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My 1.5L 89 Civic usually starts ok, but occasionally it doesn't.
It cranks strongly and the instrument panel lights up fine, it just doesn't fire up.
If you take the key out, put it back in, and try it again, it always ends up starting (so far) - but I'd like to figure out what's what.
Any ideas?
(yes, I'm a noob).

 
Rep Power: 204

Could be your starter. There's 2 brass contacts inside that wear out over time (usually just the one). This is universal for every vehicle I've ever owned. If this is your problem then the next time it doesn't start give the starter housing a tap,tap,tap with a wrench. If it fires up after that then the contacts are beat. I usually just do the contacts myself but it seems most people in this day and age just go buy another starter. Keep in mind if you get a wrecking yard one there's no way to tell how used it is.

Kept my Toyota truck going for 3 months using tapa,tapa,tapa, LOL

That's my best guess could be a lot of things... LOL

 
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hmm - but it isn't a case of the starter not cranking the engine over.
the starter motor runs and the engine gets cranked, it just doesn't fire up and go vroom.
u sure this is a brass contact related problem?
i'll keep this in mind though - if all else fails, tap the starter housing.

 
Rep Power: 204

I'm not familiar with the starter of an '89 Civic but generally it's 2 bolts to pull the starter from the car. Maybe another 4 or so the crack the housing to get to the contacts. Contacts are usually big with a bolt through them to hold them in place. Undo the bolts, pull the contacts, install the new ones, put the housing back together, install on car.

That's the jist of it.

On my Toyota truck I actually had to desolder the winding inside the housing to get to the contacts. Pain in the butt.

Other than that get your hands on a FSM (Factory Service Manual) and it'll break down the procedure with an exploded view of your starter.

FSM = your friend

Again, if that's it you can get by on tapa,tapa,tapa for a long time. lol

 
Rep Power: 204

Nope, not contacts.

Contacts, you'll get a 'click' then nothing. When it first starts happening you can usually rock the key in the ignition and eventually 'catch' and turn the engine over.

 
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ignition switch

 
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What I would do is first see if I can re create the problem. When I can figure out how to do that I would check spark and fuel. If you've got spark then its gonna be fuel. Seriously is it sounds like its cranking at the same speed it always does that your starter is fine. When was the last time you changed your fuel filter? That could hinder the fuel from getting to the engine without the vacuum of trying to start it a few times. Also make sure your distributor is working properly. If you need steps for any of that I've got a haynes manual you should ge one as well. I never buy a car and not have one man.

 
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it seems to have stopped doing it (not starting) for now at least.
and no, its not the starter motor - i've had problems with them in other cars and i know what you mean - when you turn the key it goes click, then nothing.
this isn't that - it cranks the engine just fine but the engine doesn't fire up.
i'll remember the tapa, tapa trick though if and when that does happen.

i'll replace the fuel filter - it probably needs a new one.

kellog - you're thinking its the ignition switch?
that's interesting because sometimes it's tough to remove the key.
sometimes i have to jiggle and finesse it out of the slot.

Sherlock - I don't suppose you have the haynes in a PDF format?
I tried downloading a manual but couldn't find one anywhere.
My local library has an online automotive database but for some reason it has nothing for 89 Civics.
I totally agree with you guys that manuals are your friend.
I might have to buy one - there's obviously some stuff i'll have to do.
rtfm hey?


Other than that she's a good little car with superb fuel economy - guess that's why Civics are so popular in Canada.
Thanks for the advice, guys.

 
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Nah man I dont have one all ive got is for mine. 2001 civic. But yeah man I would check fuel pump and filter and maybe if youve got time through your injectors into a bucket of hot watter and dawn soap just for good mesure. as long as its cranking and its intermitent then I would go with fuel trouble shooting.

 
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yeah , that pulling the key out and then putting it back in is a dead give away to a ignition switch problem

 
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Kellog - yes, I'm starting to think it's the ignition switch because if you jiggle the key around enough, the yellow engine light goes out and it starts.
If it isn't going to start, the yellow engine light stays on, plus sometimes it's tough to get the key out.
How big a deal is it to replace the ignition switch?

edit:
Looked on youtube - can't find a video on how to replace ignition switches on 4th gen Civics.
Also, just checked with a local mechanic.
He said it's $150 for labor and either $60 or $450 for the parts depending on if I just need the "key part" or "the whole module," does this sound right?
Is there a way to bypass this issue or a perhaps work-around?

 
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Well it usually started, now it wont start at all.
I don't have money to get another ignition switch, I'm going to have to bypass it.
Its not closing the whatever circuit makes the yellow engine light go out.