I'm thinking my coil is bad on my 2000 civic ex. Crank - no start. Got her towed home and fuel pump relay clicks when key is turned, and fuel pump runs. Very weak spark from right end cylinder - will have to check properly again using a spark plug on all 4 plug wires. I had just gotten it rolling smooth again with new front wheel bearings, and new radiator last summer - now this. I'll tell you what, when it rains it pours! Thanks for making this video, it helps a lot!
Thanks for your comment, if you have a weak spark it sounds like the coil as it changes battery voltage to 50,000 volts for the spark to occur. If you have any questions, please dont hesitate to ask!
@@Victor-vq9ks yes, the new coil fixed the problem. The black plastic covering the coil had many burnt areas where the high voltage broke down the insulation. It changes the appearance of the black plastic from a shiny finish to dull in areas where it is arcing through. Also, the two screws connecting the wires to the coil seemed to have welded in place and would not loosen - I had to cut the heads of the screws off with a carbide ball on a Dremel and replace the screws to free the wires. It still needs a new distributor cap and rotor as they are worn, but just replacing the coil got it running again.
I am so glad you showed the you can change the coil out without having to undo the troublesome connector ...were on the same page with not breaking that darn connector.. in attempting to take it apart to service the outer and inner seals on the distributor and replace the heater core hose... I found my connector frozen to the mounting bracket and stuck together as well.. The heater core hose was leaking due to motor oil dripping on it and wearing out the rubber hose from the leaky distributor o ring seal (S)... I could not dismantle the distributor and rebuild it on the bench nor buy a new one and replace it... So I only replaced the outer seal...now I am wondering why the heck did honda put a coolant outlet underneath the distributor where it could possibly leak oil as well as spring a leak in the coolant hose and cause terrible humidity and even coolant spring a leak around where the distributor and wires are... I do not know....but all in all these are great cars you can get a whole lot of miles out of them if you take care of them....
You’re not alone on the wire harness , I’m having the same issue. In my 17 years of doing DIY mechanic work , I’ve never not been able to get a connector off
Thanks for your comment, I dont remember having a problem with other wiring harnesses. I bet this harness has never been taken apart, I bought the car in 2008 at 54K miles/86K KM. We have alot of moisture here so Im sure that was a factor as well. The important thing is I found a solution and got the job done.
The reason you weren't able to disconnect the connector is because you first need to remove the connector from the metal bracket on the distributor (just push the plastic clip on the right side and pull the connector from the bracket). Once the connector is no longer on the bracket you should be able to disconnect it very easily. I struggled for 30 minutes before I found that out.
In order to disconnect the distributor wiring harness plug you have to first take the plug off of the metal holder its on, then the plug will easily separate.
Thanks for your comment, I did remove it form the holder. I did everything I could think of to get it out. I am sure that youre better than me with cars, but at the end of the day, I still managed to get the job done without breaking anything.
@@HomeownerDIY I think you did well, even the small phillips screws on the coil stripped and you managed to find a solution to that problem. Good work and great video!
@@HomeownerDIY how did you say you were able to get the screws you stripped off? I was working on mine yesterday and I stripped one screw so while I wait for the ignition coil I ordered to come in, I have to figure out how to get the one screw out.
@@fireinthehole72 Thanks for your question, this video will show how I did it, if you need more help, please come back and ask. th-cam.com/video/VQVPRMBQfjU/w-d-xo.html
Just FYI, on the distributor if you remove the plug off of the metal stand that holds it in place then the plug will come apart. There is a tab that is under the metal part that holds the distributor on the plug itself.
I have a 1997 Honda civic and it drive and very thing but I doesn’t go past 3.5 rpms it starts acting weird and I gotta wait into it goes to a new gear
Its not the distributor cap/rotor. The distributor is run off the cam shaft. Its more than likely an electrical problem,either the ECU or one of the sensors is giving the wrong info to the ECU.
