Mechanical Problems/Vehicle Issues and Fix-it Forum If you've got a problem you just can't figure out, a noise you can't diagnose, or a Check Engine Light that won't go away, ask about it here!

93 civic only starts with ether and will stay running

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 3, 2016
  #1  
TJwheels's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered!!
 
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Rep Power: 0
TJwheels is an unknown quantity at this point
Cool 93 civic only starts with ether and will stay running

Hi all and thanks in advance!!
I recently put a new ignition switch in a 93 Honda civic prior to putting it in the car with some jiggling would start and run. Now the ignition switch works great but the car will not start. Although a shot of ether it starts right up and runs fine until the car is shut off again. Then again it will crank but will not start with out some help from a ignitor like ether.
It did have a old security system on it which was removed could this have something to do with it.
So it seems the fuel is shut off until ignition then the car once running runs fine.
Any ideas? Thanks
Reply
Old Apr 3, 2016
  #2  
ezone's Avatar
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
 
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 32,017
Likes: 256
From: Midwest. Aiming about mid-chest
Rep Power: 518
ezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond repute
Re: 93 civic only starts with ether and will stay running

I dunno.. Thoughts:

Was this an issue before replacing the switch?

Connect your old switch and see if the problem is still present (just plug it in to test, no need to fully install it)


See if fuse 18 is blown
See that fuse 18 receives power only during cranking

Recheck everything in on and around the old alarm connections, good possibility something was disturbed

main relay/fuel pump output test, does it run the pump during cranking??
Reply
Old Apr 3, 2016
  #3  
TJwheels's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered!!
 
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Rep Power: 0
TJwheels is an unknown quantity at this point
Re: 93 civic only starts with ether and will stay running

No this was not a problem before.

Yes fuel pump runs when key is turned and after start.

I will run a check on the fuse and check connections. Great idea on plugging in the old switch,

Thanks for the reply
Reply
Old Apr 30, 2016
  #4  
TJwheels's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered!!
 
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Rep Power: 0
TJwheels is an unknown quantity at this point
Re: 93 civic only starts with ether and will stay running

Does the same thing with old switch, fuse 18 ok only activated when engine cranked. Still looking

It has to be with the fuel or air something is not letting it have fuel for initial start up.

But once started on ether it runs fine is there a control that may do this.

Fuel pump runs before start up etc.

Any Ideas?
Reply
Old Apr 30, 2016
  #5  
ezone's Avatar
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
 
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 32,017
Likes: 256
From: Midwest. Aiming about mid-chest
Rep Power: 518
ezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond repute
Re: 93 civic only starts with ether and will stay running

Hmmm. I don't ever get to see cars this old with weird problems first hand...

A scanner that can read live data from the OBD1 ECM would be real handy (3 pin data link connector) right now.

Not having that, you're kinda reduced to trying to measure various sensor values with a voltmeter or plain old SWAG or WAG..

I might check the grounds on the thermostat housing for being clean, corrosion free, and tight..

Engine/chassis/battery grounds for the same.....thinking high resistance (voltage drop) through the ground cables or connections while the starter is cranking might make the ECM go stupid

ECT sensor for the computer

Open up the ECM and look for telltale signs of capacitor leakage onto the printed circuit board (google image search for examples of leaking capacitors)
Reply
Old Apr 30, 2016
  #6  
TJwheels's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered!!
 
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Rep Power: 0
TJwheels is an unknown quantity at this point
Re: 93 civic only starts with ether and will stay running

Thanks good ideas I didn't think of voltage drop it wouldn't hurt to check these items. Going to start checking the system one piece at a time.
Thanks for the reply
Originally Posted by ezone
Hmmm. I don't ever get to see cars this old with weird problems first hand...

A scanner that can read live data from the OBD1 ECM would be real handy (3 pin data link connector) right now.

Not having that, you're kinda reduced to trying to measure various sensor values with a voltmeter or plain old SWAG or WAG..

I might check the grounds on the thermostat housing for being clean, corrosion free, and tight..

Engine/chassis/battery grounds for the same.....thinking high resistance (voltage drop) through the ground cables or connections while the starter is cranking might make the ECM go stupid

ECT sensor for the computer

Open up the ECM and look for telltale signs of capacitor leakage onto the printed circuit board (google image search for examples of leaking capacitors)

Last edited by ezone; Apr 30, 2016 at 04:16 PM.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Honda Civic Forum
Replies
Last Post
5spdvroom
Mechanical Problems/Vehicle Issues and Fix-it Forum
73
Jul 25, 2016 07:55 PM
Civility
Archive - Vehicles for Sale/Wanted
3
Oct 25, 2015 07:13 PM
bobby08
Electronics
2
Oct 19, 2015 09:27 PM
samalex
Wheels and Tires
0
Oct 7, 2015 12:33 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:31 PM.