hi all, i hope someone can provide some useful input on what the problem is or what to investigate further. i have a 95 accord ex sedan 4cyl vtec with roughly 152k mi. i use it for commuting everyday except on weekends. i have not noticed anything wrong with how it runs or how it sounds prior to tonight. so anyway, after sitting on the driveway all weekend, i attempted to start it tonight. on each attempt, the engine turns over and starts normally (without any sputtering or anything weird), but then it just dies after second.. pumping the gas pedal did not have any effect. no error codes, no check engine light, etc. gas tank is about 1/3 full. battery seems ok at around 12.45V - all electirc accessories and lights function normally. one thing i noticed is that when i turn the ignition key to the accessory setting, it normally would momentarily light up the indicators on the cluster (oil pressure, check engine, etc.) but this time nothing lights up when the key is turned to accessory. i can wiggle the key a bit and they'll eventually light up but not all the time. i noticed no signs of any mechanical problems prior to this, so i am suspecting something electrical? all fuses are good, so not sure what else to inspect first, so need input on this. thanks.

 

Try replacing the ignition switch. It is a module behind key switch. it requires taking off some plastic. but this sounds like what the problem is. It is a known fact they go bad and there is a Honda TSB on it.

 

Yeah the part was recalled on my 99 accord so check for the 95

 

ignition switch

 

Was it the ignition switch? How was it resolved? <-- This would be helpful for others

 

yes, it was definitely either the ignition switch or the key cylinder, for the reasons i described in my orig post. it ran for a couple of months with no problems but then choked again. not sure which of those sub-components though. it works fine if i bypass the ignition switch assembly (i.e., "hotwire" the car). it seems i have to remove the whole assembly even if i just want to replace the switch (not the key cylinder/tumbler). and it is mounted on the steering column with shear bolts. so if i have to destroy the bolts to get the assembly out, then i figure i may as well replace the key cylinder too.

 

Well, since everyone else is saying it I might as well.. It's the ignition switch.. lol or like you just said the key cylinder and yes I would replace both just incase.

 

ok. just replaced only the ignition switch (couldn't afford the whole lock assembly) but works fine now. i actually did not have to drill off the shear bolts. i just repeatedly lightly hammered a center punch at an angle until the shear bolts just twisted off.

 

Ran great all day, then I went to start the evening and all it has to start, then closes immediately. The engine does not happen for 3-5 seconds. I went to buy a new battery, do not adjust. The keys are the original keys, so I do not think that it is connected with an electronic immobilizer. BTW, the only thing to do in the auto issue in detail.

 

It sounds like an ignition problem to me.