Thanks for your question,l believe youre asking what would cause the ignition coil to fail? Wear and tear. Everything will eventually wear out. Tires, pumps, pipes/tubing will leak at some point. One of the original parts on the car(that l know of) is the alternator.
Thanks for your question, no timing adjustments is required. If you miss wire the leads to the distributor, you will run into problems tho. Take a pic if you need to.
@@sinnieleeonUtube lf the timing is off, you have another issue besides your ignition coil. The coil only changes battery voltage to voltage needed to jump the gap of the spark plug. I take it you have a misfiring issue? Are you getting spark to the cylinders?
@@HomeownerDIY I got sputtering and misfiring and now it won't start BUT it cranks. I also saw oil leaks. So I will replace the entire distributor with cap and rotor when I get it. Then from watching the distributor replacement videos, they all adjust the timing with the timing lights. BUT I didn't see you do it that's why I asked. Is it because you put back the same distributor and with marking in place, the timing was not effected.
Were you pushing tab or clip down on connector. Its just plastic. A wiggle or rocking motion can help it slide apart...and pulling the lower section down. Why take dist off? Why not test the icm and coil in place?
Thanks for your question, taking it off would of being easier for me to clean up the distributor. I have taken hundreds of plugs apart, I have also broken plugs getting too aggressive taking them apart. With an extra set of hands could of probably gotten it apart but I found a safe alternative. Not everything goes according to plan.
You know if 99 n 2000 is same on the distubator ? My don’t start I check spark n fuels n relay , compression test n timing swap out the distubator from a 99 but still no start so not sure if 99 n 2000 is same I heard some say 2000 has tdc sensors in the distributor n crank pulley .my other move next is change out the crank pulley but my question is if 99 is same as 00 tho same car n motor
Thanks for your question, all the parts between 96-2000 are 6th generation, so for those 4 years they are all the same. So it turns over but doesnt start?
@@HomeownerDIY yes sound like it’s gonna start but doesn’t if you say it’s the same then mark the distributor off now looking toward the crank sensor ?
@@HomeownerDIY yes check all those already beside air how do u check that it was working just one day try to start n never start again , I have spark n fuel also timing mark correct and compression good , fuses n relay good new plugs n wires too check fuel pump n injector working also im gonna try swap out a ecu tomorrow just to see as well no engine check
@@Emperor_1971 Fuel: You have confirmed fuel is getting to *each* cylinder? Air:Open the box for the filter. Assuming its clean, you can pump the gas pedal when you start the car. The gas pedal is actually an air pedal. The cable goes to the throttlebody. Spark: You have confirmed *each* cylinder is getting a spark? It sounds like you have rebuilt a part of the engine. Why would you swap the ECU? Sounds like your just trying to change parts to fix the problem.
For the 6:16 harness, firstly you need to take the whole thing off horizontally, then it’s much easier to take the distributor connection off
Thanks for your comment, I will keep this in mind next time l need to work on the distributor.
I'm thinking my coil is bad on my 2000 civic ex. Crank - no start. Got her towed home and fuel pump relay clicks when key is turned, and fuel pump runs. Very weak spark from right end cylinder - will have to check properly again using a spark plug on all 4 plug wires. I had just gotten it rolling smooth again with new front wheel bearings, and new radiator last summer - now this. I'll tell you what, when it rains it pours! Thanks for making this video, it helps a lot!
Thanks for your comment, if you have a weak spark it sounds like the coil as it changes battery voltage to 50,000 volts for the spark to occur.
If you have any questions, please dont hesitate to ask!
Did you fix it ?
@@Victor-vq9ks Are you asking me or Steve?
@@Victor-vq9ks yes, the new coil fixed the problem. The black plastic covering the coil had many burnt areas where the high voltage broke down the insulation. It changes the appearance of the black plastic from a shiny finish to dull in areas where it is arcing through. Also, the two screws connecting the wires to the coil seemed to have welded in place and would not loosen - I had to cut the heads of the screws off with a carbide ball on a Dremel and replace the screws to free the wires. It still needs a new distributor cap and rotor as they are worn, but just replacing the coil got it running again.
