Alright lady's and gents.
I am having a problem that I just can't figure out.
So I'm going to put you to the test.

I drive a stock 1990 civic DX.
The car has always ran for me, and been great.
Well, yesterday, she just woudln't start.

Symptoms:
When I turn the key, I just hear a click.
Checked my ECU - code 13 - atmospheric pressure.

Checked all fuses -- good.
Hot wired the Starter - it works. But the car won't stay running.
I tried to push-start the car. Drove down a hill at 20MPH. No luck.

Any ideas?

Post as much stuff, and as fast as you can/want. I gotta get to work within2 days.

 

replace the ignition switch (electric part, not the lock cylinder part)

 

Starting problem:

Double check that fuses 31 and 32 are not blow. Also make sure the battery and starter connectors are tight and not corroded. Did you successfully hot wire the starter from the same battery in the car? If so, you might have a faulty ignition switch or a broken wire in the starter circuit.

Stalling problem:

Also possibly caused by a faulty ignition switch. If not, then:

Clear code 13 from the ECU and see if the same code returns.

I'm not sure a bad atmospheric sensor would cause your stalling problem.

In this case, you need to determine whether you have a problem with the fuel system (fuel filter/pump/main relay) or ignition system (e.g., coil/igniter). Turn the ignition key to ON without cranking. Do you hear the low humming noise made by the fuel pump? (Regardless, you may want to replace the fuel filter if this hasn't been done recently.) If you hear the fuel pump activate for a few seconds, then check whether you have spark at the plugs. This is done by pulling one of the plug wires, putting a spark plug in the end of it, grounding the plug against a metallic part of the engine (e.g., valve cover), and cranking the engine. Do you see any sparking at the end of the plug? ****Avoid electrical shock -- wear rubber gloves when holding the plug wire.****

 

Update -

I rigged up a toggle switch to my starter.
Got in the car to try it, and the battery is now too dead to fully turn over ther motor.
BUT, it did spin the motor.
I then tried to start with the ignition - just to see what happend - and it tried to crank over motor.

Maybe the starter is going out?
I will be updating here again in a few minutes.
Waiting on a buddy to show up and give me a jump.


Ron - the fuses are good, and pump is running.
My car never stalled - just didn't turn on.

fperezal - i don't think I need to change the ignition switch - but i do randomly happen to have a spare in my car.

Thank you both for your knowledge and time.

 

If the engine still won't start after you solve the cranking problem, then check for spark at the plugs. If you have spark, then you may want to replace the fuel filter. Also clear your CEL code and check whether any new codes blink on the ECU.

 

--Update--
CAR works wonderfuly now.

Thank you all for your time, and your help.

-Blaine.

 

So, it was the key switch?

 

No.
Not 100% sure what the problem was.

After I rigged up the toggle switch, I was able to turn the motor over.
After that, I was able to use the key again.
Hopefully the problem is fixed, and won't happen again.
When I get some spare money, I will check into this more.
Not going to just live on hopes and dreams.