So I am working on this 94 Accord DX standard trans and I can't get it to start with the key. I have went through diagnosing the starter and with a screwdriver, i was able to jump start it by bridging the starter contacts and it will run fine, but the car will not start using the key. I then tested the S terminal on the starter to see if its getting a start signal from the ignition, and I got nothing, naturally assuming i have a bad ignition switch. Got one from the junkyard and no dice, does the same thing. I have went through and checked all of the fuses and connections. Any help here would be great, as I have been looking through dozens of forums and DIY's, but I have not encountered the same problem. Like I said, if jumped by the starter with a wire or screwdriver, the car will start and run fine, if by the key, nothing except lights on the dash, but no turn over and no clicks and its not receiving a start signal, but i've replaced the ignition switch and that still didnt do it. I'm stumped. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

Might see if you didn't get another bad ign switch.

Buy a new starter, if it doesnt fix it return it.

Theres a youtube video to that tells you how to check in ign switch on your car, look it up and go through those steps if you have a volt meter. Check for bad connections/wires.

Did you unplug anything on your wiring harness?

 

Check the clutch switch down by the clutch pedal, especially if you can push start it fine.

 

^^^x2

 

Starter is brand new, checked the clutch switch, it is in fact engaging. Also the main relay is brand new and I do not have a volt meter that does a continuity function. I did bridge the clips on the ignition relay to test, but for some reason I don't get the car to beep as though the bridge worked. Is there another fail point besides the ignition switch and main relay between the key and the starter? I can try another ignition switch, but the car I pulled it out of looked like the interior didn't have much exposure to the elements.

 

Just because the switch (inhibitor) is engaging doesn't mean it is working.....pull the connector and jump the wire side together.....try to start the car.

Do this car have an aftermarket alarm system installed?

Have you tested the starter relay (left center console)?