When Car starts, runs well, however does not start consistently?

Tiny
SOYROSEMARIE
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 HONDA ACCORD
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 250,000 MILES
I've had this car for a month. I had to replace the radiator, spark plugs and wires, and replaced the transmission line to the radiator (damaged line caused transmission fluid to leak everywhere when driving) and refilled transmission oil. It's been running fine after the repairs, check engine light turned off on its own, though the car does have a slight lurch at times when coming to a stop in drive. The mechanic I've used in the past has been hard to reach and is the only one that I can find within my budget, so I've been waiting on him for that.

Today, I was able to drive my car this morning with no issues. I made a stop, and when I got back to the car, it would not start. There was no sound, no crank, all lights on the dash, and jumping did not help. The person who tried to jump me mentioned tapping on the starter, but I did not try this because I didn't know where the starter was. I sat in the car and kept trying to get the car to turn and trying to find a ride. 30 minutes past and I was reading car forums that said maybe it was the anti-theft system, and to try to turn the handle while starting. I did, and it worked. Car started and ran strong. Picked up the kids, and went to a friends, as I assumed this was just the anti-theft system.

After about 2 hours, we went to the car to find it not starting again. I tried to turn the handle with no luck. Not turning over, not making a crank sound, all lights on the dash and radio, everything seemed normal. I left it alone for 20 minutes and tried again. It still wouldn't make a sound. After messing with it for a bit, maybe 10 minutes, it started to crank again, though somewhat inconsistently. I went back inside, waited another 20 minutes and tried again. The car would crank, but wouldn't fully turn over. I had to leave the car at my friend's house and thought to try again when it wasn't hot, but my friend had to go to work.

The previous owner mentioned an issue with the ignition switch and said the car was part of a recall, though Honda states it was not. They said sometimes the car would not start and had to be left alone, and after a period of time, 5 to 15 minutes, it would start right away. I've experienced this twice since owning it, but it was right after I bought it and it would crank each time, but not fully turn. I would leave it like they said and then try again with no issues. It had all of these other issues that came up, and I completely forgot about this ignition issue being mentioned. Does this sound like a faulty ignition switch? Do I just need to replace the electrical portion of the ignition switch? Is there anything else it could be that I might be missing? I've seen people mentioning main relay, but would it work absolutely perfectly in between not working at all with a relay issue? Any help would be great. Thank you!
Friday, July 7th, 2023 AT 7:21 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Hi,

I tried looking for recalls or technical service bulletins for this vehicle, but nothing was listed. There were bulletins related to the Odessey and Prelude, but not the Accord.

I wouldn't feel comfortable telling you to replace the ignition switch without testing a few things first. There are other things that can cause this.

First, when this happens, see if it will start if you place the transmission in neutral.

If that doesn't help, there is a starter relay in the fuse box under the dash on the driver's side. Switch it with a different relay having the same part number to see if that resolves the issue. If there isn't one, here is a link that explains how to test one:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

If that checks good, then I would have a helper turn the key to the start position while you check for voltage at the black wire with a white tracer on the starter. It will be the smaller gauge wire. If there is power and the starter doesn't engage, replace the starter.

I attached the wiring schematic for the starter circuit below so that you have a reference. Also, and don't laugh, make sure the battery terminals are both clean and tight.

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,

joe

See pics below. Note: I had to cut the schematic page in half to make it readable for you. I did overlap the two so you can follow from one to the next.
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Friday, July 7th, 2023 AT 9:24 PM

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