I've had my 3rd gen integra for only a couple of months but when i try to start the car, i press the clutch and turn the ignition but it takes a second or two before the engine turns over. Sometimes i have to press really hard on the clutch for it to work. I've had two other cars, non honda, that didn't have to start like this. Is this normal? Or is the waiting a second or two for the fuel system to pressurize? I have a new fuel filter and will be changing the spark plugs, cables and distributor next week to see if it helps.

 

It almost sounds like you clutch safety switch is way out of adjustment? If you have to press hard on the petal to get the motor to start thats what I would check, as far as the fuel pressure, just turn the key to Acc. before you start it for a sec or two and see if that helps.

 

Wheres the clutch safety switch and how do i adjust it?

 

I say bypass that switch DoOd

 

on the back of the clutch pedal, it ensures that the clutch is down and the car sin't in gear when you start it. I'm not sure about bypassing it, you certainly can, but then the car could be started and in gear and that can lead to bad bad things

 

When you first turn the key does it make just a clicking sound, and then it will start when you try again?

If so, exact same thing happened to my car. The contacts in my starter (original w/ over 210K miles on it) had worn down and needed replacement. I bought a starter rebuild kit from Toyota (Honda doesn't sell the kit) and replaced the contacts inside the starter and now all is well.

 

No, mine doesn't make a clicking sound or any sound at all. It'll just illuminate but won't start until i press down hard on the clutch.