For about 3 weeks now I've been having a hard time starting the Accord.

It turns over once, stops completely, I hold it in the start position, then it abruptly turns over within 3 secs. or less. While I'm holding the key, none of the accessories are powered; which signals to me that the ignition switch has seen better days.

My battery and alternator appear to be fine. In every Honda we've ever owned they've all been pretty good about using the battery light to tell us somethings wrong. I have no malfunction indicators lit. I would take it into the dealer but I just don't have the time (well until I'm stranded of course :lmao: ). So hopefully this little problem can hold off on causing complete inability to start until I'm done packing and moved to New Orleans.:paranoid: Once there, I'll have time to take it to the dealer (royal Honda... all the more reason to be :paranoid: ).

Do you think my diagnosis is more than likely accurate? The car runs fine, it just getting her to turn on that's the issue!:yes:

I have already had my starter replaced btw. It doesn't make that ticking noise that faulty Honda starters seem to make (or the noise it did when I replaced it in other words).

It's a curse I tell you. It doesn't matter if I drive a Honda, my car will still need work every 5k miles.:lmao:

I think you have a battery problem. Its hot, and its time to fail.

main fuel relay, perhaps???

I think you have a battery problem. Its hot, and its time to fail.

Hm. Maybe I do, I got it at Sears and I'm pretty sure it is still under warranty.

It's got about 15k miles on it, and was installed 11/05. I'm assuming if I take it in to the Sears where I bought the battery they will test my electrical system for free since I have a 72month prorated replacement warranty.

Weird thing is, the Honda dealer marked off that my battery was fine on the inspection report they did with my oil change last week. :dunno:

Of course, they also marked that my rear rotors and pads are over 50%... I have drums. :lmao:

Hm. Honda or Sears...:paranoid:

main fuel relay, perhaps???

This is more of a power thing I think.

Also, I think I'm a bit early for that miles wise.:dunno:

Also, I think I'm a bit early for that miles wise.>>>

On THAT car? Nah... :lmao: j/k. Symptoms of an MFR failure are long cranks but no-starts after the car has been sitting outside in the sun for long periods of time. Once the cabin cools, the car will usually start. Also, when the key it turned to the 'II' position (during a no-start session) the fuel pump will not engage.

My guesses would either be the ignition switch, starter or battery/connections.

My guesses would either be the ignition switch, starter or battery/connections.

All possible things. I hope its not the starter though. I had it replaced for like $300.00 not too long ago...it's under warranty, but I had a little falling out with the owner of the Honda shop that did it. Not looking forward to possibly going back there.:paranoid:

Battery connections are tight and clean for the most part - no buildup.

I think someone with like a 1995 posted on here recently about their switch failing... so it's a possibility.

Battery needs to get tested.

I think I'll take it in tomorrow hopefully...if it lasts that long.:paranoid::dunno:

so it gets through the first compressions stroke slow then spins up enough momentum to start- or is it more abrupt as you say? i've had dying batteries with no dash lights. sounds like battery or starter or wiring isn't making the effort. have you tried jumping with another batt? im guessing your ignition switch disables accessories when its in the start position for max power.

Less than 4 minutes in a Sears Express Service Bay and the guy knew it was the starter from the time he turned it over. He said to take it back since it's under warranty, and then before I leave for New Orleans come back and they'll replace my battery under my 72mo. pro rated coverage.

Suppose I'll have to set my personal issues with my ex-repair shop aside and make this strictly business. Sigh.

Also, def. not main fuel relay, sat in hot sunny parking lot for about 1 hour and fired right up. This starter seems to like heat better than cold. :dunno:

My 4th gen had a problem with the Main Relay (classic, no-start after sitting in hot son all day) but I heard that was remedied for the 5th generation...and I had no issues with the MFR in my 97.

My 4th gen had a problem with the Main Relay (classic, no-start after sitting in hot son all day) but I heard that was remedied for the 5th generation...and I had no issues with the MFR in my 97.

It probably was. Seeing as the DX, LX, and SE 4cys for 1994-1997 were slightly revised versions of the 1990-1993 engines. Glad it's not the MFR though, that sounds like something expensive!:lmao::paranoid:

not really..... i believe mine was about 150....

not bad for a 14 yr old car... :yes:

5th gens had problems with the MFR as well, just not as often perhaps.
I never had an issue with the ignition swith or MFR on the 96 (and the original starter lasted 180k miles)

(and the original starter lasted 180k miles)

Yours probably lasted about as long as mine did but you drove more in between starts I'd assume.

At barely 9700 miles a year, there are lots of less than 5 miles trips on a daily basis which means more wear and tear.

Yours probably lasted about as long as mine did but you drove more in between starts I'd assume.>>>

I did, yes. The original owners only put 45,000 miles on the car in 6 years. I then put 122,000 miles on in 3.5 years... mostly all highway. I did about as much traveling as Stiller...

Took it to my Honda Shop.

Failed ignition switch.

Replace Switch, wiring, and re-key ignition to factory key with Honda parts.

OTD with Labor - $332.65

Dropping off the car tomorrow. Sigh.

Drama, Drama, Drama.

Well in an effort to save $60 bucks over a dealer I used my Honda Speciailist that I used to regularly go to.

They had me drop off the car at 10am, and the part got there at about 12pm.

Around 5pm I was instucted to come get it because there wasn't enough time to get it rekeyed and replace it by shop close. So I got there and discussed what I could do until I can get to a dealer in New Orleans (or Metarie I should say...).

Moving forward... I decided to buy the OEM Honda Part from them for $190 w/tax. That way, on the road I'll be able to hookup the new ignition easily by swapping a few plugs under the dash. So now I can 'ghetto start' my Accord with my ignition switch laying on the floor. :banana: :lmao:

Just one more thing...