My 96 h23 is in serious trouble. Anyone out there have any idea what may be the problem. It all started about 3 weeks ago when I noticed that my blinker indicators would start flashing extra fast then return to a normal pace. A few days later the dash clock started to flash on and off while still retaining accurate time. Eventually the entire dash started to flash on and off as if I was powering the car down by turning the key to off; all this while driving. Today the car finally quit on me, I turn the ignition on and nothing but the radio comes on, the engine cranks over but dies as soon as the dash fades out. Anyone ever see something like this. Im thinking it may be ECU, or ignition switch related. Any help would be appreciated.

 

Main Relay?

 

well when i turn the key all the way off, I hear what sounds like a weird squeak coming from the ecu, lower engine bay area could that be the main relay?

 

Are you throwing any codes, check to see if you are or arent.

Main relay is under driverside dash.

 

im sorry im a noob, how do I check codes do I need to bring it to Honda?

 

96 prelude, the birth of OBD 2, from what I hear its a horrible mistake. Take it to autozone they check it for you, or buy an OBD 2 scanner from them. Probally the second one since your car dont start.

 

I found a good site about ignition codes, my problem is my dash is not even turning on unless I keep the key half way between Acc and ON.

 

You still need an OBD 2 scanner. Check all fuses, connections and what not. It sounds electrical and not mechanical

 

how much is a main relay, is it an E Z fix?

 

Main Relay is a hop and a skip in easy ness. Its just in there at an awkward angle. One bolt and wire harness.

 

i was just under there and yeah it sucks. I just dont know if thats my issue, Im thinking its time for a new prelude. This car has gone thru alot.

 

i'd check everything before you just get rid of your whole car..
see if youre throwing any codes and go from there

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Acidcrakker &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">You still need an OBD 2 scanner. Check all fuses, connections and what not. It sounds electrical and not mechanical</TD></TR></TABLE>

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Grenade2k7 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">i was just under there and yeah it sucks. I just dont know if thats my issue, Im thinking its time for a new prelude. This car has gone thru alot.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Don't get rid of it! It sounds to me like an ignition switch wearing out...easy to replace and $40 from Honda.

Also maybe take your alternator and have it tested...the dash stuff is the first thing to go out when the car starts loosing power from a bad alternator and a drained battery.

 

A loose ignition wire would cause the dash to think the key was off, causing the behavior you described. Expecially since you can wiggle it and get some response. A bad main relay would only cause the fuel pump not to prime, the dash and everything would still come on, it just wouldn't start. I'd start at the ignition/key assembly, then check the power system like hawkze said.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Hawkze_2.3 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Don't get rid of it! It sounds to me like an ignition switch wearing out...easy to replace and $40 from Honda.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Gags medal of approval

 

Is the ignition switch and EZ fix? Also does anyone have a clue why there is a weird squeak coming from the engine bay every time I power down??

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Grenade2k7 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Is the ignition switch and EZ fix? Also does anyone have a clue why there is a weird squeak coming from the engine bay every time I power down?? </TD></TR></TABLE>

Yes, $40 and you can do it yourself with basic tools. Take the steering column off, unplug some wires, remove/replace switch, etc...pretty easy just take your time.

Don't know about your squeak....

 

Thanks, going to try to do it this weekend. I took of the column cover off earlier and those screws holding the switch look near impossible to remove. Any tips??

 

Hmmm...it has been a while since I did mine, but I don't remember anything too difficult. You may be mistaking the screws that hold the switch together with the ones that hold it...I don't know. Once you get the new one it should help you see how to take the old one off.

Or maybe someone else can explain it better

 

My H23 is back to life!! Thanks a MILLION for all the help fellow prelude drivers!

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Grenade2k7 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">My H23 is back to life!! Thanks a MILLION for all the help fellow prelude drivers!</TD></TR></TABLE>



Ignition switch??

 

it's the ignition switch, mine did the same way... Unfortunately when mine went I was driving back to school from visiting my parents and had to hold my hand on the keys in a certain position for 85 miles , it's now fixed though :D

 

curious also

 

i had this same issue with my old 92 lude.. and it was at the ECU one of the contact wires came loose and that was about it.. it took 3 weeks to find it but we found it.

 

It was the ignition switch. 49.99 at autozone.

I am still working on removing the old switch and wiring harness; the previous owner installed an after market alarm and created a mess of bullsh*t wiring on the underside of the dash. Fortunately the car fired right up after connecting the new harness and turning the switch with a flat tip screwdriver. I drove to work today looking like I stole the car!!