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.

385

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

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

7 Answers

175,975

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

15

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 :)

1 people found this helpful.
385

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.

9,975

"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

2,405

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

Your Answer:

Civic

Looking for a Used Civic in your area?

CarGurus has 29,691 nationwide Civic listings starting at $1,571.

ZIP:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

1991 Honda Civic

Review another car

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    ColdinMA
    Reputation
    2,360
  • #2
    Guru9CNGV
    Reputation
    2,110
  • #3
    GuruDMD1V
    Reputation
    2,090
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Honda Accord
1,473 Great Deals out of 29,903 listings starting at $1,075
Used Toyota Corolla
1,596 Great Deals out of 24,541 listings starting at $1,322
Used Toyota Camry
2,184 Great Deals out of 38,151 listings starting at $700
Used Hyundai Elantra
925 Great Deals out of 26,028 listings starting at $1,488
Used Ford Mustang
915 Great Deals out of 23,188 listings starting at $1,995
Used BMW 3 Series
1,129 Great Deals out of 13,107 listings starting at $1,000

Used Cars for Sale

2024 Honda Civic For Sale
43 Great Deals out of 13,478 listings starting at $21,995
2023 Honda Civic For Sale
70 Great Deals out of 819 listings starting at $19,990
2022 Honda Civic For Sale
130 Great Deals out of 1,893 listings starting at $17,995
2021 Honda Civic For Sale
148 Great Deals out of 2,400 listings starting at $13,500
2020 Honda Civic For Sale
164 Great Deals out of 2,217 listings starting at $11,000

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.