HELP-- My car struggles to start-have to hold key turned until catches, also car randomly shuts off--?

Question

when it shuts off, I can literally touch the key and it will come back on. Also, Sometimes, the car key must be held in to start the car, i can hear it click or catching then i can start it, if i don't wait for catch, the car will just get a low idle and shut off..Sometimes the car wont even fire up at all...I have no idea where to start and can't afford a dealership looking at every possible thing...any ideas??? PLEASE HELP!!!

*** I have a 1997 Honda Accord LX

Answer 1

I'll bet that your car has never had the recall for the igniton switch replacement done. the ignition switch is the electrical contacts on the back of the lock cylinder that respond to your turning the key. When the contacts wear out you lose electrical flow to the engine ignition system and the car usually just cuts out and stalls. The 1997 Accord 4 cylinder was recalled for the problems you describe. Here's the extract from the Honda recall bulletin

Safety Recall: Ignition Switch

BACKGROUND
Electrical contacts in the ignition switch can wear
prematurely due to high electrical current passing
through the switch. Worn out ignition contacts could
cause the engine to stall without warning. Although the
engine will restart in most cases, a vehicle that stalls
while driving increases the risk of a crash.
VEHICLES AFFECTED
• 1997 Accord (L4) (4 cylinder)

Recalls have no expiration date or mileage. Take your car to a Honda dealer and they will do the recall at no charge if it has not been done already. They can check on the Honda website to see if the recall was done previously by running the vehicle identification number through an inquiry.

I'm fairly certain you'll have your problem fixed at no charge.

Answer 2

When was the last time you changed your spark plugs and battery? You should have changed your spark plugs and batteries at least once considering that it's a 1997 vehicle. If the battery and spark plugs are still original, I'd change it to see if it'll help. If you can't afford to bring it back to the dealer, I would take it over to Sears or a neighborhood shop.

Answer 3

well, i would have to say it could be a lot of things from a simple relay to spark plugs, or maybe even the distributor(distributor unlikely )

If I would have to guess, i would say its your car key ignition switch

but the best way to know would be to take it to Autozone and have them perform a computer diagnostic, this will tell you if its an electrical problem

by the way its FREE!! so you wont have to spend money

I know how much it sucks to spend money on your transportation

Answer 4

Have you checked the alternator. Are you getting full power. I would say check the starter but i dont think that is really your problem. You can just take it to a mechanic and get their opinion. You dont have to get them to do any work. Just find out the problem and see if it is somthing you and a couple of buddies can fix on the weekened. Hope this helps!

Answer 5

It's called "preventative maintanence" and you need to do it on a regular schedule! The thing sounds like the last tune-up was at the factory! Take care of it and it will take care of you!

Answer 6

dealer smearler - take it to a mechanic. Soounds like it needs a tune up bad.
If you can't afford to have your car looked after by the dealer,or mechanic, and you don't want to learn how to do it yourself.......you shouldn't own a car - you can't afford it.

Answer 7

ALL YOU NEED IS A IGNITION SWITCH, I KNOW THERE IS A RECALL ON 97 ACCORDS FOR THE SWITCH, TAKE IT TO A DEALER AND ASK IF IT IS COVERED UNDER AMERICAN HONDA WARRENTY