I have a 91 Accord LX . Good battery and new starter. I turn the key to start and nothing happens the first time (no cranking or sound)). I turn the key again and it starts normally. Battery cables look ok. What other things can it be?


Modified by BudG2 at 8:41 PM 10/11/2004

 

I'm a newbie to this repair thing, but I just replace the MAIN RELAY under my steering console and that fixed it.
I only had starting problems when the car was really hot.(This is a common problem from what I hear)

But these experts will give you the right answer...they are good
I just posted an O2 sensoe question hopefully they'll answerr that too.
good luck!

 

Thanks for the reply.

My problem is intermittent and happens when warm or cold.

 

The main relay doesn't have anything to do with the starter circuit. So a bad main relay can't prevent the starter from working.

First, the battery cables can look OK but still have some corrosion. Check that, both ends of the cables, including ground cables from engine-to-body.

Got a multi-meter? Check the small wire on the starter. When you turn the key to start, it should get battery voltage. If not, then maybe your ignition switch is flaky. That's a sorta-common thing with Hondas.

Try whacking the starter with a broom handle or something when this happens. If that kicks it into working, then your starter is on it's way out.

 

The starter was replaced recently as it was definitely bad. I had this same problem every so often before the replacement.

I will check the cables next.