Hey--

I got my 95 Honda Accord EX about a week ago, and due to the circumstances when purchasing, I was unable to take it to a mechanic right then. Sadly, I haven't been able to take it to a mechanic yet..either

The only thing i've noticed since then, until today that is, is a vibration that occurs between 1-2k rpms.. and primarily when going up some sort of incline. I read that this was a known honda thing, and that fixes to remove the vibration were available..

So anyway, I get up today.. it's raining, I go to my car, and start it.. and all is well except the shifting (it's an automatic btw) seemed a little rougher.. It'd jerk me back a bit when it shifted gear.

I also heard a weird vibration coming from the back of the car, but this time when going down a slight incline and applying brakes (which btw seem to work well enough)

So, here's the real problem (if anyone is still with me)

I go into wal-mart, come back out 10 minutes later.. and my car won't run. I turn the key, the engine starts.. I can still hear the starter I assume.. a little clicking noise.. but the engine is definately running. So, I release the key to let it go back to the running position, and the car shuts itself off.

This happened for 10 or more times until I got pissed and just sat there for a few minutes.. then I tried again, and it worked.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated, sorry my post is so long.. but I don't really know much about cars at this point and I'm trying to be as descript as I can..

Thanks

 

By the way, I was just farting around under the hood a few minutes ago checking oil and transmission fluid levels.. and decided to start the car.

Yeah, it started on the first try, but I noticed that neither of the fans in the front of the car under the hood were spinning. Again, since I don't know much about cars at this point, I don't know if that's normal or not.. but I'd assume since the car was running atleast one of the fans should be spinning.

Also the engine was incredibly hot 45 minutes later after sitting in the shade (and yeah, it's overcast here.. under 70 degrees)..

Could this be in any way related?

 

Radiator fans turn on after the car reaches operating temperature, which is typically about 160-190 degrees. One or both will turn to cool the A/C condensor if you turn the A/C on.


Vibrations sound like a balance or brake related issue, not sure about the rest so I'll bow out at this point.

 

If your transmission is shifting roughly check the fluid, could be time for a change, and yeah checking your brakes don't sound like a bad idea.

 

your starting issue sounds like it is a starter issue, like the solenoid was hanging up, just a thought, and he's right about the fans, you need the engine to run about half way on the temp guage to get the best performance, vibe in rear does sound like brakes and tranny sounds like it might be time for a filter and flush

 

if the starter was turning over its not a starter issue, fans would not be a problem at all, they come on when the car is on and at a certain temp (if u really want to check them run the car for a while and then b4 turning it off check and see if they are running, if ur car isnt over heating should be something to be worried about), id suggest a full tuneup, ie spark plugs, plug wires, cap and rotor, make sure the battery is fully charged (if not any local parts store will charge it for free) change ur oil, basic car maintancance is probably all u need, and YES check ur transmission fluid, probably get it replaced with new atf, vibrations occur because either the engine isnt running the consistently on all cylinders, on any new car id suggest replacing all ur basic maintance replacement parts, check ur belts for wear, possibly also replace fuel system components at very least the fuel filter and pcv valve, air filter etc. good luck with the car and let me know if u need any more help

 

Thanks for the replies all..

Still haven't checked transmission fluid, every time I think about doing it, I've just had the car running and everything's far too hot.

Vibrations, brakes, all of that.. are the least of my concern at this point. I had the no start deal happen again.. I'll try to be more descript since it just occured about 5 minutes ago.

I went driving for about 20 minutes around town, come home.. and turn the car off. Seconds after doing so, I realize I left my windows down. I turn my key fully, the engine sounds like its running.. and so I release, only to have the car shut off. I try again, but hold the key at the IIII position and press the gas pedal several times. All the lights in the instrument panel (? spedometer area) brighten and dim as I press the accelerator. This however isn't enough to keep the car running, cause sure enough.. as I release the key, it stops dead.

Wouldn't start 15 minutes later, either. It's dark outside - can't be that hot. Does anyone think this could be the main relay? I've searched, and only found information related to older civics and accords.. nothing about 95ish accords.

Once again, any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

 

This is a long shot but do you have any idea if the car was maybe stolen before and maybe the problem is in the ignition. Did you run a Car Fax report or anything on it before you purchased it?

 

i dont think its has anything to do with the fans. i have 94 accord, and my radiator fan doesnt turn on unless i push my car a lot for a long time.

 

just because the starter is turning over perioically doesn't mean it is ok, it the sol. is heating up or has a loose conection it could do the same thing, but doubtful, you might be on the right track with the relay, since it is an itermitent prob. and to check the tranny fluid you need it running and warm for an automatic, good luck