I have a 97 civic, was going down the highway earlier today. Bam. Cut off, sadly this is normal. This time it did not crank back up. Yada yada yada.. When i try to start it the starter turns no problem. I noticed when i switch the key to the on position (II) no CEL no battery light no oil light nothing, no fuel pump priming, no click from the relay ONLY the radio works. As if i didn't turn the key at all besides when i go to crank, the starter is just a spinnin'. Ignition switch? I was told this was a common symptom of a bad switch. I'm being extra carful since I'm strapped for cash. Thought the geniuses on here could help!


Thanks in advance!

 

Get a multimeter and test the ignition switch. See diagram in FAQs sticky.

Manual trans? Does engine fire and run with a push start?

 

Auto, my bad.

 

So you turn the key to II but it feels like I only.

I had this issues before. It was gradually intermittent, then one day it finally gave out on me.

Try removing your plastics around your steering column, then see if you can unscrew the white piece off from your ign. switch (key hole). It should be the piece with the wires going to it.
Disassemble it and reshape and adjust the metal circle contact thingys to make good contact when it turns, the reassemble it back together.
Sorry, it's been a while since I've done this, and it's kinda hard to explain, but hopefully you'll figure it out.

 

As RonJ suggests, test ign. switch, you can use a meter or even just a 12V test light.

White is 12V input, hot at all times.
Black/white, starter output, hot when cranking to start.
Black/yellow, ign. output, hot when ign. on and when cranking to start. [this may be the problem].
Yellow, hot when ign. on but not when cranking to start.
White/black, hot when ign. on but not when cranking to start.

There is a plug on the ign. switch harness 8 or so in. from the switch, make sure you test on the dash harness side of plug, to eliminate the plug connections as the problem. 94

 

Absolutely, I've had this problem for over a year but it always eventually starts. Also, been roaming amazon and eBay for the switch, all the ones i see says manual transmission. I would think that would matter. Does it?

 

It's not too hard to fix. Just takes a little brain storming and trail and error bending the contact ring back into place.

If you just wanna swap it out, check your local junkyard.
Or drive down here to Beavers Honda and pick one up for $35 bucks.Search results for: '1997 civic ignition switch'
Looks like they have plenty to chose from.


O yeah, you can check like fcm says to, if ya understand...
Dudes hella smart, but explains things really technical.
Haven't seen that name in over 10yrs. He's helped me out before too.

 

Mine went out a couple of years ago, I just completely took my ignition out, put a push button switch in its place, wired up 3 relays and a toggle switch. Boom, push button start, cost me about $20. I can't remember the exact wiring, but you can try the12volt.com I'm almost positive the wiring diagram for a push button start is on there.

 

You can clean the contacts in the switch. Ever since I did I've had no troubles with starting.

 

Honda Service Bulletin - Faulty Ignition Switches. 94