98 Accord, 2.3L I-4

Had this issue a couple times now; started engine just fine and it dies after putting it in Drive. It will restart and run provided I hold the key in the 'start' position but will immediately die once released back to 'On'.

Today when I happened I noticed the instrument cluster was not illuminating at all when the key was in the 'On' position; after fooling with it a bit I pulled the main relay plug and it started back up without an issue. After it getting it started I plugged the main relay back in and drove it home without any issues.

What could cause this? Given the name 'main relay' I won't expect the car to run at all let alone fix it..

Is this sort of hack to get it started in the future going to ultimately fry something?

 

If you have to turn the ignition switch to III(START) to keep the engine running and teh starter is not engaged, then the ignition switch(electrical) is faulty. Pretty common wear item.

#8 in the attached image. Check your VIN with the dealership for any outstanding recalls, IIRC some of the 98/99 Accords had a recall for that part.

 

I did a continuity check on the ignition switch and it checked out fine.. Also verified with Honda that the car had been serviced under the original recall.

I've attached a picture of the plug I'm disconnecting; I haven't been able to positively identify it via the service manual. In case the picture isn't clear its the plug that connects right next to the turn signal relay on the driver's side interior fuse box.

The car only has issues starting in the afternoon when its warmer; it starts without any issues when its cooler during the wee hours of the morning.

Any hints on what I'm actually disconnecting and what might fix it?

 

i had this issue before where the car sounded like it wanted to start and it cranked but the moment i released it, it died. also my ce and battery light didnt come on when i turned the key. it was my ignition switch that failed. from what i have read honda ignition switches are common failure parts.

main relays dont really fail unless a solder point has cracked.

 

Make sure all the wires on that plug are pushed in all the way first.

Ignition switch may be going bad as when you "mess with it" probably making the faulty contatc points in the switch touch and it will start fine. Probably eveyrthing was fine when you did a continuity test.

The ignition switch is a good place to start. Its cheap too.
I would replace that, seeing as you said it wont start when the key is turned back.

 

I think the ignition switch as well. If that isn't it watch Scotty Kilmer's YouTube video "Fixing a car that randomly dies"