When I try to start my 1989 civic it goes to about 1000 rpm and then immediately shuts off. It does this for a couple of days then may not do it for weeks.

 

I had a problem with this in my civic and it was the ignition switch.The car would start then when i would put the switch to on it would shut off.After it would crank I would have to hold the key so the starter wasnt grinding and the switch wasnt in the on so about half in the start half in the on position.I priced the switch at like 230.00 at the store 4 my 92 civic.

 

WHen was the last time you did a tune up? Check your plugs and injector wiring. Are you boosted?

 

It was the ignition switch. At some time in the past there was an arc in the switch and a bur formed on one of the terminals. This did not allow the switch to turn all the way. I put a new switch in (67.00 @ Advance Auto) and it works great. Thanks for your posts!