got a '96 integra non vtec. i was driving down the highway and it just died. i heard the distributors sometimes just die and need to be replaced. does this sound like my problem? what else should i test first? what years and models of cars can i use a distributor from if i need to replace mine? thanks
tony

 

First check the distributor cap and rotor.

 

mind,
Ya, check the cheap stuff first.
1.Cap and rotor like 1stGEnCRXer mentioned.
2.battery cables, a loose connection will shut the car down...check for corrosion on the terminals.
3.loose or broken ground strap
4.Then check for spark at the plugs.
I have heard of people having the rotor come off it's shaft because whoever replaced it last didn't screw the rotor onto the shaft...heh, that might be the case, especially if you pop off the cap and a screw falls out.
So yes, dizzys can go bad, but I'd think it would be something else...
Also, do you have power?
Bogatyr

 

check ignitor

 

mrmike,
Good point about the ignitor, I'd forgotten about that...but is that part still questionable on this vintage Integra? I thought it was the first gen Integra, and Civics up to 1991 that had the recall issue.
Bogatyr

 

check your ignition and fuel pump relays and associate fuses.

 

does your car start up or not anymore? i would take out one of your spark plug wires and slide a socket extender in the wire so it touches the coil part inside it and hold it near a ground wire and have someone try to start it up... don't hold the extender on it just about 1 cm above it and when he tries to turn it over move it closer and closer and see if you are getting a spark from it, if you do... you are getting spark at least.

 

it won't start and it's not getting spark

 

to test spark, take the spark plug out, get a metal stick like a screw driver or some sort and have that touching the engine and have the stick near the spark plug, crank the engine, and look for spark

i know some distributor caps die out due to some oil that went on it

 

yeah yeah i tested for spark first and it isn't sparking.
i got someone to help me again and pulled the cap off and turned the car over and the rotor wasn't turning. i started to check to see if the timing belt broke but its too damn cold.