Any thoughts are appreciated:
Honda Accord 1999, in cold weather, sporadically our car will not start.
After researching this site we thought maybe it was the main relay. We have done everything from replacing fuses, having the system looked at ... the problem goes away as soon as a licensed mechanic steps near the car! This weekend we had our first cold weather and again the car would not start.
I went out at noon to see if it would start, no luck. For some reason I tried taking the car out of park and into neutral (the car is an automatic), and presto the car started.

We would like to solve this issue once and for all. Any thoughts of what you think is wrong will be greatly appreciated.

 

There was a recall on your ignition switch, that might be the problem.

 

If you car can better be discribed as intermittantly not cranking (Turning Over), then the Neutral Safety Switch (mounted in the console shifter mechanism) is your most likely suspect.
For this component, it comes down to the assembly grease they use. As it gets old(er), it tends to turn waxy when cold, interfering with the good electrical connection required to activate your starter.
On a warm day or in the shop (warm too), the grease softens and allows a proper connection.
Next time this happens, try moving the shift handle and see if it responds. Just make sure you have the 'ol foot on the brake :-). If it works, there's your answer.

P

 

Checked our VIN# as to the recall mentioned. Honda lists this vehicle as "fixed" related to the ignition recall. We have only owned this vehicle for the last three years.