I have having trouble keeping my 1993 Accord running. Here is what is happening: When you start the car it runs for abouta quarter of a second and dies. My father noticed that when the key is in the on position that the accessories were not coming on. Based on this I focused on the ignition and discovered the following: IfI turn the key to the start position and hold it, the car will start and run. After that, I very slightly back thekey off the start positionto disengage the starter. If I sit there and hold the key in this position, the car will run and idle perfecetly. However, as soon as I let go of the key, the car shuts off. My educated guess tells me that something in the tumbler has failed and is not holding the key in the on position, enabling the car to run.

I don't know if this is a common problem with these cars or just an isolated case. I have worked on many cars, but don't know a lot about Accords. I didn't have to, the car has given our family 205,000 relatively trouble free miles.

Thanks in advance,
Justin

 

It's the electronic part of the ignition, not the lock tumblers. I believe that you can just change the electronic switch.

 

sounds like as Falkore says ,, electr part of ignit switch , cost at dealer around 60 dollars

part # 45130-sm5-305

 

Is the electronic switch same as the ignition switch?

 

It's half of it ..... there's the lock cylinder and the electronic switch. If your key goes in the slot and turns, but won't turn when the key is half-way in, the lock is ok ...... when the switch part wears out, it does some funny things.

A little advice: After you fix it, try to keep your key chain as light as possible to avoid unnecessary stress on the ignition.

 

No.....the ign switch is in 2 parts,, the electr part and the mechanical part( where the thumblers are , steering wheel lock ) ..if you ask for the ign switch they will assume you need the complete switch ( it comes with new keys and costs areound 250-300 dollars )
you need just the electrical part,
not hard to replace, remove the lower and upper steering wheel covers, unplug connector, remove the 2, 6 mm screws that hold electr part to mechanical part ,,,piece of cake

i forgot to add , that the connector is located in the under dash fuse box ,, just follow the wiring for the switch , there is a clip you need to undo, no big deal..make sure to rerout the wiring properly

 

OK. I will take a look when I get home from work this afternoon. Thanks for the help, and I will keep everyone informed on my progress.

Thanks,
Justin.

 

Great! Good luck!!!

 

Thanks for the help guys. I replaced the ignition switch, and was back up and running. I am greatful for your advice that led to a quick and inexpensive, $45, repair. It now runs so well I think it is ready for another 200,000 miles!

Thanks again,
Justin

 

Nice ... thanks for posting that it was the switch and that it's fine now!