Symptoms of 1996 Accord No Start with Codes

This 1996 Honda Accord No Start with codes was brought to my attention when an ATS customer had difficulty fixing it. It has a 2.2L 4 cylinder engine and the problem was engine quitting after after the engine warmed up. According to this customer, he got the following fault codes with his scanner: P01361 and P1381. The engine would start again as soon as it cools down but quit after 10 minutes of running. His neighbor mechanic suggested a new rebuilt ecm (engine computer) but that did not work. The mechanic also changed the TDC and crank sensors located at top rear of the engine (these sensors were replaced first before replacing the ecm).

Additional Information:

1.)  Please note that on OBD1 diagnostic system used on engines built before 1995, the ignition system has 3 sensors located inside the distributor. OBD2 applies to the newer engines built after 1996 and it has the tdc and crank sensors located at the rear of the engine. The cyp sensor is separated and located inside the distributor housing.

2.) These are the meaning of the 2 codes:

P1361- TDC Sensor Intermittent Interruption
P1381- Cylinder Position (CYP) Sensor Intermittent Interruption

Diagnosis of 1996 Honda Accord No Start with Codes

1996 is a transition year for this Honda accord model from OBD1 to OBD2 system. This is the main reason for the confusion when analyzing this problem because lots of people usually confused or interchange the cylinder positioner sensor (CYP) and crank sensor. This can be clarified if the ecm wiring diagram is available so anybody who is fixing this problem, can verify the sensor connections.

As an example; the 1996 crank sensor has 2 wires with colors white or blue yellow and blue or blue green wires respectively. In the 1995 model, the crank sensor wires have the same color but are lumped together with tdc and cyp sensor wires inside the distributor.

Please note also, when you have a symptom of no start or stalling engines after warmed up, the common fix is usually the crank sensor. This is why the mechanic replaced the crank sensor and it failed work. Why? Because if you read closely the fault code: it has no crank sensor code but a cyp code P1381. This is why, replacing the cyp sensor is the obvious fix. Another way to check this problem is when you open the distributor cap. If you see any signs of oil, that’s an indication of oil contamination of the cyp sensor. When you see any signs of oil, a distributor complete assembly replacement is usually recommended.

Final Fix of 1996 Honda Accord No Start with Codes

The cyp sensor inside the distributor was recommended and replaced by the ATS customer. It fixed the problem. Of course, the codes were reset after sensor replacement and vehicle road tested to make sure this no start problem does not return.

Tips for 1996 Honda Accord No Start with Codes

1.)  When checking the cyp sensor, compare resistance reading of the old and new crank sensor. If the old is defective, the reading will be quite high or sometimes will have an open circuit. I have seen in the past where the resistance reading looks good but was replaced anyways to fix the problem.

2.) If you have “live data stream” in your scanner, you can probably see the cyp sensor wave pattern or signs of glitches when the problem is starting to occur. If not check with ATS so they can explain it to you.

Thanks,

Richard

Note: If you need specific common fixes for your NO STARTS problem… check out ATS. Stop wasting money on unwanted parts!