Mechanical Problems & Technical Chat - 04 Civic will not start after cleaning

I washed my civic yesterday out side and then did a little cleaning in the engine area with a little water/soap. The car started fine. I then drove it to another spot in the driveway, when I went to start it a third time it was idling rough, then it would not start. I let it sit all night to see if it needed to dry out. This morning I tried it again. It turns over but no spark. I check all fuses and they look ok and cleaned and re-seated all quick connects. The strange thing is I am getting no OBDII codes at all. I also don’t see the check engine light. Any good ideas before I send it to the dealer?

Hey it's cool to find another new hampshire native:). I used to livein Temple and go to Conval.....

Anyway did you check the spark plugs? Makes sure no water got in there. Dunno if you have an intake on your car or not but I hope you didn't spray the filter and soak it....Also check the wires make sure none are loose or came off.

ecu???next time you clean your engine compartment use tire foam, the stuff you can spray on and just leave works really well, or tire wet works good to, just give it a wipe it down with a damp rag and some clean water befor you sray it on, never use the hose

you got water in your dizzy

ORIGINAL: hatch46580

ecu???next time you clean your engine compartment use tire foam, the stuff you can spray on and just leave works really well, or tire wet works good to, just give it a wipe it down with a damp rag and some clean water befor you sray it on, never use the hose


how would the ECU be damaged by cleaning the engine bay?[&:]


Like jwsimons said, you've probably got water in your distributor. If it hasn't dried out on its own by now, just pop the cap off, dry everything out really well, then give it another go

I thought D17's didn't have distributors?

Hey thanks for the quick responds. There was no water in or around plugs, the distributor is seal as this is a V-Tec 2004 EX. Any other ideas?

ORIGINAL: bakertime

I thought D17's didn't have distributors?


friggin d17's [:@]

I always forget that aspect

ORIGINAL: Forty04

ORIGINAL: hatch46580

ecu???next time you clean your engine compartment use tire foam, the stuff you can spray on and just leave works really well, or tire wet works good to, just give it a wipe it down with a damp rag and some clean water befor you sray it on, never use the hose


how would the ECU be damaged by cleaning the engine bay?[&:]



he said no codes oer anything,it possiable to have shorted out the ecu from water being sprayed on the engine bay

I have more info… I got sick of messing with it and had it towed to the dealer. When they tried it in the afternoon it started. Then they started it again and drove it 15 miles. When they went to write down the mileage (3rd start) for the paper work it would not start. They tracked it down to being the disabler under the dash but are still working on it.

damn man.. i feel sorry for u . i hate car trouble