I have a 1989 Honda accord that's acting very strange. It starts every morning like normal, then if I drive to work, and have to go out for lunch it will start fine after a few hours, but when I turn it off at a gas station, it won't start back. All of the dash lights come on, and it acts completely normal, except that it does nothing when I turn the key. It makes no attempt at starting. It only does this on trips that are very short, and that I turn the car off, and then try and start it back in a few minutes. If I drive it to work, and don't get back in it until I get off, it starts just fine.

 

Sounds like the starter might be on the way out.

Using a volt meter, check the voltage on the small wire going to the starter when it acts up. Have someone try to start the car as you measure the voltage.

What trim level is this (DX, LX or LXi), trans (auto/manual), number of doors (2-3-4)? Just wondering

 

It's a two door dx. I checked the starter when it wasn't acting up, but i'll check it next time that it does act up.

 

also it's automatic.

 

Parts stores like O'Reillys can check the battery/alternator/starter at once. I stopped by to get my battery tested, and the starter tested bad. My starter was working properly, so I didn't replace. About 3 months later, I began having starting problems. Then I replaced the contacts inside.