Ignition issue on a CRX - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Moonduck · 12-21-2003, 11:25 PM

Okay, I'm not usually one ot ask for tech help. Been doing my own maintainence all my life, rebuilt my own engines, transmission work, etc. I'm stumped on this one though. What's worse is that my Pop is stumped, and he's an ASE Master Tech with more years wrenching then I've been alive.

89 Honda CRXsi, occassionally just won't start. Hit the key and the starter engages no problem, just no actual spark being produced. Doesn't always do it, most frequently happens if you stall it at a light (ain't that how it always works?) or if you try to restart soon after running it. At that point, I figure it is just more common when hot. It went for about 3 weeks when it wouldn't start at all, then randomly decided to start one day, no change whatsoever.

We've traced the wiring and checked it, no breaks. Replaced the coil, ignition modules of all sorts, distributor cap, and even temporarily swapped out the actual main comp using a known good spare that I borrowed as a test. The biggest issue on diagnosing the problem is that we cannot establish a pattern and thus cannot force a repeat of the no-start.

Any Honda-heads or CRX-geeks out there heard of such a thing? The car is my Mother's playtoy for when she decides she wants to drive fast, and it isn't a daily driver, thus it's not worth the money or time to do too much to solve the problem. It's also just not that commonly occurring an issue. It just frustrates me, and if you are a car-geek, you know the frustration I'm feeling. Any help is appreciated.

shakran · 12-22-2003, 01:16 PM

Check your main relay. It's located under the dash to the left of the steering wheel, just above and behind the coin tray. Main relays are VERY common causes of this problem on the CRX.

Moonduck · 12-22-2003, 10:55 PM

I'll try it, thanks.

reconmike · 12-23-2003, 08:59 AM

I second the main relay, very common, especialy if the interior is hot.

If the relay does not fix it, you will need to check the igniter.
Check to see if the tach moves when cranking.

shakran · 12-24-2003, 08:10 AM

btw, if you ever wonder where something is or how to fix something on your CRX, the service manual has been put online by some dude.

http://www.quickhonda.net

it's in the garage section. He's got the mechanical and electrical helms manuals in there. they're the 90-91 manuals but in almost every aspect those cars are identical to the 88-89's as well. Only major difference as far as the manuals are concerned is that the 88 has a different spline count on the clutch.

Moonduck · 12-24-2003, 08:42 AM

Looks like a killer site, thanks!

12-21-2003, 11:25 PM	#1 (permalink)
Moonduck Junkie Location: SE USA	Ignition issue on a CRX Okay, I'm not usually one ot ask for tech help. Been doing my own maintainence all my life, rebuilt my own engines, transmission work, etc. I'm stumped on this one though. What's worse is that my Pop is stumped, and he's an ASE Master Tech with more years wrenching then I've been alive. 89 Honda CRXsi, occassionally just won't start. Hit the key and the starter engages no problem, just no actual spark being produced. Doesn't always do it, most frequently happens if you stall it at a light (ain't that how it always works?) or if you try to restart soon after running it. At that point, I figure it is just more common when hot. It went for about 3 weeks when it wouldn't start at all, then randomly decided to start one day, no change whatsoever. We've traced the wiring and checked it, no breaks. Replaced the coil, ignition modules of all sorts, distributor cap, and even temporarily swapped out the actual main comp using a known good spare that I borrowed as a test. The biggest issue on diagnosing the problem is that we cannot establish a pattern and thus cannot force a repeat of the no-start. Any Honda-heads or CRX-geeks out there heard of such a thing? The car is my Mother's playtoy for when she decides she wants to drive fast, and it isn't a daily driver, thus it's not worth the money or time to do too much to solve the problem. It's also just not that commonly occurring an issue. It just frustrates me, and if you are a car-geek, you know the frustration I'm feeling. Any help is appreciated.

12-23-2003, 08:59 AM	#4 (permalink)
reconmike Thank You Jesus Location: Twilight Zone	I second the main relay, very common, especialy if the interior is hot. If the relay does not fix it, you will need to check the igniter. Check to see if the tach moves when cranking. __________________ Where is Darwin when ya need him?

12-22-2003, 01:16 PM	#2 (permalink)
shakran Tone.	Check your main relay. It's located under the dash to the left of the steering wheel, just above and behind the coin tray. Main relays are VERY common causes of this problem on the CRX.

12-22-2003, 10:55 PM	#3 (permalink)
Moonduck Junkie Location: SE USA	I'll try it, thanks.

12-24-2003, 08:10 AM	#5 (permalink)
shakran Tone.	btw, if you ever wonder where something is or how to fix something on your CRX, the service manual has been put online by some dude. http://www.quickhonda.net it's in the garage section. He's got the mechanical and electrical helms manuals in there. they're the 90-91 manuals but in almost every aspect those cars are identical to the 88-89's as well. Only major difference as far as the manuals are concerned is that the 88 has a different spline count on the clutch.

12-24-2003, 08:42 AM	#6 (permalink)
Moonduck Junkie Location: SE USA	Looks like a killer site, thanks!