Hello all,

My car is an 89 accord, automatic transmission, LXI 4-door with Fuel Injection. I read up on the "maintaing a honda" thread, and went through acouple tests. But still haven't been able to pin-point my problem. Here are the symptoms and what I've done thus far.

The problem: When I turn the key to start my car, the engine turns over like normal and will start.. but.. As soon as let go of the key, my engine stalls out. If I hold the key, my enginge will run, but the starter is running as well, so I do this a little as possible in hopes of not destroying my starter.

Symptoms I've been experiencing(directly related or not): Occasionally, while I've been driving, my battery light in the dash flickers(usually only for 2 secs, maybe 5seconds tops), at the same time the battery light flickers my dash goes dim, and my lights dim dramatically too.

I've checked for coroded battery terminals/wires, while checking, I cleaned them. I just recently cleaned out my my throttle body, my IACV, and FITV. Lastly, I went through the ignition troubleshooting steps, and my CEL comes on, and goes off. My main relay is clicks like normal(I checked the solder and it looks decent too.).. and I assume that the fuel line is open because I can hold the key and my car will run as normal.

This problem has happened randomly for a year or so, cold weather & hot weather doesn't matter.. right now its 50degrees (F) outside and its acting up. Usually if I let it sit for a minute to 10minutes it will start up as if there was no problem. As of today it will not run unless I hold the key, I've tried starting it for the past 3hours or so..

.. this problem has stumped me.. please help, I would be most grateful!


on a side note, Texasgrease monkey, that's one hell of a thread for maintaining and working on honda's. You def. know your stuff.

Have you checked the wiring to the alternator as well, or just the battery?

Sorry, the question I just asked only applied to your question about the battery light.

In regards to the long start: have you made sure that you have adequate spark and fuel pressure?

The wiring to the alternator seems to be secure, no loose connections. Im not sure what you mean by "long start"... The car will start fine, it just stalls after I let go of the key.

Check/replace the ignition switch. Sounds like you are experiencing classic ignition switch failure symptoms.

Honda Ignition Switch Replacement:

1. Disconnect negative battery cable.
2. Remove dashboard lower cover and knee bolster.
3. Disconnect 5-P connector from under-dash fuse box and 7-P connector from main wire harness.
4. Remove steering column covers.
5. Insert key and turn it to "0".
6. Remove two screws from switch and replace.

By "long start", I meant that you have to hold the key to keep it running... stupid term, I made it up :)

hey all. Appreciate all the feedback and comments!

Checked spark, and fuel pressure, both seem to be on good. I decided to take out the ignition switch... Sure enough, signs of arcing, and the contacts were worn down quite a bit. Would explain my dash lights going dim and the battery light flickering at me randomly. So I ran to napa and bought a replacement, should be in tomorrow. Hopefully I can have it installed tomorrow evening, and have an update tomorrow night. Thanks again for all the help!. I found a pretty sweet site for honda's/acura's, on testing procedures and removal of "stuff". I don't know the extent of their information, but they had exactly what I was looking for on the ignition switch.. hopefully some other people will find it to be helpful.. http://techauto.tripod.com/ is the link. Good pictures and diagrams. Goodnight all. Again, thank you!