1992 Honda Accord Intermittant starting

Tiny
MSMEREDITH
  • MEMBER
  • 1992 HONDA ACCORD
Electrical problem
1992 Honda Accord 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Manual

Every so often my car refuses to start after turning off the engine--gas stations, convenience stores, at work, etc. At any operating temperature. It has always started with a push, but may not unless the push is substantial. It always starts in the morning after leaving over night. If no push start is available I will turn the ignition on and off over and over while attempting to start the engine. Frequently the engine will start with this approach, but it can take up to an hour of attempts at starting. When it won't start using the key, I find someone to give me a push. Thanking you in advance for any thoughts.
Thursday, September 18th, 2008 AT 8:36 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi msmeredith,

While cranking does the engine try to start and when you release the key, it stalls?

Are the dash lights showing when the ignition is turned to on, crank and released?

I suspect a faulty igniton switch.

When unable to start, does the starter crank?
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Thursday, September 18th, 2008 AT 2:27 PM
Tiny
MSMEREDITH
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
Hi--

The engine never attempts to start during or following the cranking with the key. All dash lights seem to be on and working properly with the ignition on. Didn't notice if anything different when I go to cranking tho. Engine always cranks but doesn't even try to start. Then, finally, it starts right up. It's like the computer needs to reset or something, but I can't be certain that is the problem. Oddly enough it will start with a push and clutch dump, sometimes immediately, but the other day it took a little longer on the push before it "kicked in." Weird.
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Thursday, September 18th, 2008 AT 4:10 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi msmeredith,

When it could not start, did you test which system has failed?

1. Igniton
2. Fuel
3. Electrical

Take the main relay out and check its circuit board, it might be failing intermittently.
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Friday, September 19th, 2008 AT 8:50 AM

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