Last week, the car wouldn't start. Suspecting this might be due to the security system, I flipped the electric car door switch (iunlocked then relocked the door from the inside). Sure enough the car started up. This happened a couple more times and each time I could get the car to start after unlocking and relocking the car door (from the inside). Today, the car wouldn't start no matter what I did.

I should also mention some other possibly related facts. About 1 month ago, the car alarmstarted going off when the drivers side door was unlocked using the key (the automatic door opener on the key ring was lost by the previous owner). I could turn off the alarm by going to the passenger door and inserting the key and relocking then unlocking the passenger door. It got to the point that the only way I would unlock the car wasby the passenger door.

Also, I noticed that I can take the key out of the ignition when the car is in drive.

Can anyone suggest what the heck is going on? Bad switch? A Short? Are all these problems related. Please help. Thanks, Rob

 

What brand is the alarm? Have you tried disconnecting the control unit?

 

The alarm is the one issued from the factory. Not sure what the brand is. How do I disconnect the control unit? Thanks

 

car wouldn't start means no cranking? cranking no start? no immolizer key on the dash blinking?

you can't disarm the system when cycling the key in the drivers door lock? that means the lock cylinder switch in that door is bad.
you should be able to disarm it from the drivers door like you do from the passengers door.
i'm assuming you have a 2000 accord EX correct?
you can buy a new remote for about $40 and program it yourself to hopefully solve you problem.



as far as the key goes - has the car ever been to the dealer? there is a recall about worn ign. interlock parts.

 

Thanks for the reply Hondatech,

More info. I just got the automatic door opener from the previous owner (my friend). He dug it up and it works. Still, I can't resolve the problem of the car not starting even when I reset the lock with the remote opener. You mention the lock cylinder switch. If I put in a new one, could this resolve the problem of the car not starting orwould a bad lock cylinder switch only be related to the problem of not being able to turn of the alarm using the key in the driver's door? If the lock cylinder switch is not the culprit for not being able to start the car, then what? Could it be the ignition switch?

On a possibly related note, how hard is it to change the interlock myself? I called the dealer and my VIN was not part of the recall! Just my luck. Thanks, Rob

 

can you post you vin? i'll check on some things.

the interlock is very easy, you just need to get your hands on a mini slide hammer or vicegrips with a hammer, etc.

but first can you describe the key problem in the ignition? while the car is in drive and you are cruising along you can pull the key out without turning the ignition switch? is the key worn excessively?

no start problem...more info needed - car wouldn't start means no cranking? cranking no start? no immolizer key on the dash blinking?

 

I'm no expert on alarm systems on accords, but I read on some of the posts that a weak battery can cause a car alarm to act up.

You might want to have the battery checked at o'reillys or autozone and make sure the battery cables are clean and securly tightened on all ends.

 

Thanks to the last two posters for your rapid replies. Here is some additional info:

VIN # 1HGCG1650YA047005

There is no cranking at the start. The Green Key on the dash does blink then goes out.I can't recall if I could take the key out when cruising in drive, but certainly could when I parked in my driveway. I could take it out in drive or in neutral.

Could a bad ignition switch be causing the no start? I thought about the starter, but for the first week after the car failed to start,I could always start the car after fiddling with the door locks. That is why I am suspecting it was a switch or some sort (door or ignition). I am now wondering if it's not the battery as mentioned by the previous poster. I should mention though, that the horn beeps, the head lights work etc.. all signs of a heathy battery.

 

Update: Installed new battery. Doesn't help.

Thanks to the last two posters for your rapid replies. Here is some additional info:

VIN # 1HGCG1650YA047005

There is no cranking at the start. The Green Key on the dash does blink then goes out.I can't recall if I could take the key out when cruising in drive, but certainly could when I parked in my driveway. I could take it out in drive or in neutral.

Could a bad ignition switch be causing the no start? I thought about the starter, but for the first week after the car failed to start,I could always start the car after fiddling with the door locks. That is why I am suspecting it was a switch or some sort (door or ignition).

 

so it doesn't crank - crank no start. you don't hear any single click or bang from the starter solenoid when it fails to crank? that sounds like a bad ignition switch. next time it's happening don't fiddle with the locks. just turn the key off, and try and start again.


as far as the interlock goes -you can't just pull the key out in drive or neutral right? your just able to turn the car off as if it's in park while it's in drive?i checked the vin, the bulletin doesn't apply unfortunantly - it would need a new ignition switch for that.