Does this mean that you found that the fuel pump doesn't prime when the engine won't start? If instead the fuel pump primes, then look elsewhere.

 

No, the engine works now. it started working the day after i started this post. But like before, its probably going to break down on me again sometime this week or next. Because it works now, I hear the fuel pump and im obviously getting sparks. i just figure this relay thing i could atleast check to see if the joints are cracking. not much else i can do till i break down again

 

I think bad main relays are more common for 92-95 Civics/Del Sols. I try to dissuade members from replacing parts randomly. This approach can become expensive.

 

well, the car died on me after work today. Now that it was officially not working, I tried to listen for the fuel pump to turn on when i turned the key, I do hear it. So I guess that means its not the fuel pump. I also tried to giggle the main relay as i tried to start it in case the solder joints were cracking, nothing there either. So right now its dead on the side of the road and I just walked 2.5 hrs home. Ill try to get a ride tonite or tomorrow to pick it up when I know it will probably f'n work. I have to get it fixed this weekend or trash it, I cant deal with this anymore!

 

So you have fuel. That helps. Given your fear of checking for spark, let's just assume that you don't have spark in order to move the process forward. Remove both the ICM and coil from inside of the distributor and call around to auto parts store that will test them. One is likely to test bad and replacing it should get your car back on the road. Nonetheless, when either the ICM or coil goes bad, the other isn't far behind, so consider replacing both. Good luck.

 

I have the same problem. It shut down on me twice now. Honda told me to replace the igniter and and ignition coil in the distributer and I did so I thought it was fixed until the following week and it just died in the drive through whiling idling at McDonanlds. It is frustrating because you don't know where it will die next! I was told sometimes the ignition switch could cause it. Honda said to try wiggling your key while it is on to see if it the engine dies. This wasn't the case for me. Do you have a kill switch? Loose ground? Let me know what you find out because I am still fighting with my issue. My next move is the kill switch. Since your car won't start after it dies and the engine is warm, it might be the main relay?

 

Annoying as heck huh?? Do you keep all power for radio, clock, lights, etc...? I did get mine fixed finally but had to go to an actual honda dealer garage. Like you, they said it was the igniter and ignition coil going bad and had to replace. They also said that the little disk at the end of the distributor was the wrong type! Not sure if that had anything to do with it being its been on there for years and not even sure who even put that there but I know it wasnt me!. But its been running fine ever since all that repair as done. Cost me about 650.00 as well as getting a AAA membership because I didnt think i was ever going to fix it and wanted a little assurance I could get help a little easier if i was to break down again somewhere. That last 8.3 mile walk home did it for me!

I had others telling me it could be a relay also. While looking for fixes, i found out one of my spark plug cables was fried and barely even attached also and thought that was the problem but it wasnt. Others were saying it might be the fuel pump which you should hear faintly when you turn the key the first time. Next time teh car is dead, see if you hear it. I could hear it so that wasnt my problem. I also suspected it was the heat because the days it died, it was pretty hot but there were plenty of hot days where it was fine too so dont know if that was a real factor

 

Glad to hear the car was fixed, but $650 seems monumentally excessive for less than $100 in parts. Clearly, you could save a lot of money by learning to do basic car work.

 

basic car work is one thing. taking apart one of the more touchy parts of a car that could end up costing you more to go back to repair what you just made worse, its not something im willing to risk. I tried my best to learn and figure out what I could, and thanks for your help also, but those that know about cars that i told about what I learned and what you mentioned said that wouldnt be a good idea unless you know what you are doing...and i dont. it wasnt worth the risk

 

I'm sorry, but I can't understand the point of you seeking out technical help on a car forum if you really aren't willing to learn. In addition, those friends that you say know about cars must not know very much about your Civic because replacing the coil and ICM is not very difficult. I'm also surprised that such "knowledgeable" friends failed to volunteer to help you out with a relatively straightforward job.