@@Steve.Garrison Glad to hear!!
I am so glad you showed the you can change the coil out without having to undo the troublesome connector ...were on the same page with not breaking that darn connector.. in attempting to take it apart to service the outer and inner seals on the distributor and replace the heater core hose... I found my connector frozen to the mounting bracket and stuck together as well.. The heater core hose was leaking due to motor oil dripping on it and wearing out the rubber hose from the leaky distributor o ring seal (S)... I could not dismantle the distributor and rebuild it on the bench nor buy a new one and replace it... So I only replaced the outer seal...now I am wondering why the heck did honda put a coolant outlet underneath the distributor where it could possibly leak oil as well as spring a leak in the coolant hose and cause terrible humidity and even coolant spring a leak around where the distributor and wires are... I do not know....but all in all these are great cars you can get a whole lot of miles out of them if you take care of them....
Happy my video helped you!!
You’re not alone on the wire harness , I’m having the same issue. In my 17 years of doing DIY mechanic work , I’ve never not been able to get a connector off
Thanks for your comment, I dont remember having a problem with other wiring harnesses. I bet this harness has never been taken apart, I bought the car in 2008 at 54K miles/86K KM. We have alot of moisture here so Im sure that was a factor as well. The important thing is I found a solution and got the job done.
@@HomeownerDIY yeah I hope it’s just time on mine and not a screwed up wire . Gonna do my coil tonight , so I guess we’ll see
You have to take it off the mounting bracket then the harness will disconnect
The reason you weren't able to disconnect the connector is because you first need to remove the connector from the metal bracket on the distributor (just push the plastic clip on the right side and pull the connector from the bracket). Once the connector is no longer on the bracket you should be able to disconnect it very easily. I struggled for 30 minutes before I found that out.
In order to disconnect the distributor wiring harness plug you have to first take the plug off of the metal holder its on, then the plug will easily separate.
Thanks for your comment, I did remove it form the holder. I did everything I could think of to get it out. I am sure that youre better than me with cars, but at the end of the day, I still managed to get the job done without breaking anything.
@@HomeownerDIY I think you did well, even the small phillips screws on the coil stripped and you managed to find a solution to that problem. Good work and great video!
@@HomeownerDIY how did you say you were able to get the screws you stripped off? I was working on mine yesterday and I stripped one screw so while I wait for the ignition coil I ordered to come in, I have to figure out how to get the one screw out.
@@fireinthehole72 Thanks for your question, this video will show how I did it, if you need more help, please come back and ask.
th-cam.com/video/VQVPRMBQfjU/w-d-xo.html
@@HomeownerDIY Thanks bro. You just made my day easier cuz I’m over here wondering how the hell am I going to get that screw off. Thanks 🙏🏼
There is also another seal on the distributor shaft that is prone to leaking. You should replace both when taking it all apart.
Thanks for you comment, where is the other one? I dont remember seeing another one.
@HomeownerDIY you have to remove all the internal parts then you can slide out the shaft.
Thanks for your response, my Civic leaks oil every where. If l did a rebuilt then l agree, replace the seal as well.
Just FYI, on the distributor if you remove the plug off of the metal stand that holds it in place then the plug will come apart. There is a tab that is under the metal part that holds the distributor on the plug itself.
Thanks for your comment, I will keep that in mind the next time I have to work on the distributor!
What is the black connector that is right next to coolant hose you replaced? @15:00
Thanks for your question, l need you to be more specific. Is it electrical or cooling? To the right of the hose or the left?
@@HomeownerDIY it is to the right of the hose
It’s right underneath the distributor
I broke it 🤦♂️ so I need to know what it’s use is
I will let you know, please give me about a day.
I have a 1997 Honda civic and it drive and very thing but I doesn’t go past 3.5 rpms it starts acting weird and I gotta wait into it goes to a new gear
Thanks for your comment, are you asking why this is happening?
