I have a poorly cut key, and sometimes it takes me forever to turn the ignition switch. Usually I goto position II first to check for the fuel pump priming. The other day I got in the car and the pump wouldnt prime. Throughout the day I probably turned the ignition switch 20 times to II position to hear if the pump would turn on. (It takes awhile with the crappy key)

And of the 20 tries, i heard the pump turn on for 2 of them and continued to start the car. On the first time, the car started then died, and on the second time the car started up fine. I then shut it off and wanted to try it again but the pump didnt prime.

Is it the main relay dying?

 

I had a problem with my ignition, turned the key, cranked, and then die.
I'm pretty sure this isn't the same as having an ignition that won't stay in II, you can try taking apart the ignition from the other side of the key enterence, there should be like 3 screws. the left side of the steering column. just pull the piece off, clean off the contact points, and try again...

fixed my problem, and saved me alot.

oh..and get real keys from honda..