I have a 1990 Accord which produces no spark. I have tested the primary and secondary resistances as described in an aftermarket manual. The values were within the given ranges. I verified the voltages (non-cranking) on the igniter terminals that go to the coil. The last check was to verify continuity from the igniter to the electronic control module located below the glove box (in the passenger foot well) I found the access to this unit difficult and the connectors without labeling. I found a wire with the color coding that matches the manual and that of the connection to the igniter. Measuring the resistance between the ECU and the wire at the igniter (disconnected) I read 90k ohms on a wire that shows nothing but a wire between the two points! I violated the rule of replacing a part only after diagnosis, by replacing the igniter with no spark except once got a single week sprark when the switch was turned on. I think the igniter is not getting the signal from the ECU. Because i have no way to be sure I have the correct connection on the ECU, I don't have confidence that I am measuring the correct connection and I'm puzzled by the amount of resistance. Are there drawings or numberings of the positions of the connectors. I have been unable to remove the ECU because the cable connectors seem to be held by a metal plate which I haven't been able to remove. Please help.

 

Don't post questions in DIY forum. Read forum rules.

If wire resistance w/ one end disconnected was 90K ohms and you're sure of your measurement, the wire is faulty.

There are 4 nuts holding the ECM/TCM housing to the floorboard. The nuts you see on backside of the shield are not the retainers. Look above and below.

Get a manual from Online Manuals post in DIY forum.

good luck

 

Using the online manual, I found that the wire colors and the connector positions do not match! Assuming the connector positions are correct, I tested the continuity on the wire between the igniter and the ecu and read about 90 - 92k ohms. I don't have the test rig shown in the manual but I think I got a good connection using a small needle into the connector where the wire goes in. Is there a drawing that shows where that harness goes? I didn't find one but the download seemed to be without a table of contents or index.
I'm considering running a jumper from the connector to the igniter and trying the system to see if it will produce a spark at the coil. Any help would be appreciated. And thanks for the lead to the manual download.

 

You can't test wire continuity w/ the connector in place. Wire at ECU connector and at distributor connector must be released. Connect one end to ground and check for ground at other end.

good luck