The 1990 Honda Civic is a reliable and efficient vehicle that has continued to be popular among car enthusiasts. One important aspect of maintaining a Honda Civic is ensuring that the distributor wiring is functioning correctly. In this article, we will discuss the wiring diagram for the 1990 Honda Civic distributor, including the components involved and their functions.
What is a Distributor?
A distributor is a component in a vehicle that delivers high voltage to the spark plugs in a precise firing order. This is needed for the engine to run properly. The distributor’s primary job is to route the voltage from the ignition coil to the spark plugs at the right time. The distributor cap and rotor inside the distributor are responsible for this job.
The 1990 Honda Civic distributor is an essential component of the vehicle’s ignition system. It is responsible for delivering the spark to the engine’s cylinders in a specific firing order. The distributor sends an electric current to each spark plug, which ignites the fuel-air mixture in the engine’s cylinders. This process creates the power the vehicle needs to run.
The Basic Wiring Diagram
The wiring diagram for the 1990 Honda Civic distributor is relatively simple. It consists of four main components: the distributor, the ignition coil, the ignition control module, and the spark plugs. The wiring runs from the ignition coil to the distributor, and then from the distributor to each spark plug, following a specific firing order.
The basic wiring diagram for the 1990 Honda Civic distributor is as follows:
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| Ignition Coil | Produces high voltage needed for spark plugs to fire |
| Ignition Control Module | Controls ignition timing and sends signals to the ignition coil |
| Distributor | Distributes high voltage from the ignition coil to each spark plug in a specific firing order |
| Spark Plugs | Ignites the fuel-air mixture in the engine’s cylinders |
The Distributor
The distributor is the centerpiece of the ignition system in a 1990 Honda Civic. It is responsible for receiving electricity from the ignition coil and then distributing it to each spark plug in the correct firing order. Without a properly functioning distributor, the engine will not receive the necessary spark to run.
The distributor in the 1990 Honda Civic is made up of two main parts: the rotor and the cap. The rotor spins within the cap, sending the electrical signal from the ignition coil to each spark plug in the correct order. The cap is connected to the engine block and contains the spark plug wires that connect to each spark plug.
The wiring diagram for the distributor is straightforward. The ignition coil wire connects to the center post on the distributor cap. The remaining four posts on the distributor cap are connected to each spark plug wire in the correct firing order, which is 1-3-4-2.
The Ignition Coil
The ignition coil in a 1990 Honda Civic is responsible for producing the high voltage needed to create the spark that ignites the fuel mixture in the engine cylinders. The coil receives its energy from the battery and then sends the electricity to the distributor via the primary wire. Once the electrical signal reaches the distributor, the rotor sends the current to the correct spark plug.
The wiring diagram for the ignition coil is also simple. The positive wire from the battery goes to the ignition coil, and the negative wire grounds the coil to the engine block.
The Ignition Control Module
The ignition control module in a 1990 Honda Civic works in conjunction with the distributor to ensure that the engine is firing at the correct time. It does this by controlling the ignition timing and sending signals to the ignition coil to produce the necessary spark.
The wiring diagram for the ignition control module is somewhat more complex than the other components. The module has several wires running to and from it, including the power wire, ground wire, timing wire, and tachometer wire. The power wire connects to the positive terminal on the ignition coil, while the ground wire goes to the engine block.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if the distributor wiring is faulty?
If the wiring in the distributor is faulty, the engine may not start or run correctly. This can cause misfires, stalling, or rough idling. It is essential to ensure that the wiring is in good condition to prevent these issues.
Can I fix the distributor wiring myself?
While it is sometimes possible to fix the distributor wiring yourself, it is generally recommended that you have a professional mechanic handle this task. They will have the necessary tools and expertise to ensure that the wiring is installed and functioning correctly.
What are some signs that my distributor wiring needs to be replaced?
There are several signs that your distributor wiring may need to be replaced. These include difficulty starting the engine, misfires or backfires, stalling, and rough idling. If you notice any of these issues with your vehicle, it is important to have it inspected by a mechanic as soon as possible.
Is the wiring diagram the same for all 1990 Honda Civic models?
The wiring diagram for the distributor in a 1990 Honda Civic is generally the same across all models. However, there may be some variations depending on the specific engine and transmission configuration.
Can I use aftermarket distributor components in my 1990 Honda Civic?
While it is possible to use aftermarket distributor components in your 1990 Honda Civic, it is generally recommended that you use OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts. These parts are specifically designed for your vehicle and are more likely to provide reliable performance.
Conclusion
The distributor wiring diagram for the 1990 Honda Civic is a vital aspect of maintaining the vehicle’s ignition system. By understanding the components involved and their functions, you can ensure that your vehicle is running efficiently and smoothly. It is essential to keep the wiring in good condition and replace any faulty components promptly to prevent issues with the engine’s performance.
