I just bought a 2000 Prelude Sh. I got a great deal on. The problem is it doesnt run. The previous owner was driving and it shut off on him on the highway. The lights went dead and the car wouldnt start after that. We tried jumping it, but only the inside lights would come on. The car would click as it tried to start but wouldn't completely crank over. I was thinking it is either the altenator or or just a bad battery that happened to have enough juice to jus manage turning on the lights but not completely starting it. I was wondering if anyone had any other ideas of what it could be. Any help would be nice.

 

A good starting point would be to get a multimeter and check you
batt voltage and that the alternater is working. Also check all fuses
and ground wires.

 

thanks, ill check that

 

If the battery and the alternator clear...

You should call/check online with regards to the VIN number if the ignition recall has been fixed. I had a friend purchase a Prelude not too long ago and his car completely shutoff on the freeway. No power what so ever. He called the dealer and the recall was never fixed. Once he got it fixed, it ran perfectly.

 

the lights come on in the interior. It just doesn seem like it has enough juice to turn over

 

i love when problem posts started like this.

i had an ignition problem that got fixed with the recall, but it was nothing like this. i would bet on the battery.

 

battery.. take a 15 mm wrench and put it on both terminals, then youll have your answer.

 

it may turn on the lights and try to start over, but that doesnt mean a good battery. Your starter pulls more current then anything the car runs. if your battery terminals are dirty (like a green color) then trying cleaning them.

 

ok so the car cranks but it doesnt completely turn over. theres resistance and wont let it crank enough to fire. battery is bad, and starter is good. i tried a different battery out of a buddies car and it still doesnt completely turn over

 

Check your fuses? Main relay?

 

Here ya go check if the recall has been done. I mean it's free so, why not check if its been done.

https://www.ahm-ownerlink.com/login..../prod_home.asp

 

Would they recall it on a car with a swapped motor? and could that cause a problem. whats a good way to check the main relay?

 

So I've talked to some people are they say check the distributor. Does this sounds plausible?

 

Check the battery cables pull off some of the pastic and if it green then there bad... Sounds like you arnt getting enuff power to the starter... If it was bad dist it would still turn over... You got a volt meter? Why do you think it has a motor swap?

 

my integra did the same thing though

 

um, they said it was a fresh swap. and would the battery cables cause it to shut off?

 

absolutely

 

alright cool

 

I have a 1999 Prelude Standard model that won't start up. No clicking, it turns over but the engine won't catch. When it does catch it runs very rich, and I mean really rich! have to keep the gas down to keep it from bogging out and dying when in idle. The check engine light has been on for a few months now for a ECT(engine coolant temp) sensor getting 6V instead of 5V, but I've replaced the sensor 2x. Now its giving me codes for knock sensor and misfire in any cylinder. I need help.

The things I've done already:
*went through wiring somewhat and checked all fuses
*replaced plugs, wires, cap, and button

 

how do you know it's rich?

 

If I were u I wud try checking ur distributor bcuz thtz wut happened to me on a civic I owned bt try tht or try hittin ur starter sumtimes it frezees