i hope someone can help me. about a month ago my 98 civic lx died in a rainstorm on the freeway. it started up about 5 min later but the next morning it would not start. the engine would crank but not fire. i could bump start it and after that it would run fine and start fine for the rest of the day, but after it sat all night it wouldnt start. i took it to one auto shop and they couldnt find the problem, then i took it to a dealer and they replaced the ingnition coil. it worked fine for about two weeks and then after a rain my civic would not start the next morning. i bump started it and it ran fine and started fine for the next two weeks until it rained again. so pretty much my problem is that if it rains, im pretty sure my car wont start initially unless i bump start it. then it works fine until it rains again. im not very knowledgeable on civics, but could this be the distributor cap or somethin like that thats letting moisture in? if anyone can help i would greatly appreciate it!! thank you!

 

You should consider changing the plug wires and inspecting the distributor cap and rotor for moisture and corrosion. If the latter is found, change the cap and rotor.

 

Turn your car on and sprit some water on the cap and rotor, check for hesitation or sparks

 

I assume you're talking about getting the car rolling then dropping the clutch when you say "bump start." If the ignition were shorted out with water that wouldn't be able to start it either.

Sounds like it may be a problem with the key switch or other wiring so the ignition isn't staying powered up when you turn the key to start. The rain angle may be just a coincidence, but yes defintely do the water test to make sure.

 

thanks for the responses guys! by bump start i mean pullin it behind another vehicle and dropping the clutch. it didnt work just by pushing it a little while,so it looks like there may be a little crack or something on the top of the distributor cap (why the mechanics didnt notice is beyond me?).if this crack was allowing moisture int the distributor could that lead to some of the problems i am having? im not the greatest civic mechanic, are distributor cap covers difficult to replace and can i do it myself? seems like a simple thing but i dont wanna mess anything else up. also, if i change the distributor cap should i also replace the rotor? if so, why? thank you guys so much!

 

The cap is very simple to replace. If it's visibly cracked it needs to be replaced. Unscrew the 3 screws, take the cap off, screw the new cap on. Make sure the gasket is properly placed. Leave the wires plugged into the old cap until you have the new one attached. Then transfer the wires over one at a time so they stay in the proper order. Buy a cap from the dealer not a discount parts-store knockoff.

Also most people replace the rotor at the same time though it's not absolutely essential. The rotor is held to the shaft with a bolt, you may need to kick the starter for an instant to turn the bolt so you can reach it.