Hey guys I was hoping someone out there could tell me what's wrong with my car.

When I turn the key all the way to start my car I have to leave it turned all the way for 3-5 seconds before engine TURNS. Once engine turns it starts right away.

But until it turns its like NOTHING is happening. Not a single sound or anything. Has anyone ever experienced this? It seems kinda weird.

The problem came gradually over the past couple weeks. At first I held the key turned all the way and engine would turn and start after 1 second. Then a few days later it became 2 seconds and so on until now it takes about 5 seconds. I'm worried soon it won't start at all.

Could it be the starter? Doesn't the starter make a struggling noise if its failing? If its the battery won't the engine still turn trying to start it? Does cold weather have anything to do with it? Cuz it's gotten a bit cold recently. Anyway any info will be appreciated thanks.

 

An absolute guess would be the starter relay. As i have no experience with this problem it is just a guess.

 

Im assuming its the electronic portion of your starting going bad. Theres a mechanical portion that the key goes in and on the opposite side of that there is this funky lookin plug thing that fits onto the mechanical portion. I tried hondaautomotiveparts.com to find you a picture, but cant seem to find it on there.

I recently had to replace mine (electrical portion) because i'd turn the key to II (2 position in the ignition) and the dash lights wouldnt come on and i'd turn it more to start it and the car would start, but as soon as I let go of the key (so it would return back to position II the car would shut itself off. So in short i basically had to limp home holding my key in the III position.

 

Hmmm well it's possible that either of u are correct. To find out for sure i guess ill bring it to a mechanic shop near my place that deals with just honda and see what they say. i'll let u know how it goes... thanks for ur help

 

leave it on the 2nd click (ACC) till you hear the fuel pump go off
then try turning the key all the way
see what happens

 

Have you gotten the ignition switch recall done?

 

what ignition switch recall are u talking about? maybe that could be it?

 

I just searched for info on that ignition recall you were mentioning. A thread here in honda-tech mentioned that the recall affects automatic cars i have a manual so i guess that isn't the problem. =/

 

I hope u get this figured out soon, i know what a PITA my situation was and i was only w/out a car for a day or two.

 

wow, i thought it was just some kinda quirk my car had. i have a 99 sh also, EXACT same problem. it wont do anything until it has taken as much time as it thinks it needs i guess lol. i think the cool weather might have something to do with it too...in the summer it doesnt hesitate at all unless i havent driven my car in a few days (rare occurance) but now that it has been coolin down, it def is the same problem. can anyone shed more light on this ignition recall even if it is just an auto problem? maybe a link? thanks

 

bankston5thgen how long have you had the problem? mines started a couple weeks ago with just a slight delay on start up. now it takes a second or two to start.

 

well, bought the car almost a year ago...i remeber when i first got it, it freaked me out a lil...thought it was real serious, but i guess not since it has never actually not started or even stuttered. once its ready i guess, it starts right up no problem. i cant really say for how long the problem has been goin on, but i know since ive had the car...usually when its cool outside.

 

oh okay. so u think its not a serious problem? should i waste my time goin to the mechanic or should i just put up with it... it doesn't bother me too much i just dont want it to get to the point where my car doesn't start at all.