Questions and Answers

Acura Integra Cranks, Won't Start Q. 1988 Acura Integra 1590cc 1.6 liter DOHC engine, manual transmission, fuel injection, 143,000 miles. Replaced engine with Japanese used approximately three months ago. I hope you can help diagnose this situation. I began having problems while driving. The gauges and digital clock would go dead and blank and the engine would eventually die.

This happened when first driving or after driving 30 plus miles and anywhere in between. I could then stop the car. Turn the key off and restart the car immediately. This worked for a week. Then it became harder to start.

Then finally it will not start at all. The starter cranks but no engine turnover. The gauge lights are dim and often pulsate on and off when the key is turned on. I checked the battery and changed the battery, but no difference. My research shows a recall for ignition ignitor replacement in March 1993. I did not own the car then.

Thanks for any help,
Nicolee

A. What you can do is call the local Honda Dealer, give them the VIN and they can check and see if the recall was performed. If it is still an active recall and it has not been done, they will tow your car in and perform the recall.

The key here is to find out what is missing, fuel or spark. You can pull a spark plug wire and stick it on a spark plug. Lay it on a metal part of the engine so it has a good ground. You should be able to see a bright blue spark. If you don't you have an ignition problem.

If you do have a good spark, then you have a fuel problem.Take a vacuum line off at the intake manifold and spray a healthy shot of carburetor cleaner into the intake manifold. If it starts and runs as long as the carburetor cleaner lasts, you have a fuel problem.

I would also check out the Main Relay. They have a history of going bad. Honda Main Relays