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1996 Honda Civic won't start
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mrc55
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Oct 13, 2012, 2:06 PM
Post #1 of 14
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1996 Honda Civic won't start
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My car was running perfect with no problems at all. While the car was running I did something stupid. I pulled out one of the spark plugs cables from the spark plug and it started running rough and then it died as soon as I put the plug cable back in. When I held up the plug cable I saw spark. Just the wire came out, the connector to the top of the plug stayed on the plug. I was able to put this wire back in. I pulled it out because it was loose and I wanted to see if there was spark getting to that plug. The car has not started since. It will turn over but not catch. Is it possible that I grounded the plug wire and fried something. Not really sure where to begin looking. I turned it over for a fairly long time and drained the battery and then my dad looked at it and thought I might have flooded it and fouled out the plugs. So I replaced all the plugs and the distributor cap. This did not help. I really appreciate any thoughts you might have! Thanks! Morgan (son of MrC55)
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Oct 13, 2012, 2:14 PM
Post #2 of 14
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Re: 1996 Honda Civic won't start
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You broke the plug wire and now you need to put a new set of plug wires on it. If the spark plugs, distributor cap and rotor haven't been changed recently, change them also.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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nickwarner
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/ Moderator
Oct 13, 2012, 2:15 PM
Post #3 of 14
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Re: 1996 Honda Civic won't start
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The wire pulled apart when you did that. They don't snap back together. You need to replace the wires and see if you have spark with a spark tester. Make sure you fully charge the battery before you try to start it again. You don't want your alternator to get maxed out trying to charge something marginal. Easy way to fry one out.
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
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Oct 13, 2012, 2:39 PM
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Re: 1996 Honda Civic won't start
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Just to add:
If you pull a plug wire off to check for spark while the engine is running, there is no place for the spark to go if your holding the plug wire away, so spark can't find ground. When that happens the coil output it going to be at it's max KV. If the coil is tired, it will finish it off. If there is another place the spark can find ground, it will look for it. Such as through the coil housing to the inside of the distributor. Anytime you check for spark it is a good idea to use a spark tester or some type of way so spark can find ground through the terminal in the end of the cable without overloading the coil.
Grounding the plug wire won't hurt the coil. In fact grounding the plug wire to disable the cylinder is the preferred method next to unplugging the injector.
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
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mrc55
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Oct 13, 2012, 4:31 PM
Post #5 of 14
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Re: 1996 Honda Civic won't start
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Thank you for your suggestions. We have replaced the plug wires, the plugs, the distributor cap and the rotor looked fine. It still won't start
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mrc55
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Oct 13, 2012, 4:57 PM
Post #7 of 14
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Re: 1996 Honda Civic won't start
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dad
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mrc55
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Oct 13, 2012, 5:01 PM
Post #8 of 14
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Re: 1996 Honda Civic won't start
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there were absolutely no problems with it until i did this.
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nickwarner
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Oct 13, 2012, 7:14 PM
Post #9 of 14
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Re: 1996 Honda Civic won't start
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the cap and rotor are cheap and would be a good idea to change now to avoid problems later. You're looking at a full tuneup anyhow to see if you did fry the coil which you likely have. The parts are cheap.
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mrc55
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Oct 13, 2012, 7:59 PM
Post #10 of 14
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Re: 1996 Honda Civic won't start
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Thanks everyone! I will replace the cap and rotor and check out the coil. What you said makes sense to me. I will let you know how it turns out. I appreciate the help! Morgan
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mrc55
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Oct 19, 2012, 3:07 PM
Post #11 of 14
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Re: 1996 Honda Civic won't start
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Thank you for all the help...I ended up replacing the coil and that fixed it! Guess I won't make that stupid mistake again! Morgan
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nickwarner
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Oct 19, 2012, 4:31 PM
Post #12 of 14
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Re: 1996 Honda Civic won't start
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All of us learned some of the things we know about cars by doing something really dumb and having to correct that mistake. You've got it fixed and learned some new information. Glad to hear it wasn't a bank breaking deal. If you're ever not sure of something you can always ask us before you proceed and we will guide you in the right direction.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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Oct 19, 2012, 11:50 PM
Post #14 of 14
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Re: 1996 Honda Civic won't start
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DS - they'd make a nice couple..............
That pic is so old I'm surprised it's in color!
Tom
(This post was edited by Tom Greenleaf on Oct 20, 2012, 12:14 AM)
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