Black R

Never had this problem until yesterday. It previously started fine.
I turn the key yesterday and nothing happens - it doesn't make the starter jump.

I can jump the starter and it will start the car if I have the key in the on position.

I am thinking it's either my ignition switch, starter relay, or clutch switch.

Anyone else had a similar problem?

TypeR76

Hey Ken,
Long time no talk,
sounds like a main relay is at fault or starter itself. I had an exact problem like yours.

Will

red_crx

iTrader: (2)

If it was the main relay the fuel pump wouldnt prime/work, would it?



Black R,

Try jumping the clutch switch with a wire or paper clip first; Then I would also check the voltage at the signal wire at the starter (should be about 12V when the ignition is turned to the III position).

Black R

it ended up being the pad on the pedal disentegrated and wasn't pressing the clutch safety switch when the clutch was in.

1 minute fix.

itrSteez

I've seen this so many times that I can confidently tell you that it is the starter.

R boy fresh

i also say its the starter going bad.... but also check your clutch switch

Black R

it wasn't the starter:





Just as I suspected; it was another one of those stupid grommets - on the arm that goes to the clutch safety switch.


Guess I better replace it:




FIXED and it starts right up like a charm!

itrSteez

well I'll be dammed, good find dude.

1989CivicSi

Same thing is happening to me...everything works fine if I put slightly more pressure on the clutch pedal. Guess I'll check this out later today and see if the part in question has disintegrated.

Thanks for the part number!

teg97

iTrader: (3)

you drive your R now ken?

border919

lol right after OP's post where he said it was the piece for the clutch interlock switch..not hating just thought it was funny.never be too confident

Dave-ROR

Yep, it I had read this sooner I would have said that First thing to check when that problem happens now that these cars are getting older. I just put the two wires together on the race car, don't need to push the clutch in to start it as an added bonus (don't have to crawl over the cage, etc).

Main relay would NOT show the symptoms here...

Dave-ROR

Besides Ken already saying that the problem was the clutch switch stopper, I've never seen a bad starter start working by running wires from the battery to the starter directly, which Ken mentioned starts the car with the ken in ON position....

Black R

damn so harsh Dave. lol

Dave-ROR

Steve knows I wasn't being harsh, just pointing that out for future reference if anyone finds this in search, your testing method was fine. If I knew you ne4eded the part I would have sent you one, I have one laying around.

For those security minded folks, take this thread and think of possible ways to better secure your car with a hidden kill switch (or alarm kill) based on the problem at hand.

itrSteez

I was reading too fast. I saw the word "jump" and thought he got to get the car to start by jumping the battery, and I have seen this before and I have absolutely no idea how that has any relation but I've seen it on other cars as well as my own. So that is my fault for skim-reading.

KraZyCHOWMEIN

Awesome, thanks for the part number. My car is now having the same problem, drives fine and starts when I put added pressure on the clutch pedal and cross my fingers. Can you guys provide a description as to where I can locate this piece to replace it?

Thanks!

Dave-ROR

It's on the pedal "arm" or whatever. You'll see 1 switch (ITR) or 2 (non-ITR) on the clutch pedal box, the upper one (only one on an ITR) is the clutch switch used to determine if the car should start or not. It closes the circuit when the pedal is all the way in. If yours is working, it may just be cracked, so you might be able to use epoxy on the pad.

The switch is normally open, so you can just unplug it and jump it, or replace the pad.

Personally I'd just jump the plug, then you don't even have to push the clutch in to start the car, which does carry the danger that switch is there to avoid (starting the car in gear and hitting something).

KraZyCHOWMEIN

Awesome thanks Dave, I just ordered the part from acura... local dealership didn't have it cause it's special order. I'll take a look tonight to see cause it starts randomly.

KraZyCHOWMEIN

That pad is in an awkward *** place on the clutch pedal! Not sure how you guys got up there to replace it. I used the jumper method, kinda weird not having to push the clutch pedal in.

A.R

what yr/model ITR is this?
does this car require clutch start?
can this problem happen on a GSR as well?
had this exact issue yesterday but im not sure if it is my clutch stopper.
cuz my factory clutch stopper went bad and my mech plugged it with a custom stopper.

Dave-ROR

1. All years.
2. All years require the clutch to be in to start.
3. Absolutely, and every other car that requires you to push the clutch in to start.

Check the stopper, or jump the wire

KraZyCHOWMEIN

Ok, so I did the jumper method and now the same problem is occuring... usually only in the morning but sometimes at other times. I notice when I push the key and start the car it starts, when i don't apply pressure to the key inwards it shows the symptoms again. Is there a sensor inside which can be replaced?

Thanks!

Z Judah

Same thing EG8 Chassis I'm bout to install a push button just to eliminate having to pop the hood to crank the car up. Unsure if my clutch, or brake release sensor is any good (the polyurethane grommets) I usually just replace them with a 10 mm bolt and a nut. I'm just trying to eliminate these issues before I have to installed the P2S