Nissan Repair: Not a nissan but a honda !!!!?, honda civic hatchback, spark plug wire

Question
Hey Calvin,

Ive got a 1991 Honda Civic Hatchback and it wont start.???
The car ran out of gas (dry), I went to the gas station and got some gas, put it in and still wont start.
It still cranks but it wont turn over.
The car was running Perfect prior to running out of gas.
Can you please help me ????????????       ... Thanks  

Answer
Hi Michelle -

OK, we need to take a couple tests.

Fuel pumps these days do not like to run dry, so i am thinking it may be the pump that went out. However, lets do a couple tests to make sure -

First, remove one spark plug wire and insert the end of a screwdriver until it contacts the terminal inside securely. Have a helper crank the engine while you hold the screwdriver shaft about 1/4" away from any metal surface (do not touch any metal while doing this). If there is a spark jumping between the 2 metal surfaces, then you have spark and you can be pretty sure it is the fuel pump.

Have someone listen by the fuel tank and turn the ignition on. There should be a momentary buzz coming from the fuel tank.

Also, was the car towed in any way? If so, it may have tripped the fuel cut off switch.

Please get back to me -
aloha]
calvin