Hello all, I have a 96 Accord EX auto with 257K on it. Recently when starting it, when I turn the key all the way to the start position, nothing happens. All dash lights are on and nothing to indicate a power issue. I turn the key all the way back to off and repeat 3-4 times, sometimes having to remove the key and cycle it all the way to ON for it to start. When it starts, no issues, and as I stated all lights, accessories are on. Your thoughts are greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

If the starter does not spin, then check the ignition(electrical) switch.
Click on the TechAuto link in my sig and then click on 'Ignition Switch' in the upper left column.

 

The next time your car doesn't start on the very first try, open the hood and hit the starter with something lightly and see if it will start. If it does start it's probably just the starter contacts that need replacing. You can get starter contacts from larry's b's starter contacts website or on ebay or amazon.

 

is the car manual or automatic?

 

cschlick, it's an automatic

 

When the shifter is in Park, does the P light up on the dash?

 

Yes, all lights light up, radio, everything, but not a sound from the starter. Back the key all the way off(as I was going to take it out), and rotate it back and forth (start to off) and even take it out sometimes, a few times and it starts. very intermitten as well, happened for two days straight over Christmas, now it hasn't for two days.

 

Mine was doing this as well as shutting off while driving. Replaced the ignition switch, problem went away... at least the shutting off while driving thing. The turn-the-key-and-no-start seems to be intermitten, can't figure it out, I'm thinking either clutch safety switch(have a spare I can throw in) or the contacts on my key cylinder are just crappy.

 

I've had over 10 hondas and toyotas. The ONLY time I've ever had issues with a no crank issue was solely tied to starter contacts being bad. I've replaced 3 sets and have had no issues whatsoever otherwise after replacement(provided it's a Denso OEM to begin with). Not saying this is the guaranteed cause but it's the first thing you should look at.

Or you can not take my advice to simply hit the starter which is really the cheapest and least time consuming thing you could EVER try and try other things instead.

 

your ignition switch went 100% , It would have 3 common symptoms, car would randomly shut down while driving, you can`t start it even tho it has contact and radio and everything works but when you turn key you can just hear click under dash right side (that`s relay) and it might turn the engine but it wouldn`t keep it running. You can do a temporary cheap fix by taking out witch, taking it apart and cleaning contacts with 1000 sand paper and maybe little hammering to get the metals tighter when your turn the switch with the key, or you can hot-wire it
Here`s my case;

and how to do in emergency

 

100% not ignition switch but looks like op is one and done