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03 Civic Lx 5speed manual trany, 1.7 L, car starts but dies 3 seconds later. Battery ok, apparently the fuel pump work ok, ignition switch ok, apparently fuses ok, still wonder how should I had done this check ups. Some I tested with the Hondas repair book others by what I read in the internet. I'll check the timing belt today so I'll find out whether it is out of time. But I wonder why it would be out of timing. althought some time ago I notice a smell of burning plastic, I wonder if this happened in the timing belt, we'll see. Any help, pls? car has been in my house 3 months.

 
Rep Power: 0

Hello Levi22.
Have you checked the fuel pump relay? The smell to burned plastic and the fact that the engine dies after some seconds makes me think about that possibility. I hope my comment helps.

 
Rep Power: 518

First: Got codes? That would be a good starting point.



3 possibilities come to mind...

A) When it dies is the green key light flashing? Immobilizer problem.

B) Alternator bolts loose.

C) Unplug the cam position sensor and see if it runs longer than 3 seconds now. If it does then shut it off at 5 seconds and tear off the front of the engine, the cam is out of time by one tooth or more and you have a serious problem that needs figured out ASAP.

The burned plastic smell makes me think C will be your answer. Is there a clattering noise that goes along with this?


HTH