I have an '82 Honda Civic that won't start. With key turned to accessories and wipers turned on, when I move the positive battery clamp the wipers go on and dash lights as well. I turn the key to start and everything goes off. Turning the key back to accessories again, no lights ... only if I go and jiggle the positive clamp again? Any help would be appreciated!

badpenny

Make sure all corrosion on all terminals are cleaned off. After you make sure of that and all connections are tight, if problem persists then you need a new ignition switch. BTW, how many things are on your key ring? this is a big problem for these cars. When was the last time the ignition switch was replaced (it is mainly plastic and can wear out fast with excessive weight on it)

dfeather

Hey, thanks for the response. Cleaned the terminals, changed the clamps and it started ok. Only thing is, there's a drainage somewhere so I have to disconect the neg ground cable to stop the drain. Oh well, the car's up for sale now, as I got lucky and found a beautiful Toyota Camry with only a couple of problems .. needs a new valve cover gasket and tune-up, and a lens cover for the parking light driver's side front. Not too bad ... clean car... so, I'm happy again! Again, thanks for the response, I appreciate it. Can't afford a mechanic to take care of those little things that happen on a monthly basis, so this one should last me a few years! YEAH!

badpenny

Just out of curiosity what state are you in? And how much are you asking for it?

dfeather

I'm in Hawaii ... big island. I'm asking $400 for it. It's not a beauty, has about 193000 on it. Tires less than a thousand. Needs spedometer cable (went out about 500 mi. ago), brake job (caliper sticking on one side). Its got a new radiator, thermostat and power booster. I just dont know a mechanic to take care of the little things and very limited income.

badpenny

Man, for me shipping would require a ship. Wow.

dfeather

Yup, sometimes living in the middle of the Pacific has it's disadvantages!

tfx2864

I have 92 Honda Civic that has a strange situation. When the weather is good - dry and warm, it starts and runs without any problem. But it won't start when it is wet or cold. Now the nice weather(summer in New England) is almost over, I can not start it in the morning and have to wait until the afternoon. I have spark plug, fuel filter changed and it does not seem help the situation. Any advices/suggestion will be really appreciated. Thanks in advance. Tim

badpenny

Does the 92 have a distributer cap? If so check and see if it is seated properly and make sure that your thermostat housing isn't leaking, A cracked dizzy cap can hold moisture that prevents a car from starting. Do you have any other symptoms other than the ones you have already described. ie. rough idle or erradic idle. Are you getting a code on the ecu? It could possibly be emmissions related.

tfx2864

GoodPenny...You are too good to be called BAD. Thank you for your response . It does have a distributor and the cap looks secured. I am not sure if I should/can take a look inside. The radiator does leak a little bit on the top - near the cap(not thermostat housing) and I just poured some sealer in. This morning I could not start it, but in the afternoon, my daughter started without any problem. If it starts, it is running very well (for a 13 year old car) Just don't have the money to get get another one and we are hoping to fix this problem with a few GOODPENNIES. Thanks again.