I have a 96 civic EX. In the past week there were several times it would not start. It would crank but not start up. This problem was intermittent at first. Now it will not start at all. I replaced the main relay so I know it is not that. When I spray throttle body cleaner in the intake - it will start for a moment and then die -- so I know that means I'm getting a spark. I think that means it has to be a fuel problem.
I loosened the nut at the very top of the fuel filter and turned the igntion on -- it did not squirt out the top. Does this mean my fuel pump has gone out? Or clogged fuel line/filter? Or would it be something else? What should I check next? I am a very amateur mechanic. Thanks for your help.

 

It does appear the fuel pump is not working. Check the fuel pump fuse first. Take the bottom cushion of the back seat out and find the fuel pump wire (I think it is green and yellow). See if you have voltage there when cranking the engine. Also check the fuel pump ground wire nearby. If the pump is getting power but it doesn't run, it's bad.

 

Thanks -
I'll check those. If it's the fuse or the pump being bad itself -- would there have been an intermittent problem over the past week?
How do I tell if the fuel filter or fuel line is clogged? Could it be that?

I used a circuit tester to check the power to the fuel pump. It does NOT have power.

I actually tried yesterday to solder my old main relay before I bought another one. The silver place (forgive my ignorance of terms) that needed soldering was very close to another silver place and when I soldered -- they are now touching. Would that have caused a short or is taht not a big deal? I'm wondering if when I plugged my old main relay back in if I blew a fuse somewhere else due to my soldering. I checked fuses 13,31 and 44 and they are all fine.

I have the new main relay hooked up. AFter ignition is turned on -- it clicks. I think it is supposed to click again after the cel goes off but it does not.