Hey, got another question that I couldn't find an answer to by searching the boards or scouring the internet. Thought I'd see if you guys have any suggestions.

My car is a 1988 Honda Prelude Si. The car is having trouble starting. Basically, what happens is that I turn the key and nothing happens. Nothing at all. The electical panels all turn on and the fan begins to turn so the vents work, but the engine doesn't do anything. It doesn't even try to start. However, I do hear a single click.

My resolution thus far has been to just continually turn the key forward rapidly (sometimes ten or twenty times in which I get ten or twenty clicks) and the engine eventually starts up perfectly. No struggle at all. So, my fear is that I'm turning the key and the ignition system isn't even trying to start the car, but the car was inspected not long ago (before this problem occured) and everything was fine. Spark plugs are also new. I had a tune up done on it no less than 90 days ago.

Some additional information that may help: The car has not been left in gear. Also, I've tried pushing on the brake (which you don't need to do on 20 year old cars anyway) and I've tried pumping the gas pedal. None of these resolved the problem any sooner. When I put the key in and turn it forwad one or two notches, I believe I can hear the fuel pump starting up, so it is working fine, I believe.

My research thus far has lead to find that some early 90s Honda models had problems with the electical relay that sometimes delayed start up. This problem was caused by the car being left in heat and the electrical relay "shut off" until it cooled off. Now, while my Prelude has had problems starting in heat, it has also had problems starting in shade, on mild, cloudy days. It has also expierenced problems starting in rain.

95% of the time the car starts without a problem. However, I've noticed that the problem is slowly beginning to occur more often, and it is taking far more rapid key turns in order to get the engine started. Sometimes 30-40 key turns in 3 or 4 sets before the engine finally starts. Of course, eventually, the engine starts perfectly--no struggle at all.

Has anyone expierenced this same issue with a 1986-88 Prelude Si? Did replacing the electrical relay resolve the issue?

 

check the starter

 

Well, He said he hears a single click so i assume its the starter trying to do its job. Might be wrong, but inspect the following : Wires/spark plugs and rotor. You may also check for shortage somewhere? Because it seems that you say it starts perfectly? The main relay may also be a cause for all of this. It's not that hard of job, either.. 50 dollar fix from Honda and it hangs from your fuse box. Try those and check back!

 

The starter is trying to do its job but the solenoid contacts are worndown paper thin and cant carry the required current. Take the starter off of the car, take it to your parts store and ask them if they have a solenoid rebuild kit, does this old of a Honda have a reduction gear starter, just read a link an hour ago with a picture of exactly what you need to do if it is a reduction gear type. WAIT........................

http://members.troublecodes.ne...t.jpg

"fails to crank" in Accord forum right now, GO GO MACH GO. Japanese for Speed Racer.

 

My first guess would be you have a bad negative battery cable...or corrosion on either end of it. Replace the negative cable and clean the positive cable...

Cheers!