Check it out. My buddy has a 90 accord, his car cranks but does turn over some times. He replaced the starter and it did the same thing. When he pulls the key out of the ignition and puts it back in, it starts most of the time. Is that a good sign that its the ignition switch acting up? I assume it is.

 

what a waste of money man,, if car turns over means starter is doing its job,, i wish more people would stop wasting money replacing uneeded parts and ask questions first ,,, damn if i had 1/2 the money of people who just replace parts and do not fix problem i would not have to work ... there are a lot of very good knowdlegable guys here who can help out , for your sake it is better to ask a stupid question than to waste money
,yes it could be ignition switch acting up

 

oooooops i meant was if engine cranks starter is ok

 

Sounds like the "Main Relay" is on it's way out, the solder points go bad on the board and it gets real sparatic. I'm not positive, but it may be a dealer part. Good Luck

 

The way to decide between a bad ignition switch vs. a bad main relay is with a multi-meter & a wiring drawing. Unless you have lots of extra money to throw parts at it.

Sometimes you can make it run by holding the key in an intermediate position between 'on' & 'start'. If so, then a bad ignition switch is the best guess.

 

i had the same prob with my 91 accord. changed the ignition switch and all my problems were fixed... hopefully it will do the same for your friend!