honda accord won't start.. turns over but maybe need new distributor?

Question

Have some very odd symptoms.
I have a 1995 Honda accord EX with 130k miles.
AutomaticTransmission.
I was driving along and all of a sudden all vitals went to "0" meaning the spedometer, RPM, it was almost like the battery was dying and finally stalled out.

The Drive4 green indicator light started to blink on and off while I was in park.

Then I started the car up again and it wouldn't start. Tried a few more times finally started but barely.. but had absolutely no power.. like something was stuck in the fuel lines.. just no power at all and barely made it into my driveway. Now the car is in my driveway and won't start again.

I'm thinking it is the distributor so I've ordered one to try to see if that is the issue.


Can the distributor be the issue? Can a distributor all of a sudden crap out like that? It has been raining quite a bit lately and maybe some condensation could be the culprit? Any help would be appreciated.

NOTE: One thing I forgot to add.. for some reason the cars door locks were going haywire like up and down up and down as well as the gauge cluster in terms of the drive gear indicator. Not sure how that is related but maybe that would shed some light.

ALSO: The car does turnover.

Answer 1

Here's your problem, if you fix this it will all be ok. You have a import. To fix this problem get a American car.

Answer 2

Well, I was with you up to the door locks and gauges going crazy. A short in the wiring could be disabling the ECM. Try pulling the fuses and relays (one at a time) and checking for any suspect burn or corrosion spots. Also look for any signs of water on the wiring and electrical components. Hondas of the 1990's had a real problem with distributors failing -- sounds exactly like your problem though I would track down any electrical demons before I purchased another one.

Answer 3

Try hooking up an obd 1 scanner to it. It sounds to me that your problem is your PCM (engine computer) because a distributer wouldn't make all those things happen to your car. It might affect the tach and it would kill the spark, but there is no way a distributer would make the car locks go haywire or anything like that... The pcm is what controls everything so I feel that may very well be the culprit. Like I said though it is best to hook up an obd 1 scanner to your car because if it has this many problems it has to be throwing some codes... Hope this helps!!

Answer 4

I would first check the distributor. Pull it and if it is wet inside, it may misfire and possibly die. Dry it out and test. I can't see why it would run for a bit first and then die though if it is a fouled distributor. If that is not the case, then try the fuel filter. A clogged fuel filter will definately affect performance. If you haven't changed it, it is good to change regardless and a rather inexpensive maintenance. It is cheaper to change it out (DIY) than it will be to test it (best at a mechanics). Should it be your fuel lines being fouled, you will most likely have much larger problems down the line than it just not starting.

Answer 5

should be a timing belt not a chain on that one.

First check for spark... then fuel.... then air.

Definatley sounds electrical. try resetting your ecu by disconnecting your battery for a half hour or so, then try starting it.
If that doesnt do it,
It does sound like it could be your ignition switch going haywire, especially with the door locks going up and down. US288 is the part number for the ignition switch - $30.

Hope this helps and let me know if you need anything else. if you have any questions, feel free to give us a call at 866-712-1984 or email me directly at [e-mail]

Best Wishes,
Wayne Garrison - logixautoparts.com

Answer 6

well it does sound electrical. Im pretty sure not the distributer, could be your ignition switch..... a bad connection somewheres..... check your battery terminals for corrosion or a loose wire. The car locks going crazy tell me intermittent power, thats why they were going up and down, like power on then off repeating. Check all your fuses and relays, especially under the hood, make sure they are plugged in good. You have an electrical problem somewhere.

Answer 7

sounds like the timing Chane