@@HomeownerDIY yes , I think it would be the distributor cap and rotor but not sure
Its not the distributor cap/rotor. The distributor is run off the cam shaft.
Its more than likely an electrical problem,either the ECU or one of the sensors is giving the wrong info to the ECU.
What's the cause if the ignition coil is broke?
Thanks for your question,l believe youre asking what would cause the ignition coil to fail?
Wear and tear. Everything will eventually wear out. Tires, pumps, pipes/tubing will leak at some point. One of the original parts on the car(that l know of) is the alternator.
Did you have to adjust the ignition timing to get it to run without any misfiring?
Thanks for your question, no timing adjustments is required. If you miss wire the leads to the distributor, you will run into problems tho. Take a pic if you need to.
@@HomeownerDIY I saw a few other videos and they said you need to adjust the timing? What if the timing is off ?
@@sinnieleeonUtube lf the timing is off, you have another issue besides your ignition coil. The coil only changes battery voltage to voltage needed to jump the gap of the spark plug.
I take it you have a misfiring issue? Are you getting spark to the cylinders?
@@HomeownerDIY I got sputtering and misfiring and now it won't start BUT it cranks. I also saw oil leaks. So I will replace the entire distributor with cap and rotor when I get it. Then from watching the distributor replacement videos, they all adjust the timing with the timing lights. BUT I didn't see you do it that's why I asked. Is it because you put back the same distributor and with marking in place, the timing was not effected.
@@sinnieleeonUtube What changed that its now sputtering/misfiring?
What is the reason to change the distributor instead of just the cap+rotor?
Were you pushing tab or clip down on connector. Its just plastic. A wiggle or rocking motion can help it slide apart...and pulling the lower section down.
Why take dist off? Why not test the icm and coil in place?
Thanks for your question, taking it off would of being easier for me to clean up the distributor. I have taken hundreds of plugs apart, I have also broken plugs getting too aggressive taking them apart. With an extra set of hands could of probably gotten it apart but I found a safe alternative. Not everything goes according to plan.
You know if 99 n 2000 is same on the distubator ? My don’t start I check spark n fuels n relay , compression test n timing swap out the distubator from a 99 but still no start so not sure if 99 n 2000 is same I heard some say 2000 has tdc sensors in the distributor n crank pulley .my other move next is change out the crank pulley but my question is if 99 is same as 00 tho same car n motor
Thanks for your question, all the parts between 96-2000 are 6th generation, so for those 4 years they are all the same.
So it turns over but doesnt start?
@@HomeownerDIY yes sound like it’s gonna start but doesn’t if you say it’s the same then mark the distributor off now looking toward the crank sensor ?
@@Emperor_1971 Lets start from the beginning, have you checked:
Fuel?
Air?
Spark?
If yes, how have you confirmed these items?
@@HomeownerDIY yes check all those already beside air how do u check that it was working just one day try to start n never start again , I have spark n fuel also timing mark correct and compression good , fuses n relay good new plugs n wires too check fuel pump n injector working also im gonna try swap out a ecu tomorrow just to see as well no engine check
@@Emperor_1971
Fuel: You have confirmed fuel is getting to *each* cylinder?
Air:Open the box for the filter. Assuming its clean, you can pump the gas pedal when you start the car. The gas pedal is actually an air pedal. The cable goes to the throttlebody.
Spark: You have confirmed *each* cylinder is getting a spark?
It sounds like you have rebuilt a part of the engine. Why would you swap the ECU? Sounds like your just trying to change parts to fix the problem.
Never crank without sparkplug. Remove the distributor before crank test.
Thanks for your comment, feel free to take whatever approach you want.
The crack on the rotor was alarming.
It's quite common since its only plastic.
THE BEST YOU CAN DO IS, SELL THAT CRAP AND BUY A CYCLE
Want to donate money so I can buy a cycle?
@@HomeownerDIY send account details
Never heard a Civic called crap before
@@shorelined1 relax buddy , I was just joking, I also have Civic ek sedan
huge crack
Thats what happens with plastic!