Sign in | Register | My account |

1991 Honda Civic DX died on the highway two nights ago. It was about 20 degrees out. It had been struggling to accelerate for about 10 miles, and I could barely keep it above 50 in a 65, and was forced to downshift repeatedly to keep the speed up. When I tried to restart it, it would just chug and not start. Oil levels were fine. Tried starting it for 30 min, and it started finally with my foot on the gas, but would die as soon as I eased off. The next morning, about 45 degrees F, it wouldn't even start, just chugchugchug... In the past 8 months, the plugs, wires, distributor rotor, alternator, main relay, ignition switch, and fuel filter have all been replaced. Tried jump starting it, but it didn't help. The various warning lights come on when I turn the key. I can hear the fuel pump cycle when I do so, and then a click under the dash, which I assume is a relay. But actually starting the car just results in chugging until I release the key.

HBreck
65

Asked by HBreck Feb 03, 2013 at 03:56 PM about the 1991 Honda Civic DX Hatchback

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

7 Answers

tenspeed
30,345

Try starting fluid. I suspect a worn fuel pump or clogged filter so it would be a lack of fuel.

Josh Kucy
5

Starting fluid works on carbutated cars, not fuel injected cars. There is a connector behind the glove box of older Honda's. Jump the connector and the check engine light will start to flash. depending on how many times it flashes, it will give you a code. Refer to a website for this code and it might help you on your way. I have owned 6 Civics (years 1990-1996) so I know what I'm talking about :)

Jonathan Ford
1,065

what happened to those 6 cars?

HBreck
65

Appreciate the suggestions, everyone. Turns out the rings are fried. No compression in 3 cylinders. Replacing rings is beyond my capabilities and budget. Possibly new car time.

Jonathan Ford
1,065

"now me and the mad scientist gotta rip apart the block and replace the piston rings you fried" sorry thats what came to my mind lol

HBreck
65

Ha! Well, if Vin Diesel wants it, he can have it.

Takoda Fraser
695

you could get a new block its easy to take apart a motor and put it back together

Your Answer

Related Questions

  • 1999 Honda Civic Dies while driving 47 answers

    i have a 1999 honda civic ex which has 165,000 miles. Within the last few months the car will shutoff while driving. i have no power steering, nothing. i have to pull the car to side of the road an...

    1999 Honda Civic

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • My 1991 Honda civic won't start 10 answers

    I've already replaced to fuel pump and the distributor. When I try to start the engine it won't turn over . It cranks but won't turn all the way over . Please help !!

    1991 Honda Civic EX

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • 1998 Honda Civic DX - will not start 7 answers

    The car turns over when trying to start it but does not start. Spark plugs look good, distributor looks good, what could it be?

    1998 Honda Civic DX

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • 1990 Honda Civic LX Will not even turn over 12 answers

    It ill not turn over. We have replaced the starter, we replaced the ignition switch, we have had the alternator tested and it was good! We have replaced the battery. The starter clicks when you turn t...

    1990 Honda Civic LX

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • 2008 Dodge Charger will NOT start! PLEASE HELP!!! 211 answers

    Forgive me for being too descriptive or long winded but I wanted to make sure I provided as much information and detail as possible to make the diagnosis much easier. I have a 2008 Dodge Charger 2.7L...

    2008 Dodge Charger SE

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

Civic
Looking for a Used Civic in your area?
CarGurus has 55,949 nationwide Civic listings starting at $999.
ZIP:

Search Honda Civic Questions

Honda Civic Experts

#1 Takoda Fraser
Takoda Fraser
Reputation 650
#2 DavidH25
DavidH25
Reputation 310
#3 tenspeed
tenspeed
Reputation 280
View All

Used Cars For Sale

2013 Honda Civic For Sale 34954 listings