I'm trying to find a post from a couple of months ago, I thought it was posted by Sacs but I can't find it. [&:] It was about someone who replaced their ignitor 3 times before they figured out that there was actually some other problem. Anyone remember this??

Here's the deal: my family has another Civic, a '93 EX auto sedan. They've had it for 3-4 years and it's pretty beat up. I don't know the whole story but I think they said they have replaced the ignitor twice. My brother has the car, and now he's having trouble starting it again... unfortunately he's about 2 hours away, and he has no telephone. [:@]

On a related note: can one of the smart mods compile a list of things to check when your car won't start? Since the question comes up about once a day.

 

Well, I'm not sure exactly what post you are talking about, but it's most probably fuel or fire (obviously).

Why in tarnation would you need to replace the ignitor twice and the dizzy once in 3 or 4 years? What could be causing those failures?

Who the hell doesn't have a telephone?

Has he tested the spark? Can he hear the fuel pump engaging? What's it sound like when he tries it?

 

Yeah... [:@] my parents just call his girlfriend and leave messages with her...

I'm trying to get more details out of them about the problem. I just remember reading the post at the time and thinking "gee I wonder if that's the same problem that the trashmobile has?" but I didn't do anything about it. Now I want to know and I can't find the thread.

 

Ok, here's some more info from my dad:

I know this is kind of a lost cause since I'm too far away to troubleshoot it, but if anyone has any ideas about what would cause the ignition to die twice in 2 years... post them here...

 

Plugs, wires, ground, fuel system? Kinda of a difficult situation to deal with. Have him bring it to mxs' garage...

 

Better PM me with her phone number so I can help your bro out


JK, it may be the coil. When the coil is going out it has the same symptoms as the ignitor.

 

haha

But what could cause it to die 3 times in 3 years? There's gotta be something else going on. [:@]

 

Update: I talked to my parents a couple days ago, and they said he's been able to start the car by turning the ignition to "I", letting it sit for a minute, and then starting the car. I don't know why that works. They were going to take it in for an inspection this week anyway, so they were going to have it checked out there.

someone mentioned upgrading to an external coil here earlier today: https://www.hondacivicforum.com/fb.asp?m=137021
Do you guys think it would be worth it for them to upgrade? if the problem is the coil?