My 99 Civic EX seems to be "delaying" starting when I turn the key. Sometimes I have to hold it down for 30 seconds or so with the clutch pushed in before it starts. The electronics light right up when I turn the key so I don't believe it is related to battery. Any suggestions?

Possible switch/starter issue?

Edit: Just want to add, the engine doesnt 'turn' when I'm turning the key, the car is completely quite. When the engine finally does 'turn', it kicks on immediately.


Modified by KHowe at 1:14 PM 10/6/2008

 

I would first change the sparkplugs, then move on to cap/rotor and maybe wires.

 

could be a timing issue

 

I will try the spark plugs first, this seems like the easiest thing to try. Thanks!

 

Edited the first post, just want to add, the engine doesnt 'turn' when I'm turning the key, the car is completely quite. When the engine finally does 'turn', it kicks on immediately.

 

check the wires to your starter. check for voltage when key is turned.

 

I've noticed it seems to start easier if I push the clutch really hard in, as far as it can go all the way down.

This morning that wouldn't start it either. I was just sitting with the key turned, and only the electronics work and nothing was turning. Then I lifted up the clutch and it started turning, so I pushed it back down immediately and the car started.

Someone told me there is a safety switch in some cars, does this vehicle have one that needs to be adjusted or replaced possibly?

 

Help? Anyone know if I can access the safety swtich from inside the car? Is there an adjustment on it?

 

Do you hear your relay kick off before you crank it too?

There is a switch that's pretty sensitive. It engages when the pedal is pressed and disengages when it comes back. If you look under your dash near your pedals you'll see it. Its a tiny switches that opens and closes when you press the pedal. Maybe its getting stuck, check if it comes out, if it doesn't, throw some WD 40 on it. =P Those switches are sensitive. The smallest press on a brake or clutch pedal won't let the cruise stay on so. yep >.>

 

Once again this morning, I hold the clutch a little bit off of the floor and it starts up fine. I think a sensor needs adjustment.

 

yes, there is a clutch pedal switch. if you follow the pedal up you should see a switch ...

it should be something like this ...