The last few times I've tried to start my CRX, the car will start for a second and then immediately die. If I wait 6-8 hours... the car will eventually start just fine.

Today I started it... seemed to be doing just fine... drove it around for about 30 minutes until I started to smell something really weird. Then smoke appeared from behind the steering wheel (WTF?), idle rev's started fluctuating and it died.

I already know I have a bad main relay, but I don't think that is necessarily the problem here. Does it just sound like an electrical problem, alternator maybe? Any help is appreciated.

 

some wire probably grounded out.

 

ya a wire grounded out more then likly, this one time in my friends truck a wire grounded and caught fire, he went the hospital for somke inalation, + wires and a - grounded chassie dont mix

 

it can also be the start wires behind the key. remove the plastic around the steering column you will see the silver cyclinder for your key and a white plastic piece screwed to it. it could be that piece there.

 

When my ignition switch started going bad, it started smoking.....replaced it and its all good, thru a hook-up at Honda I got it for like $43...