> > > > 1. Replaced the battery
> > > > 2. Replaced the distributor (brand new from eBay)
> > > > 3. Replaced the starter (remanufactured)
> > > >
> > > > But the car still does not start ...... Any suggestions ???
> > > > - Perhaps changing all four spark plugs and wires?
> > > > - Also would a broken oil pressure switch prevent the car from
> starting ?
> > > > - How about a faulty fuel pump?
> > > > - Replay perhaps
> > > >
> > > > I would appreciate any help greatly !
> > > >
> > > > John

I don't know about your Honda but many cars have two oil pressure switches
or a dual switch. One goes to the idiot light and the other is in the
ignition circuit as a safety measure. It kills the fuel pump if you loose
oil pressure. It has a bypass relay that bypasses it for several seconds at
startup. Maybe Honda is too cheap to put both in but every American car i
have worked on has both......
"Randolph" <trash@junkmail.com> wrote in message
news:4009C887.890DCED0@junkmail.com...
> No, a broken oil pressure switch will not prevent starting. The oil
> pressure switch reports to the idiot light only. Besides, why would
> there be an oil-pressure / starting interlock? There is no oil pressure
> until after the engine is running anyway.
>
>
> Ducky wrote:
> >
> > And yes a broken oil pressure switch will prevent starting.
> >
> > "John" <jchin92@dslextreme.com> wrote in message
> > news:100jbrop44j9q57@corp.supernews.com...
> > > I have a 95 Honda Civic EX (1.6L) that I just recovered after it was
> > stolen
> > > from me. The car has 142k miles and WAS in pretty good condition. When
I
> > got
> > > it back it was missing a distributor, a battery and a broken Oil
pressure
> > > switch and therefore the car would not start.
> > >
> > > So far I have:
> > > 1. Replaced the battery
> > > 2. Replaced the distributor (brand new from eBay)
> > > 3. Replaced the starter (remanufactured)
> > >
> > > But the car still does not start ...... Any suggestions ???
> > > - Perhaps changing all four spark plugs and wires?
> > > - Also would a broken oil pressure switch prevent the car from
starting ?
> > > - How about a faulty fuel pump?
> > > - Replay perhaps
> > >
> > > I would appreciate any help greatly !
> > >
> > > John
> > >
> > >

Woody,

It turns out that I was being a dumbass and didn't know what I was talking
about...

I dont have a broken oil pressure switch ... instead I have a broken vtec
spool valve ....

Now would this prevent the car from starting ???

John


"Woody" <TheDuck@pond.net> wrote in message
news:vYkOb.31573$P%1.25167326@newssvr28.news.prodi gy.com...
> I don't know about your Honda but many cars have two oil pressure switches
> or a dual switch. One goes to the idiot light and the other is in the
> ignition circuit as a safety measure. It kills the fuel pump if you loose
> oil pressure. It has a bypass relay that bypasses it for several seconds
at
> startup. Maybe Honda is too cheap to put both in but every American car i
> have worked on has both......
> "Randolph" <trash@junkmail.com> wrote in message
> news:4009C887.890DCED0@junkmail.com...
> > No, a broken oil pressure switch will not prevent starting. The oil
> > pressure switch reports to the idiot light only. Besides, why would
> > there be an oil-pressure / starting interlock? There is no oil pressure
> > until after the engine is running anyway.
> >
> >
> > Ducky wrote:
> > >
> > > And yes a broken oil pressure switch will prevent starting.
> > >
> > > "John" <jchin92@dslextreme.com> wrote in message
> > > news:100jbrop44j9q57@corp.supernews.com...
> > > > I have a 95 Honda Civic EX (1.6L) that I just recovered after it was
> > > stolen
> > > > from me. The car has 142k miles and WAS in pretty good condition.
When
> I
> > > got
> > > > it back it was missing a distributor, a battery and a broken Oil
> pressure
> > > > switch and therefore the car would not start.
> > > >
> > > > So far I have:
> > > > 1. Replaced the battery
> > > > 2. Replaced the distributor (brand new from eBay)
> > > > 3. Replaced the starter (remanufactured)
> > > >
> > > > But the car still does not start ...... Any suggestions ???
> > > > - Perhaps changing all four spark plugs and wires?
> > > > - Also would a broken oil pressure switch prevent the car from
> starting ?
> > > > - How about a faulty fuel pump?
> > > > - Replay perhaps
> > > >
> > > > I would appreciate any help greatly !
> > > >
> > > > John
> > > >
> > > >
>
>