50 y/o Newbie. Car starts but dies immediately
 

From reading others' posts, I'll bet I'm the oldest guy on this forum.:D
I'm attempting to fix my daughter's '94 1.6L VTEC 4-door sedan with automatic tranny. The car has 125k miles on her.
The car will start but die immediately. Her boyfriend and another friend of hers told her to replace the main relay switch. They said these model Civics' relays are notorious for going out. Relay was replaced but didn't fix the problem. Then someone else told her to replace the ignition switch. It was replaced witha used one (I was quoted $350 for a new one!!!!) but that didn't rectify the problem either.
Her boyfriend has told me that fuel is getting to and going through the injectors.
I bought a Haynes service manual, but MERCY!!! Engine codes, etc. are WAAAYY over my head. As you might be able to tell by my username, I'm into restoring old streetbikes. In other words no electronic ignition, no fuel injection, and definately no engine codes to deal with.[sm=bangbang.gif]
So I'm here asking you Civic gurus what I should do next. Any suggestions short of buying another car will be greatly appreciated.
Many Thanks. Jim

RE: 50 y/o Newbie. Car starts but dies immediately
 

is the check engine light coming on?

RE: 50 y/o Newbie. Car starts but dies immediately
 

will the car attempt to stay running if the accelerator pedel is depressed?

RE: 50 y/o Newbie. Car starts but dies immediately
 

No to both questions.
When I say it dies immediately, I mean it dies as suddenly as you let go of the key.
I appreciate the both of you taking the time to post a reply to my questions.
Sincerely. Jim

RE: 50 y/o Newbie. Car starts but dies immediately
 

so when you hold the key in the run position it will stay running, weird sounds just like a ign switch. hmmmmmmmmn got me stumped.

RE: 50 y/o Newbie. Car starts but dies immediately
 

Well I got it towed home today, so at least I can have it close to the garage and my tools.
If I continue to hold the key in the start position, the engine will rev up pretty good, but that also means the starter is revving up pretty good too.[sm=dontgetit.gif]
I'm going to search ebay tonight for a new switch............................There's GOT to be one for sale for less than $350!!!
For this project I was prompted to buy myself a few new tools today. What a great excuse to tell the wife!!:D
For now though, I think I'm going for a bit of therapy.
My therapy is a ride on my ZR-7S.
Thanks guys. I'll continue to post what I find out.
Jim

RE: 50 y/o Newbie. Car starts but dies immediately
 

Is there a way to bypass the ignition switch to confirm that the switch is at fault? No, I'm not asking how to hot-wire a car![sm=grinangel.gif] From what I've determined it just has to be the switch.
Even though we tried another switch (used), why would it be off a car if it wasn't defective?
Again, any suggestions are welcome.
Thanks. Jim

RE: 50 y/o Newbie. Car starts but dies immediately
 

whoooa hang on im not sure but i got a 97 & honda had a RECALL on ign .switches check into it ---if not covered replace ign . sw. ---if u can keep the car runnin holdin key in run position it the switch --buy a NEW SWITCH!

RE: 50 y/o Newbie. Car starts but dies immediately
 

hit up the junkyard.....they fit nicley in your pocket;)

RE: 50 y/o Newbie. Car starts but dies immediately
 

check the distributer. clean it or replace cap.rotor. also your fuel pressure regulator might be broken. too much fuel pressure will cut your car engine off.