HELP! My car doesn't want to start anymore.

I started the car as usual. All of a sudden the electronics of the dash started to play up and my car decided to turn off by itself.

When I put the key to position "ON" the fuel/temp gauge and warning lights usually lights up. Now, they don't. When I try to fire the ignition, the car would start but will switch off straight away. During that period when the car would start (just before it switches off), my gauges and warning lights come on.

I have tried to reset my ECU. I have checked the fuses on the bonnet but not the ones inside the cabin. Neither of these techniques helped.

I will check the fuses inside tomorrow as it is dark now.

I was hoping if anyone ever experienced the same problem and if so, how was it fixed? Or if anyone is familiar with this sort of problem. I appreciate greatly any helpful response.

I don't really want to go to a Honda dealer as I know that they will charge me heaps of $$$. Also, my car is an import and not a local delivery. And therefore, they will use that as an excuse to charge me the extra $$$.

My car details is as follows:
92 Honda Prelude (4th gen)
Si VTEC (import model)

As I said before, any useful input on this dilemna is greatly appreciated. So please, help a fellow Preluder in need.

Thanks.

(sorry for the long explanation.)

 

I'd start my guessing with a bad ignition switch and after that a bad ground somewhere. Electrical problems suck to troubleshoot.

 

I think my ignition switch is fine. The ECU just cuts the ignition as soon as the engine fires. Ill check my grounds - mainly the aftermarket components that are grounded.

Thanks for your help.

 

Does anyone have any more input on this?

 

I think you may just have a bad ignition switch my uncles 92 Honda Accord was doing the samething and that is what the dealer found it to be. Try turning your ignition slowly to the starter engage point once it starts release it slowly until the starter disengages if the engine runs while you hold the key it is the switch. Its not anymore than 100 bucks at the dealer just for the switch assembly. And its a breeze to put on. Just plugs right into your fuse box.

 

Hey thanks very much. When I do turn my ignition on and hold it at that point the car will start until I release it. I posted the same thread at another forum and someone else suggested that its the ignition switch. But now I'm certain that it is.

Thank you very much for your help Tre Lipscomb.

 

Anytime man.

 

For certain models from 96+ there is a recall in the works right now for defective IGN switches. I will agree that if the battery is OK then you probably have a bad switch.

 

I had the same problem on my 97 sh lude.... I took it to the honda dealership and all they did was install a new ignition wiring harness.... took like 15 minutes and it fixed it....

 

To: jc836 & absoludeSH & other fellow luders

Thanks very much for the reply guys. Really appreciate it.

Props goes to you everyone for helping out fellow luders in great need.