I have an 89 civic hatchback that would start up for a split second and dies. This happens off and on, but its still a problem none-the-less. I dunno if its fuel or a power issue. If anyone can help, id very grateful.

 

How old are the plugs, wires, cap, and rotor?

Any CEL codes?

 

no CEL on, and i do need to replace those, but can those really cause my car to start up then die ,literally, right after?

 

Likely the ignition (key) switch. Pull up the hand brake handle. After trying to start, does the BRAKE light on the dash stay on (it should)? If it come on but goes out, you have a bad ignition switch.

 

i will try it out mk378, thanks for helping. i appreciate it!

 

so i was trying to leave work and it was acting up again. i had the e-brake up and tried to start it, after it started and died the e-brake light did go out after it died. How do i get to the ignition switch? and can i get a second opinion from anyone before i change it?

 

It's a common problem. If you can make the dash lights go off and on by jiggling the key around in position II (normal run position), the switch is definitely bad.

To replace switch, disconnect the battery (good idea for any electrical work), remove the plastic panel below the dash that accesses the fuse box, remove the metal brace behind that plastic panel. Then remove the "clamshell" cover over the steering column (take out the screw at the bottom and metal ring at the wheel end, then snap it apart). It's probably easier to take the steering wheel off first but not essential. Once you have the cover off, unscrew the 2 Philips screws holding the switch to the back of the key cylinder (access is not easy) unplug wires and remove switch.