Is it the ignition switch?

Question

My car starter spins if the igniton switch is bad would it still turn the starter? I have replaced the distributor 3 times in three weeks I don't think this is my problem. Do anyone one know if there is a relay or something between the ignition switch and the distributor causeing my car not to fire. I have my timing check and its fine. Will the starter spin if its bad? My batt is new. The car is a 1990 Acura Integra GS. Sometimes it fires and sometime it don't. HELP PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The motor turns normal but won't start then I go back about 30 minutes later it starts. I checked when it won't start its not firing. I haved change the distributor 3 times and still have the problem. Whats between the ignition(where you put the key in to crank it) and the distributor that could be bad?

Would the starter still spin if it was bad?

Answer 1

How about your coil? Does it fire, or ignite? Also there is a part on there called the igniter. Which I would kind of believe is like an ignition module for the distributor to work properly. Also, not really sure where your going with this question...Seems like your asking about the starter, or an ignition problem, that it won't start, or the ignition switch, where the key goes...Please clarify. Thanks.

Answer 2

When you say the starter is spins, it sounds like you are saying the engine is turning over. If the engine is turning over reasonably quickly, the problem is not the starter or anything between it and your key. If you hear a whirring sound but the engine itself isn't turning over, it's the starter (or maybe the starter solenoid), or in rare cases, a broken tooth on the flywheel allowing the starter to spin without turning over the engine. If the ignition switch itself was bad, you would probably not hear anything turning over at all.

Answer 3

Sounds to me like a bad starter. Does the engine turn( take the distributer cap off and watch the rotor turn.) when you turn the key? if it does then the starter works and the timing belt is good.
Now when it starts does the starter sound like it is spinning reallt fast. This is a sign of a bad starter.
Take the starter off and see if is working correctly. If it is then its the timing belt.
Also seeing it is a new car it could be the engine possition sensor that has gone bad or the camshaft position sensor.

Answer 4

ignition switch completes a circuit which draws power from the battery into the solenoid. the solenoid engages a motor which engages the flywheel, which cranks the engine. check all these parts

http://www.saabcentral.com/techhelp/c900/900_starter_diagnostics.php






EDIT: after hearing these new details, i think your starter motor is running but the solenoid might be getting stuck. I would suggest asking a mechanic to dissasemble and clean the solenoid, as hte plunger is getting stuck. The starter motor runs but does not engage the flywheel, because of this. If you feel you can do it yourself (there are instructions above me) then try it, but its not easy.

Answer 5

the ignition switch activates the cars electrical system and u turn it to the start positon and it sends current to the starter starting the car.. check alll connections for the fireing and if the switch is bad, u wouldn't have ne power to the car

Answer 6

Do you get spark to the plugs?,do you have power to the dist.
Both high and low?