On and off problem for some time. Car would either start right up, or would crank and crank and try to start when I released the key. Now wont catch at all even when releasing key. Starter switch?

 

It could come from a number of problems.

When you first turn the key to the II position without trying to start the car, does the fuel pump turn on for about 2 seconds? It is a faint whirling/buzzing sound that comes from the back seat. Turn off the radio, heater, etc so you can listen for that sound.

 

Might be the combination/starter switch. These are the same symptoms my '93 had. PA is right though, it could be a number of things. Did you hear the sound he was talking about?

 

Thanks for response. Yes, I can hear very low hum from the back for about two/three seconds. Replaced fuel pump about 3 years ago.

 

Are the maintenance items up to date like distributor cap, rotor, spark plugs?

If you have a volt meter, see if the blk/yel wire that plugs into the distributor and/or coil has 12V when the key is in the II position to ground (like a valve cover bolt).

The DX/LX has an external coil, so you can test for voltage there.

 

maintenance items not current, and don't have volt meter. Is there a sequence to check/replace, and what to look for?

 

Pick up NGK ZFR6F-11 spark plugs at any parts store for ~$2 each. You might as well replace them. Use the packet anti-seize on the threads, so they will not fuse to the cylinder head.

You can remove the distributor cap see if the metal points are worn out on the inside. Also, look at the metal part of the rotor for signs of wear.

If they haven't been changed in a while, I would pick those two parts up from the dealership. Probably for around $30.

 

Thanks. I'll get back on how it goes. Go Stlers!

 

following up. did what you said and changed dist. cap, rotor, wires and plugs. rotor was a bear. called honda service and mechanic said that a lot of the time they have to break them off. that's what I did. anyway after some coughing and sputtering it started up and running smooth. guess I need to pay more attention to standard maint. thanks for your help.

 

Glad you got it fixed.