I have a 1992 Honda Accord Ex with over 180K on it. Lately when i go to start the car it has trouble starting. It some times takes two or three turns of the key to get the engine started. When i turn the key the engine seems to want to start but just doesn't. It sounds and seems like the engine just is not getting enough spark or power. It seems like the engines starter is bad because it has a very sluggish noise to it. Yet sometimes the car will start up on the first turn of the key. The question i have is whether it is the starter and is replacing the starter something that i could do or do i need to take it in to a garage.

 

If it cranks its the Main Fuel Relay

 

Will it consistently start after three or four cranks, or does it sometimes not start at all? If it sometimes won't start at all, suspect the main relay. But if always starts eventually, it could be a bunch of other things as well.

You might have a flaky electrical connection at the starter. Might be an ignition switch getting ready to go. Might even be a fuel pressure regulator losing pressure causing you to have to crank it a few times to build up the fuel pressure. If it ONLY does it when the engine is fully warmed up (but NEVER when it's cold) it could be a coolant temp sensor.

Bottom line... you might have to poke around.