2002 Civic EX 1.7 crank no start, no spark no fuel D17A2 engine

I recently purchased this gas sipper (only 2 owners & 123K on the clock) and was told by the previous owner that "at 40 mph the car sometimes shuts off". I wasn't that worried since i knew i would be doing plenty of maintenance and fixing things anyways. After finishing most of the initial maintenance I decided to fill up the tank and run it around a little, assuming the previous owners comment above and the fact that he told me it had a DTC for TDC sensor (cam pos sensor) was the main culprit and was now fixed (replaced CMP sensor with a brand new NGK one). On my way back I noticed the engine dropped 300-500 RPMs instantly, the engine died with no throttle response while light throttle cruising 50-55 MPH. No gauges died, or lights came on in the dash. I down shifted to 4th gear and same thing RPMs continue to come down with the vehicles speed.

I have made a list of "knowns" that I can confirm 100%

1) Fuel doesn't smell or seem to be present on plugs when pulled just after cranking
2) Neutral safety switch, Ignition switch and starter are all working properly
3) PGM-FI relays (or "Main relay" as Honda calls them) activate as normal when they should
4) No stored, present or current DTC's
5) mechanical timing is good (I just replaced the timing belt, tensioner and water pump all from a Dayco kit)
6) Fuel pump primes (KOEO)
7) No spark when cranking (used a spark tester @ no. 4 cylinder)
8 ) Anti-theft system is not the prob as the PGM-FI relays activate one when FP is priming and the other when cranking
9) A "Hard" PCM reset doesn't change things at all
10) Immbolizer unit is okay and sending a "good"/correct info to the PCM okaying that someones trying to start the engine
11) I do have 5v reference (I checked at the TP sensor)
12) 40 A Ignition fuse has power KOEO & while cranking
13) I have checked all underhood grounds that apply to this car and none appear to be damaged or severely corroded
14) Only lights on dash that illuminate during cranking are battery, ABS and seat belt indicators
15) Using the spare key makes no difference
16) moving the CPS (crank pos sensor) harness makes no difference

I have access to online schematics and as I continue to try and figure this out but I cant think of a better forum to post a question like this than SD forum!


Thanks for ANY & ALL input, thoughts, ideas & suggestions!!

I would be checking the crank signal next. Does your tachometer climb during cranking?

Rev Scott, No it doesn't budge while cranking and the battery has 12v. I Kinda messed around a little last night by slightly moving the crank sensor harness but You've given me further confirmation to start heading in that direction! Thanks

So, I see the CKP is responsible for ignition spark & fuel at the injectors. With out eng speed it won't fire either of the two, which explains my situation. What I don't understand is why don't I have a CEL or see any stored DTCs about the CKP? I will continue in this direction though in the meantime...

its very common for a crank sensor to be the issue when you have a no-code no-start. The PCM just doesn’t know the engine is turning.

Anyway, all the usual suspects are right there where you were just at, under the lower timing cover.
Just take off the balancer, sneak out the lower cover and investigate.
Look for missing or backwards tone ring, check the sensor for proper placement , and check the harness for cuts/rubbing.

Rev Scott,

Got it! That was it. I only saw an intermittent 150-167 RPM while cranking via the scan tool. Reverting back to my days of troubleshooting Ford 6.0's and a Very common crank-no start scenario (I used to unplug the ICP to verify HPOP issues), i thought I wonder if this thing will fire up and run with the CKP disconnected and she sure did lol. I appreciate the nudge in that direction and the time for your responses. In the book (SD's book) he even outlines common crank no start inputs to look for are CKP & CMP

Thanks again

Good deal. Glad you got it figured out.