Honda Repair: 1992 accord no start, neutral safety switch, transmission gear


Question
My 1992 Honda will not start. Thought it was main relay. I replaced it with others and still same problem. I also tried changing the ECU and  MAP sensor. Still same problem. When I turn the key to on my check engine light comes on and the fuel pump gets power for a couple of seconds and then the light goes out. I know this is a normal condition and I get 5 volt reference at MAP sensor so the ECU is getting power and working. However I get no spark on start up. Could this be a fulty coil or igniter? Now when I turn the key to on I get no check engine light no fuel pump and the main relay clicks intermittently as does something in or close to the transmission gear selector. Can this be caused by faulty ignition switch? Does the ignition switch supply power to the main relay? Please help!

Answer
Steve assuming you are hearing the engine turn over with no spark right? Or does nothing turn over? Because the car requires 3 components; spark, fuel, and air. Assuming you have eliminated these as potential issues then you are in the right area for diagnosis. Is this vehicle an AT or MT? If it is a MT push start and see what happens. If it is AT that would give you a bad ignition switch but unlikely. You should have already eliminated a Bad coil or igniter because you said the car turns over right? And you did verify with an extra spark plug and holding it to the engine block itself that you've seen spark while turning over the ignition? Be careful doing so if you have not done this yet due to shock from the Ignition coil. :-) But this is an easy way to check whether or not your coil is working... Also another area would be the neutral safety switch. Meaning the car is not registering it is in Park or Neutral. Which would coincide with the noise from the AT shifter area of the car. Also verify all fuses are in proper working order as well. Other than that it sounds like you have your hands full.