QuestionQUESTION: hi, just bought if at auction and seems to have no spark and no starting condition, as well as key in III position and gear shifter lock will not disengage and release out of "park"...so had older distributor laying around, put it on and nothing, no visible spark, engine doesn't seem to turn over with lots of "juice" like my other honda as if electrical starter part is working 'cause i hear "whining" of sorts but mechanical is not but yet the cam/valves/pistons are moving, i know stuff is moving inside the engine but starter seems to buzz & whine like low battery, but i ran jumpers from other car and good amp juice should be there...also after "turning" engine over, the starter cuts off and after letting it rest a bit, it starts "working" again. so, i wonder if bad connection somewhere, or weak starter or faulty shift solenoid?? something else could be causing no "spark" ? what would be simplest way to get to the root of it?? any simple thoughts and ides on this one???
thanks!
ANSWER: Jr, if no spark then this has to be coming from the distributor or ignition module. Any check engine codes? Check those first and replace that starter too. Unfortunately with auction cars you are buying blind and cannot see prior problems or issues. Start with the basics figure out why there is no spark. Then move to the starter. This could be something easy to fix or this could be alot of problems to fix. The 3 main things you need for a car to start are fuel, spark, and ignition/timing/air. If you want to disengage the shifter simply stick your key in the slot near the shifter and it will slide out of gear.
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QUESTION: thanks for your response. i checked everything - made sure distributor is ok, yes it is but rotor might be too worn, ignition switch works with power to distributor, even checked main relay and it's ok, but no power at distributor at blue wire or any other wire except blk/yellow in starting position key when cranking, so wonder if there is a common relay or switch between ignition and distributor that's faulty and failed and which also controls transmission position/release from park?? otherwise, not sure whatever else might be faulty. the start i took off and seemed to spin so i put it back on and it cranked for a min but then it was dead, it's like i has no juice, just hear the clicking and that's it, so i suspect it's toast.
AnswerJr, good job with the basics. Follow the main wire(s) coming from the battery to the starter and the fuse box. These are heavier gauge wires and are prone to corrosion. Another likely source that could be causing the failure is an aftermarket alarm system. Or a master switch someone has hooked up somewhere. Most likely spot for this would be under the drivers side dash area. You can also take the distributor cap off and see if it is spinning when you are cranking the engine over. Could have a busted timing belt. This will tell you. The rotor should spin if not bad timing belt.
