1990 AccordEX - 4cyl.


The key was working intermittently - it would get stuck in the slug and sometimes would get stuck in gear. She says the when she hears 'a small click' coming from where the shifter is, then everything would release and work. This would happen maybe once to several times a day and sometimes go a week without a problem.

So we installed a new ignition slug (OEM) and now the seat belt, warning buzzer, courtesy lights, clock and radio will not work - that is just the interior. Also when the car warms up it seems as though the choke gets stuck - like it is loading up... trying to stall when coming to a stop. Also seems not to shift properly... not reading the RPMs. Baffled!!!

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!
... jj ...

 

Check the fuses, one might have gotten blown when the switch was replaced.

For the engine, any stored codes? Normal tune up items are up to date?

 

All fuses are good... we did not replace the switch we replaced the key ignition slug only. No wires.
Check engine light has not come on... and our mechanic says this year/car does not talk to a code computer.

Any other suggestions???
... jj ...

 

First one, find another mechanic, a tech would be better. A Tech would tell you that Honda's have stored codes in the ECU/TCU at least since 86. EDIT: Ok, I'll give you this part, they don't "talk" to hand help scanners but the ECU does store them and they can be read by counting "flashes" from whichever system has the issue (ECU/TCU/ABS).

Are the tune up items up to date, yes or no?

Next, you are 100% sure all fuses are good (underdash and underhood), correct? Do you have a volt meter, we can start tracing the wires.

 

Ya... he is not my favorite anyways! haha
and yes... i do remember that the codes are blinks... i totally forgot about that! thanks for the reminder!

We are waiting to hear back from her if she tuned it recently... though not sure where you are going with that... why would the tune up be effecting those few items... when it began with the key not working... (not coming out - not being able to switch it in the 'off' position)

The fuses checked was on the kick panel on drivers side... and under the hood on the passenger side. Are there any others??
And I am wondering is there a 'breaker' that could have gone?

No on the volt meter... will have to invest in one. Is there a preferred one I should look for??

thank you very much for your time & help!!
... jj ...

 

The tune up stuff is towards the engine running, well "funny"....."high idle", "loading up", "trying to stall"......rule out the simple stuff first....if it is due for a tune up, include a good tb cleaning (both sides and edges of the butterfly), heck the IAC, FITV and boost valve wouldn't hurt.

Now back to the "power" issue, or lack of....radio, clock, ect......I asked again about the fuses as the istems listed are usually on the same "circuit", meaning the same fuse.

As far as a volt meter. Well, kind of depends on how much work on cars, home, ect you are going to get into....just for this issue, I bet you could get away with a simple test light, yet I've seen cheap volt meters for about the same price....so, "a preferred one" really depends on you? I'd be willing to bet you can find one for $10~$15 bucks that will get you going for most anything you get into....last one I bought was a Fluke 88 that I couldn't pass up on, it was used and the price was in my range at the time.

 

Thanks... and yes all fuses are in place and good.

We do have a light meter so will go with that for now and see how far we get.
And the tune-up, we will be sure to get all that stuff done first too.
Thank you again... will be back after we get this done... probably a couple of days.
Talk to you then... jj ...

 

Well, let me dig out the wire diagrams and give you some things to check...might take a bit as the electronic version I have for the 4th gens.....well sucks.

 

Ok, here we go JJ........Clock is the easy place to start. Four wires.

KEY OFF, Term B (BLK) to Term D (WHT/YEL)...what happens to the test light?

KEY ON/POS II- Term B (BLK) to Term C (YEL)....what happens to the test light?

 

Based on the description of your orignial symptom I would not suspect the ignition lock cylinder as the cause of your key problems.

I would suspect the installation of the new ignition lock cylinder as the indirect cause of your current symptoms. More directly, I would suspect that the person who installed it screwed something up.

 

Agreed on first count and Agreed on second count...

But do you have a step by step for replacing the cylinder? I think he missed something too. (battery for one)
There is stuff on you tube for the ignition switch but not just the cylinder... I do know that he did not disconnect the battery before replacing it. :-/

Thanks
... jj ...

 

Thank you Lost...
I will test that and get results back to you - hopefully get to it today - if not, then tomorrow.
... jj ...

 

http://techauto.awardspace.com/ignitionswitch.html

 

Howdy phootbag -
quick question... if you say that the cylinder was not the cause of the original key problem what do you think it could have been from??? just curious... maybe we are looking in the wrong places.

Thank you
... jj ...
(we could not do the clock wire check - that involves tearing the dash apart and this car needs to be on the road daily.)

 

The clock just prys out????

I can't speak for phoot, however your description.....shift linkage and or interlock....but who am I.

 

Why thank you Lost Again... for the info and diagram... will do this today!
Have a wonderful day!!
... jj ...

 

Scoll down (~3/4) on the link below and see the section about the "Key Stuck".

http://techauto.awardspace.com/ignitionswitch.html