HELP! 1990 Accord only runs if key is kept pressed toward "start" setting!
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Joined: Apr 2002
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From: North of Boston, MA, USA
HELP! 1990 Accord only runs if key is kept pressed toward "start" setting!
My coworker just showed me the strangest thing with his 1990 accord. It will start, but as soon as the key is moved back to the "ON" position after starting, the car dies.
It will only stay running if the key is still pressed towards "start", but not fully in the start position. IE: he's driving around with his hand on the key at ALL TIMES so the car will stay running. If he lets go, the car dies.
Anyone seen this before? I've seen some crazy stuff w/ cars but this is a new one on me.
I suggested spraying the ignition switch out w/ WD40 but that didn't help.
Help him out!
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Gatineau, Quebec
Re: HELP! 1990 Accord only runs if key is kept pressed toward "start" setting! (notoriousB)
What happens if he put the switch to on? Does the radio and other electrical stuff work?
Open up steering column and check if electrical connection to the switch are broken, or bad ignition switch.
fs
Open up steering column and check if electrical connection to the switch are broken, or bad ignition switch.
fs
Thread Starter
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: North of Boston, MA, USA
Re: HELP! 1990 Accord only runs if key is kept pressed toward "start" setting! (filthy_shovel)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by filthy_shovel »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">What happens if he put the switch to on? Does the radio and other electrical stuff work?
</TD></TR></TABLE>
just asked him - nothing works unless the key is pressed forward, no heat, radio, etc.
I was thinking ignition switch too... just hoping for an easier solution.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
just asked him - nothing works unless the key is pressed forward, no heat, radio, etc.
I was thinking ignition switch too... just hoping for an easier solution.
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From: Im just a Stew Pidasso, OH, USA
Re: HELP! 1990 Accord only runs if key is kept pressed toward "start" setting! (notoriousB)
Prob a bad ignition switch but if you an easier solution there is always wire ties 
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From: Cincinnati,, Oh
Re: HELP! 1990 Accord only runs if key is kept pressed toward "start" setting! (JimBlake)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by JimBlake »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Sure sounds like a bad ignition switch. I thought that isn't very rare for Hondas...</TD></TR></TABLE>
Pretty common, see em all the time doing the exact same thing he described.
Pretty common, see em all the time doing the exact same thing he described.
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Flagstaff, AZ, USA
Re: HELP! 1990 Accord only runs if key is kept pressed toward "start" setting! (notoriousB)
You have a bad ignition switch. Youll need to buy a new key and ignition from the dealer or where ever you can get it.
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Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Kansas City, MO, USA
Re: HELP! 1990 Accord only runs if key is kept pressed toward "start" setting! (tanstumpy)
Just need the electrical portion of the ignition switch. This is extremely common. You won't need to re-key the ignition tumbler or anything like that. You just ask for the electrical portion (the wire harness portion) because the electrical contacts burn on them.
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