Hi, I hope I can get some good advice here...

I have a problem with a 1997 honda Odyssey, which seem to me to be just an accord wagon? I dunno I never had a honda before...

Anyway, it ran like a champ... then the other day I got in it and it wouldnt start. Seems like no fire or no fuel. Then it got weird.

I turned it off took the key out and it kept turning over.
So now I got 2 problems that maybe is only one problem?

What causes this thing to keep turning over when you remove the key? would that be the cause of it suddenly not starting?

I have a honda sized brick in my driveway... can ya help me out?

 

If it kept cranking while not starting one of two things most likely happened.

Electrical switch of ignition has broken/jammed and is stuck in the III(START) position. This part is easily checked/replaced, remove the bottom cowling of the column and remove the plastic portion of the switch. It will be attached to the key tumbler with two screws. It will look something like this...


Check mechanical and electrical condition of the switch. If it is broken/worn out this would also account for the no-start issues as well. There is a 'T' interface from the ignition tumbler to the electrical switch. With the switch off the tumbler you should be able to use a flat head screwdriver to check the switch is fine. It will rotate and you should be able to determine the various positions of O(Locked), I(Unlocked/OFF), II(ON), and III(START). The switch should have a spring that will rotate its clocking from III(START) back to II(ON). If you suspect the switch is physically broken I would suggest disconnecting the switch from the harness or disconnecting the (-)negative termial of the battery to prevent any starter damage.

Starter solenoid is sticking.
Easy way to test this is to jumper power from the big wire on the starter(battery power) to the small wire on the solenoid(power from key). The starter should engage and crank, disconnect the jumper and the starter should stop cranking. If it continues to crank the solenoid is most likely sticking.
Don't put the key in the ignition, you just want to test the starter.
Disconnect the small wire from the starter when testing this to eliminate the possibility of a wiring or ignition switch problem.
Have the negative battery terminal only snug and not tight. This way if the solenoid is indeed sticking you can easily remove the power and stop the starter from spinning.

 

thanks
its going into the garage this week after we finish some engine work on a truck here. We'll check this stuff first!