Civic die and no-start issue

Hi all,

I have a neighbor with an old (I'd say late '80s to mid 90's) Civic station wagon (not 4wd ) that she said is intermittently not starting...and dying at a stop light and not starting up for a few minutes.

My first thought was something ignition module related. I know so little about Hondas that I couldn't even find an ignition module upon a cursory glance under the hood.

So...am I on the right path...or is there something else I should/could be looking at? I guess it could be fuel related.

I just thought if it was a 10 minute fix, I'd help a friend out. Plus...next time it dies it might become mine ;) (I have her old corolla in the back 40, an it's fun!).

Clem

Clogged fuel filter?

Woody wrote: Clogged fuel filter?

I suppose, but I figure that would keep it from actually running good...which was not a part of the problem description.

It's worth a shot though as some folks have NO IDEA what there car is actually doing.

Clem

Main relay?

It's a relay behind the coin tray by the driver's door. When it starts to warm up outside it will prevent the car from starting if it's bad. After driving it will also not start till given a few minutes to cool off. I've had to replace them in just about every Honda i've owned. Not sure about the stalling.

Good to know, thanks!

She mentioned that it "powered down" at a stop light and wouldn't start up until a few (stoplight) cycles later. I confirmed that she meant it died or stalled out when she pulled to a stop.

This car is a 5 speed, if it matters.

Thanks again!
Clem

PubBurgers wrote: Main relay? It's a relay behind the coin tray by the driver's door. When it starts to warm up outside it will prevent the car from starting if it's bad. After driving it will also not start till given a few minutes to cool off. I've had to replace them in just about every Honda i've owned. Not sure about the stalling.

This is the most likely suspect. Very common issue on late 80's, early 90's hondas. Many times, the relay can be disassembled and have the solder joints re-done as they are prone to cracking. Not an easy fix, but a cheap one at least! Good page on main relay repair/replacement.

Or check the ignition igniter... 1988 thru 1991 Civics had big issues with these. Of course some of them had distributors that would self destruct also. Take off the cap and look for lots of rust or oil inside the distributor, this is an indication that the distributor is bad.