Hi everyone,

I am working on a friend's 1993 Honda Accord. It was just driven on a 2,000 mile road trip, and about 10 miles from home, the D4 light started blinking, and the dash clock flickered and went out. Still drove fine, though.

A few days later, it started right up, but when we released the key, it immediately died. You can hear the fuel pump turn on. No problems with the fuel pressure.

The engine will immediately start, but once you release the key from the start position, it instantly dies.

I thought it might be a bad ignition switch, but I am confused that the D4 light started blinking a few days ago. Are these problems connected?

Any advice would be so greatly appreciated.

 

D4 light flashing means there is a code stored on the transmission computer. Check for codes. See the link in the common diy thread on top of the gen tech help forum.

 

Try this to check for a flaky ignition switch:

Start the car - you said it starts OK.

Don't completely let go of the key, only let it spring back far enough so the starter quits running. That means you might be holding the key just a fraction beyond it's RUN position. If that allows the engine to keep running, you can blame a sloppy switch.

 

JimBlake,

That worked perfectly. The car still runs with the key barely turned past the RUN position.

I replaced the Ignition switch and we are back in business. No more crazy codes, and no more blinking D4 light. It's back to running normal.

Thank you all!

Joe

 

I was going to suggest adjusting or tightening the screws that hold the electrical part of the switch onto the key cylinder. But often it's just a sloppy electrical component that needs to be replaced. The electrical contacts inside the switch just create a burned or corroded spot right where the switch sits in the RUN position.

 

Thanks Jim,

I think something shorted out on the wires. The solder had clearly melted and looked like it was dripping off of the switch. Pretty sure it was toast.

The new one works great. Thank you for the help!