code 15(ignition output signal)

[krakakru21]

here's the story, cruising home from work last friday and my car(91 accord lx)dies and throws a code, so i check it and it is code 15 which is the ignition output signal. now my car will not start and i have replaced everything involved with the ignition except the ignition switch itself. i have replaced the whole entire distributor even the internal coil, wires,plugs,etc. and it still won't start. it will turn over and act like it wants to start but it won't. i am at a loss of words on what it can be. i have asked the techs at my shop and at other shops we deal with and nobody knows what it can be so i figured that i can turn to the members of this site to see if anyone has had this problem or know how to fix it. please help!!

[Kabuki]

Did you test the igniter? You may also have an issue with the ECU.

[krakakru21]

replaced both the igniter and the ecu and that is what i cannot figure out

[MRX]

i have the same problem, please im me so we can both figure out what the hell is wrong with our cars. I've been riding the iron horse for like 2 weeks now and my ecu threw a code at me the day i took the engine apart for the headgasket change. My tech checked out every wire going to the ecu from the ignition and everything has power but he said it was like the ecu wasn't able to send the ground signal for the coil or igniter to fire or somethin. If your not getting any spark either then we're in the same boat. I've already asked ppl on this board and since they haven't run into the problem they won't know how to fix it. I'm hoping this is just like a faulty wire or something and not hella expensive like its making itself out to be...once again please pm me cause i've already replaced the rotor and cap with no luck

[Kabuki]

We had a car come in today with this problem. Are you guys experiencing Pinging/detonation too? I'll let you know what we figure out...

[MRX]

no pinging, no detonation. When i try to start the car the only thing you can hear now is the starting the motor with no sound of air/fuel/spark combo taking place to atleast jumble the engine rpm a little bit. Did a compression test everything is good, check engine light does not stay on when the battery is on. I'm gonna call acclude today and see if he knows whats going on. I don't want to have to replace the entire ignition because that pushes back my boost project. I truly hope this is a very small fix.

[BustedLX]

Check the ground on the thermostat housing. Also check your Main relay. The main relay is just that a "main" relay. It powers spark and fuel. Just becuase it's called the PGMFI main relay doesn't mean it only does fuel.

I've had serval cars towed in with no sprak, change the relay and BAM! She's alive! So check it out.

Also check the usual dumb shit, fuses and things like that. Also check your Radio back-up fuse that's constant for the ECU. Even the Stop/Horn fuse being blown can affect the circuit. Don't ask me why but I've seen some really wierd shit with these old Hondas.

[MRX]

checked various fuses, will check ground on thermostat housing, but was under the impression that the main relay was only for fuel...will check that also then.

[BustedLX]

Originally posted by midnite racer x
checked various fuses, will check ground on thermostat housing, but was under the impression that the main relay was only for fuel...will check that also then.

There is a testing procedure in the service manual for it. It's also in the auto store "Haynes" manuals. I've seen it in the 1994-1997 Haynes so I'm sure it's in the 1900-1993. Just remove it and test it, doesn't take but 15 mins and then if it's good you can eliminate it.

[MRX]

ok, but does the main relay control part of the spark output?Because i'm getting plenty of fuel. So much that the spark plugs were wet at one point

[spirit7623]

yep main relay. That happened to me back in 99

[krakakru21]

well i finally go the car to start but i also had to replace the entire ignition system except the ignition switch. the reason my car wouldn't start is because on the back of the distributor there is that key that goes onto the camshaft well my new one was turned 180 degrees so it wouldn't start. it starts now but as soon as it gets warm it starts to idle weird and then it shuts off and throws code 15. i think it is a faulty wire on the 8 pin connector so i am going to try that today.

[MRX]

So ur saying ur distributor was missing the key to prevent you from turning it 180 degrees out of synch correct? I haven't replaced the distributor but i'll try turning it around...hope it helps.

[krakakru21]

the key on the back was not missing it was turned around 180 degrees therefore the timing was off and it would not start. it starts now with the check engine light off but when it comes on it dies right away, i then reset the ecu and it starts fine but as soon as the light comes on my car dies and it will not start until the light is gone. only bad thing about imports in general is there is too much freakin wiring. everything is on a circut and if one things dies 2 or 3 other things die because they are on the same circut. i hope between the both of us we can figure this problem out so if anybody else has this problem they know how to fix it.

[MRX]

amen, i called acclude and he wants me to double check the coil's resistance so i'll do that later today when i get to the shop...i'll try turning the distributors key around but i still don't think that will work. Because if it was that for me then i would atleast be getting spark, but the timing would just be off...its not like that, i have no spark