[J89accord]

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.

[this8384]

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

[this8384]

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?

[J89accord]

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.

[TxGreaseMonkey]

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.

[this8384]

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

[J89accord]

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!