I have a 1994 Civic DX Japanese import which was sitting unused for some time. Battery had been removed.

Fitted new battery and turned the key. No lights on dashboard - By this I mean no ignition lights, check engine etc. hazard lights and horn work but nothing else. Checked that it is connected to correct poles.

Don't know where to start. This car was running fine before it was laid up.

Anyone help?

 

Check everything! Fuses, harnesses, starter, and most importantly ignition switch. I guessing that you tried to turn the car over and nothing happened. Go to a pullapart and get a new ignition switch harness. The hardest part about it is getting the flat inch wide wire off. If you know it hasn't been replaced for a while. One question. Does ur lights, horn and radio, work ect... ?

 

Yes tried to turn it over and nothing happened. Hazard lights and horn work.
Someone said it might be the alarm as these work.
Have no key for alarm which is switched to off position.

 

Exactly how long was it sitting? If it was outside, it's possible that rodents got under the hood and chewed up some wires. That's why I would suggest a very thorough check of the electrical system.

Check your ground wires for corrosion as well.

 

Do the headlights work? If they don't, check wiring and main fuse like Hobo said. If they do, turn headlights on and try to start, if they now go out there is not enough power available from the battery. Usually that is just because the terminals aren't securely connected to the battery. Measure the voltage at the battery posts, if not 12 volts you have a dead battery. Then measure at the terminals that clamp onto the battery, should be the same as at the battey itself.