Hi so I'm just starting to learn about cars so I won't have the best information but I'll give all the info I can. I recently bought a 94 Integra, when I bought it the guy told me the only real issue is that the ac doesn't work (but the fan spins) and the radiator fan won't spin so he had a bypass hooked up to the battery I'd have to disconnect when I turned off the car until I got it fixed. According to him the fix was underneath the dashboard but I after speaking with two mechanics one said replace the coolant switch in the thermostat housing, the other said that won't make the fan work and to go to the junkyard and cut this small rectangular fuse box piece (I'm not sure the name) off a 95 or 97 civic and wire through that piece.

The car was running ok for about a week. Engine always hot but got a coolant leak fixed, its low on oil but doesn't seem to have any other leaks. (although when I bought it my friend noted what he thought to be coolant coming from the exhaust which was blowing white smoke that day but has not since. Its also been heavily raining here the car may have been sitting a while.)

But as of yesterday the car started having trouble starting, and today cut off completely while on. Of course this happens right after I spend a bunch of money on insurance. Yesterday when it cut off, after adding a bit more coolant which it was low on after the repair leak, (I'm not sure the mechanic.added more after the fix I should have checked but didn't) the car tuned on and drove normally for a while. But today it cut off while on and idling low for the first time. Now it will crank and start but will not stay on when I let go of the key. So I had to hold the key in place to keep the car on to drive home which was terrible.

The fan I imagine is unrelated. From my research here and online I'm guessing I have a bad ignition switch or a bad main relay. The guy who sold me the car did warn me I had to replace a part under the dash, which I believe he meant was related to the fan. However none of the mechanics I spoke to related the fan fix to anything under the dash. But the main relay is there which may also have something to do with why the car won't stay running without me holding the key.

If its important to note it's also a very hot summer in Miami and the car gives me the most problems during that day. I'm right now waiting for the sun to set and the engine to cool and I think it will start normally again but I'm not sure.

 

Sounds like a bad ignition switch, a bad main relay would not let you start the engine to begin with, Its most likely the ignition switch.

 

Thanks I'll give it a try. I saw a video where in the || position there were no dash lights for a bad ignition switch, I still have lights, could it still be the ignition switch?

 

the problem is carbon buildup in the switch, you can try cleaning it or just replace for about $50 or so.

https://www.team-integra.net/threads...eaning.193084/

 

Thanks I'll give it a go and update

 

I removed the plastic bit and cleaned the part, put it back in and the car started normally. Thanks a lot you were right. The radio doesn't work now but I didn't do a perfect job, just temporary until I buy a new switch. Thanks again.

 

Good news!