Hi

My 1995 Oddity developed an issue wherein every so often it didn't want to start. It would crank and the motor would go, but then it would immediately fizzle out as if it weren't getting any fuel. The problem became more frequent over time, but once the car started it ran flawlessly.

Then yesterday I drove it thirty miles into town, and it suddenly lost power as I was driving along. Then it was fine again, only after I parked it the next time I tried to start it probably took at least thirty attempts. The problem got worse as the day went on, with more frequent stalling and more starting attempts, but in between the car ran great. On its last trip of the day as we were going home it started losing power, and this time when the power returned the "ABS" light came on and the heater blower went off. When I got home it refused to start at all.

On investigation today I found that if I hold the ignition key just back from the "start" position, (i.e. right before the starter engages), the motor will run flawlessly. As soon as I back off the key from that position the car dies.

I would suspect a main relay except for the ABS light and the heater blower don't seem related. I pulled the main board but couldn't find anything visibly wrong with it.

I don't know if it's a clue but I also found that occasionally if I turn the key just so, somewhere near the accessory position, the blower will come on. On first impression the ignition switch would seem to be confused, but that's a pretty solid-looking apparatus, hard to imagine it failing intermittently.

What does somebody think? Main relay? ECM? Ignition switch? None of the above? How do I find out for sure?

Thanks much,
-jb

The ignition switch is bad--close examination will reveal wear. Here's how to replace it:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-trucks/faq-how-troubleshoot-repair-maintain-hondas-selected-other-vehicles-46563-2.html#post224652

Here's what it looks like and costs:

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/ProductDetail.aspx?MfrCode=NIE&MfrPartNumber=IG23581&PartType=410&PTSet=A

Easy job to install yourself.

The ignition switch is bad
:eek: That was fast...

If this thing you say turns out to be true, how can I give you money? I'm new around here. Or if you have a paypal account I can drop some bucks in there.

Many thanks, and many more from my wife.

Double-click txgreasemonkey (to the left) and then you'll see a "Support txgreasemonkey" link, which goes to a PayPal account.

What did the problem end up being?

Sorry crisis after crisis. It was just as you said, and I have the thing rigged with a light switch and a pushbutton. Without enduring a long story you can't know the blessing you've bestowed with one sentence. Patience, and your Paypal account will receive my gratitude.

Thanks again.

Thank you, JB Smith.