Start a car from the engine compartment ?

[Cd]

I can see the plug sort of OK if i do it this way ( This car has always had weak spark )

My main issue is trying to see the spark at the coil.

[user removed]

I think the weak point in that ignition system is the module that converts the ignition signal to a ground that creates the spark. I believe it is located in the distributor. Although the distributor may not be the problem, just the module, a quality remanufactured distributor may be the best choice if it is determined to be the problem, even if it is the module and not the whole distributor. We used to wrap a wire around the antenna and run it to the coil wire which creates a lot of ignition noise (radio on AM band). When the module got hot enough and broke down the static in the radio would get less and less until the ignition signal had deteriorated to the point where no spark was produced.

regards
Mech

[Occasionally6]

If there is still a desire to crank the engine from the engine compartment, bridging the starter relay terminals will do it. (I assume that the Civic has a starter motor relay and that it's in the engine compartment.)

On most relays the pin numbers are moulded into the relay body, adjacent to the male terminals on the relay. With the relay removed, you want to jumper the female terminals corresponding to pins 87 and 30 together, using a short length of insulated wire with bared ends.

The earlier warnings about in gear and disabling the engine (injector plug removal) apply.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

I'm almost sure it doesn't apply to newer cars with that passive anti-theft systems. BTW any previous reference I had about this trick was due to its usage to steal cars.

[freebeard]

I'd jack it up so the drive wheels are off the ground. Nuthin' funny about a runaway car.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by freebeard

I'd jack it up so the drive wheels are off the ground. Nuthin' funny about a runaway car.

Considering a 2WD vehicle without a limited-slip differential (or some sort of differential lock) at least one wheel must be off the ground, since the differential would direct the torque output to the wheel offering less resistence to the rolling.