Hey everyone...

My girlfriend's driving an 88 Prelude 2.0Si, and she's been having some problems when starting her car... When she turns the key, and lets it go, the car shuts off... If she holds it in the crank position, it continues to run, but shuts off 70% of the time. If she holds it for like 5 or 10 seconds, sometimes it stays running...

I would assume that the ignition switch is worn out (or very close to it)... Anyone familiar with this problem? Can we just replace the contacts or something, or does she need to replace the whole assembly?

I appreciate any info anyone can provide...

 

hey, this may not be the same prob as you are having but I had an older integra with the same prob and it turned out to be the starter. What happened was the starter wasnt powerful enough to crank the motor on a couple cranks like normal and I had to holkd the key down. This may not be the same problem you are having, but just a suggestion..... It could be that or like you said something with the ignition cause I also know someone who had that problem and it was defective ignition wires going to the ignition module. I forgot if they were defective or loose or whatever, but I remember them saying that is what fixed the prob..... just a couple of things to consider hopefully you solve the prob, lemme know what happens

 

im having the same problem. Have you figured out what the trouble is?

 

bump

 

check the connectors for corrosion and also check tha starter for signs of wear. Wen i Had problems with my starter I added a fat ground wire and it starts up with just fine.

 

I dont have a problem with starting the motor... it just wont stay on (running) without me holding the key. Do you think it could still be related to the starter motor?

 

try spraying fuel or carb cleaner when sumone is cranking it. If it runs then theres a fuel dilvery prob. Also try check timing, you maybe off by a tooth or it may have slipped.

 

The first thing that comes to my mind is the switch like you said...but then again, I have never had to deal with the switch on a japanese car before (but numerous times on a Jeep).

 

i have that problem in my crx right now. its sitting in my garage, the wiring for the actual switch is pretty torn up right now... so im trying to locate qiring before i replace the switch.... you should probably do the same. check to see if the wiring is good still.
im thinking both of our problems will be from the actual switch though. dont listen to anyone telling you its the starter. deff. go with the new switch but check the wiring first.

 

Couple of questions if you dont mind:

1. what do you mean by "check the wires"? Look for damage to the wire or something?

2. When replacing the switch, will that mean i will get a new key?

Thanks for the help.

 

bump

 

check the wiring for corrosion or any other type of braking or signs of old age. if the wires look good, go for the switch repair. you can go through the actual honda dealership... which will match keys and charge you about $300 for the switch. or you can go to pep boys and buy a universal aftermarket switch which will come with a new key... so, your door unlock will be different from your ignition key... get it?