1993 Honda Accord Engine start/idle issue

Tiny
JSAVAGE101
  • MEMBER
  • 1993 HONDA ACCORD
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 215,474 MILES
The engine was starting fine and the car ran great for years. Then over the last 6 months or so I noticed
times when I would go to start the car it would

crank over fine but wouldn't start, then after an attempt or two I was on my way. This would happen far and in between.

As time went on it started happening more often duh! Lol

The other day I went to start the car, it cranked
fine, it's getting fuel but wouldn't start after many attempts I gave up. I went to start it later and it started, so I let it run for a min. And then I cut it off.

The next day I went to start the car and the key stuck all the way forward I had to manually turn the key back so the starter disgaged ( it was cold outside) but the car started, sounded good and idled 3-4 min.

I went in the house to let it warm up, when I went outside again the car had cut off as I tried to start it the car just cranked again and again but wouldn't start. Help!
Friday, January 2nd, 2009 AT 9:29 AM

6 Replies

Tiny
JAMES W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,394 POSTS
You obviously live in a cold climate, when was your last tuneup? From your description, it sounds like a spark loss problem. Please advise.
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Tuesday, September 29th, 2020 AT 1:13 PM
Tiny
JSAVAGE101
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  • 3 POSTS
The last tuneup about a year or more easy. I'm thinking it has something to do with the distributor.
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Tuesday, September 29th, 2020 AT 1:13 PM
Tiny
GOBLETTE01
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I have the same car and have had the same problems. I have owned my Accord for ten years and have replaced the ignition module and the coil, roughly 500 bucks twice and have that problem. It seems if the car sits for a day or two without driving I have the hardest time starting it. So now I idle the car every night and morning for a few minutes and the problem goes away, we'll with the annoyance have having to start it. I heard you want to replace the iginition module with genuine Honda parts-- at least that is my conclusion, since, my Accord still acts up after replacement. I hope to figue it out.
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Tuesday, September 29th, 2020 AT 1:13 PM
Tiny
JAMES W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,394 POSTS
Gobblette01, may have something. What I would try is, when the no start condition exists, pull a plug wire and stick a plain old phillips head screwdriver in the boot and lay it on the engine somewhere so the metal isn't touching anything and crank the motor to see if you have a spark arc. If you get an arc that jumps a 1/2" or more, and the plugs are good, it must be fuel.
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Tuesday, September 29th, 2020 AT 1:13 PM
Tiny
JSAVAGE101
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Jsavage101

Great News! I replaced the Distributor for $162.59
from Auto Zone, runs like a Champ!
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Tuesday, September 29th, 2020 AT 1:13 PM
Tiny
JAMES W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,394 POSTS
Glad to hear it. I love it when a good plan comes together.
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Tuesday, September 29th, 2020 AT 1:13 PM

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