OK, I needed new spark plug wires and since I have 182000 on my 2001 4 cyl Accord (2001 Accord, 4cyl, 5 speed w/Vtech)I figured I'd do plug wires, spark plugs and distributor rotor all in one shot.

Got everything squared away and no it won't start at all (was working fine prior to this). It cranks and just sputters but won't "ignite".

HELP!!!!!!

I made sure the plug wires went back the same way as before, new plugs are gapped correctly.

HELP!!!!

 

OK false alarm, I had the 2 and 4 reversed OOPSSS!!!

Now the only problem is it idles kinda high (in the 1200-1500 range), will this take care of itself or do I have to adjust the idle?

 

High idle on cold start is normal. Is engine temp rising to just below midrange. Idle should begin to fall as soon as needle starts to rise. If idle stays up w/ a warmed engine, you likely have an air leak; intake manifold, cold start valve stuck open, Idle Air control valve stuck open, PCV stuck open,or other.

Make sure coolant level is full w/ no trapped air.

good luck

 

Thanks for the info, I am a novice but learning as I go.

All is well. New distributor cap/rotor, new plug wires, new plugs, new belts, new PCV valve, new cabin air filters (not sure if or when they were ever replaced pitch black when I took them out), oil change/filter.

A little road test and she's purring like a kitten, idle is normal once she warms up too!!!

 

How long do plug wires and distributor cap/rotor typically last? I have 115,000 on my 01 Accord and taking it in tomorrow for the timing belt/water pump, etc. They are changing the spark plugs also, should I have them do the wires and cap/rotor? It's running fine... Also, how hard was it to change the cabin filter(s)?

 

Cabin filters aren't to difficult... check our DIY section there is a few write-ups, videos and pictures of how to do it... Plugs, cap, rotor, wires etc. should be replaced around every 30,000-60,000 miles but some of that has to do with driving conditions, usuage etc... If you can't remember the last time you did it then it's probably time *L*

 

My plug wires had over 100K on them, it was definitely time, couldn't remember when they were last changed, so I just did the whole thing. My whole "tune up" was only $150 for parts and my labor - which I pay myself in beer so it wasn't too bad.

The cabin filters aren't hard at all once you know how to get behind the glove box, I put everything back and had 2 screws left over, oops!!!