My 96 accord has been not starting the first time i turn the key latley its been getting worse over the last couple weeks it clicks one time every time i turn the key then after a few trys it starts right up with no problems running or starting. What is wrong with my car? Also it is probley but the warning lights seem to stay on a little longer then they should and once the ABS light stayed on then next time i got in my car it was not on.

-thanks in advance

 

I want to be the first jerk to say main relay. Thats everyone's first response. Could be an ignition switch problem.

 

Would that cause problems running because it has no problem once it starts...

 

were is the main relay and how do i check it?

 

Check your starter. The click is the starter trying to move into contact, but the copper contacts are too worn to make good electrical contact.

That's why there is no problem once the engine is running.

 

I'd check the starter.. if the main relay was going bad it wont click and you will still hear it trying to turn over

 

I think you arent paying close attention to your idiot lights but beyond that a single click when you turn the key is a bad starter, the motor is not turning over, correct,as long as the battery will start it after a few clicks, the battery is good.

Main relay test is watch the CEL, if it cycles on for two seconds, half of the main relay is good, loosen the 12mm bolt on top of the fuel filter, if it pisses fuel out when you turn the key on then the other half of the main relay is good.

EDIT
Getting harder to start over time is usually a sign of needing a tune up.

 

When the main relay cycles to prime the fuel pump for 2 ~ 3 seconds, at the very same time, the CEL comes on for its bulb check. Sorry, my Firefox was blocking your PM.

 

You could replace the starter or rebuild it.

If you get a junkyard or used starter, you won't know how worn it is unless you open it up. If you do that, you might as well rebuild yours.

How many miles on the engine? How many times a day is it started?

 

I say starter. I had that exact same thing happen to my dad's car. Turn the key, *click* Few more times, it starts. This is assuming there is nothing else wrong. Most likely the problem with higher mileage cars.

 

I originally thought starter i just thought if it was the starter that it wouldnt start at all... how hard is it to rip off a starter as i understand its in a not-excelent-for-getting-to position on many cars?

 

My car has about 160k started 3-4 times a day for last year i have owned it. The only other thing wrong with the car is a watermelon sized dent some dummie in a jacked up huge truck left me. What exacly does rebuiling a starter entail?

 

It is not difficult to pull this starter, one bolt is a little hidden down under the backside lower but once you get it out it will go back in much quicker, dont rebuild it, buy a rebuilt one. Its waranteed.

 

get your battery tested, it might be getting weak over time and losing cca cold cranking amps.

 

If it eventuall starts, its not the CCA but it could be dirty corroded battery terminals.

 

hope this helps..

http://www.hondaaccordforum.co...m.htm

and 1 last thing ,, Duane , 96 accord does not have the 12 mm bolt on the filter ,,

 

Kewl, I will add JDM fuel filters for my sales list too, is the pressure gauge port on the fuel rail then, easily accessable? 12mm? Does USDM '96 top filter fitting still use a banjo bolt? THANKS

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by fez_ex_96 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">My car has about 160k started 3-4 times a day for last year i have owned it. The only other thing wrong with the car is a watermelon sized dent some dummie in a jacked up huge truck left me. What exacly does rebuiling a starter entail?</TD></TR></TABLE>
After removing the starter from the engine block, you do a partial disassembly to remove and replace the contacts. For the parts, check with a starter rebuilder in your area. They might even offer you tips on the rebuild. Or try Googling a repair procedure. I did it for a Toyota, so I don't know the exact Honda parts. The rebuilder can tell you what you need. I spent $18 in parts, for a job that would cost $125. Check around, you might find a rebuilt starter for a good price. You did not say anything about battery problems, so I guess the battery is not part of the problem. The car dealer will not likely stock these internal repair parts. But you can check.

 

I have the same problem