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I see this is quite an old post (original), but thought I would chime in for you, “van to”. This experience I had was well over 20 years ago, but perhaps this type of situation can still happen on “modern cars”:
My car would sometimes start, sometimes not. Battery tested fine, alternator tested fine, replays replaced. Not starting was a minor issue compared to what ensued…I would be driving down the highway at 70, in the dark, and my lights would go out (no check engine light, no warning, nothing to precede the lack of lights. I would pull over and wait…and wait, and wait. Eventually it would start…except the last time. Now, being as it was in the days before cell phones, I FINALLY got a cop to pull over. He drove me to headquarters where I called my dad to come and get me (2 hours away at 11 at night) and wouldnt you know, car started right up. Made it ALMOST all the way home 5 miles away) with my dad following me and the headlights died again (car was running fine, just no lights), so he got in front of me, turned on his high beams and I followed him home…and the next morning, car started just fine…grrrrr. TWO Honda dealers could not figure it out so I finally decided to give my dads small time country hick mechanic a try. His diagnosis was an intermittent alternator-which I did not expect as I had just installed it six months prior-however, I was racking up about 2500 miles a week…so, I changed it out and never had the problem again…so, it could maybe be that? No mechanic here, just a chick that likes to work on cars in the famous “installation is the opposite of removal” world. I always figured that as long as I could get it off, I could get it put back on…
Good luck!You could have a problem with the alternator…i had a new alternator but same type problem only it would die while running (engine would run but no lights after a bit). I chased this problem for months until I was told it was “an intermittent” alternator. Replaced and all went well.
Could also be a bad solemoid, nut intermittently as well. Parts should be warrantied….unfortunately they dont refund for your labor 🙂I have a 91 Honda. The vent assy is really simple!
First, check to see if there is schmootz i side your vents (squirrels, rats, etc). Soooooo easy on these models.Take the exterior “dash” apart, as id replacing a windshield. Do t worry anout the “clips and round thingies” as you can get parts at zlowes (yes, Lowes, not a car parts store).
The venting system runs across dash and once you remove molding (as if replacing windshield) you will be able to,clean out the path.
I had a “nest” and could not get “them” to stop! Regardless of cleaning. When I disassembled exterior, I found a. Est i. The vent system. Removed it, filled vent system sith PEPPERMINT essential oil (I mean FILLED, like 8oz) and no trouble since.
Only way to get to the fresh air vemt sytem. Mine would not budge due to acorns in the lines
Great luck. If you need part numbers for replacing windshileld “caps”, i can provide. Just cut the old ones out.
This site has been a huge asset to me and I suspect ot eill be to you as well.
I am a Honda gal, thru and thru, but so e things are u iversal.
So happy you are here!
THAT is a fabulous post!
I do,not diagnose well, nor am I a superstar mechanic. My first car was an 88 honda hatch and I decided to “teach myself” about cars (early 90’s). I had never done ANYTHING but pump gas. I got a manual and randomly strated replacing parts…just for the say so. I was hungry to learn. I replaced the regular tune up stuff. The fuel pump ( THAT was a fun first timer!) and, ashamedly, the entire ignition components…just to do it.
Humorously, the most difficult “item” was spark pligs. Yes, I actually bought a torque wrench for them, because, not knowing better, I thought it was required. And I recall seversl phone calls to both my dad and my brother (in a time when calls cost money) to figure out WHY i xhad a tool “stuck” in my engine block. Yup…guilty as charged, the rubber boot made the spark plug drop like a champ, but after torquing, th whole socket stayed inside…and ai didnt kmow enoigh to take the boot out for install.
Oh and the first oil change…pissed oil EVERWHERE…because I did not coat the gasket and it looped off…oh yes, wall of shame.
I am so happy to have access to a forum of information.
Thanks u’all!
Thanks! Yes, I got that FINALLY. And, here is the crazy part…the switch is fine. And it doesnt need adjustment to reach, which is good because getting a wrench on that nut is just…almost impossible! But, apparently there WAS a grommet of sorts on the brake pedal. This is what touches the switch. The grommet was GONEZO…which explains the “weird blue crayola crayon chunk” I found on my floor board. And all I could do was improvise. I thought about supergluing a coin to the brake pedal. I thought about just taping a plate to it. But, I found a long bolt with a flat head, almost like a fender washer welded to a stud, and cut it down to be shorter then put a locknut on the other side. I figure it was the thinnest thing I could add…i didnt know if the switch could be “too pressed”…but even if it is, the worst case is no brake lights and a ticket.
I do not know HOW the “blie crayola crayon” grommet got outta there, except maybe age? But, ot did.
I never knew about this switch as most of my trobles are mechanical, not physical, but I am glad to:
A-Have this one behind me (for now) and
B-add it to my tool chest of experienceThanks all for responding.
I am not so much of a mechanic as I am an “installation is the opposite of removal” kind of gal, but I am continuing to learn.
I love this car. I have wanted this model for 20 years and as luck would have it, I finnaly broke down and got it when Honda stopped making parts (sad face here), but I still love it.
~SonJaYes, that is what I have, thank you. I was wondering about the positive terminal in general as well…what does all of that contraption and fuses do anyway? You dont happen to know how it all works do you? I am still kinda new in this forum and navigating my way around so I am sorry if this is in another post somewhere.
Thanks again.WHAT? You have an 89 and your dealer has colis? I FINALLY got my hands on a 1991 Honda Civic Wagon RT 4WD and my dealer told me they dont make the coils anymore !?! So I HAD to go with aftermarket. Same for the distributor…and the starter…and just about everything else I have tried to order….WHERE are you getting all your stock parts? I love this car as it is so easy to work on (no pesky computers and lots of room), but also because I AM a Honda Gal, always have been. PLEASE, can you give me the name of your Honda dealer or other location for getting NEW Honda parts?
