The engine starts.

- let the key off to fall to the run position and it sometimes runs and drives

or it wont stay running and dies right after cranking. it will stay running if i hold the key in the cranking position

- I've tried changing the main relay and a new ignition switch.

Any ideas?

 

You need to do some diagnostics.

Are any maintenance items due, like distributor cap, distributor rotor, spark plugs? Replace cap/rotor with dealership parts. Spark plugs, the NGK ZFR5F-11 plugs at any parts store. This info is also in the owner's manual.

Check the engine and transmission computer (if automatic) codes. See how to get CEL codes writeup in DIY section. Post any codes you find on here.

Before you try to start the car, turn the key to the II position, but do not try to start the car. Listen carefully for the fuel pump to turn on for about two seconds. This happens while the check engine light is turned on for the bulb check. The sound is a faint buzzing/whirling sound that comes from the back seat, so turn of radio, heater, etc..., so you can hear it.

Let us know what you find.

 

Sounds like the ignition switch (the electrical part) to me, $60, pretty easy to replace.

 

The problem is intermittent. It has started when i have not heard the fuel pump. and it has also died when i have heard the fuel pump.

It is a 5 speed. I do not have a place to plug in a scanner. Ive looked under the glove box and behind the ash tray. Is it possible to be behind the glove box zip tied to the air bad harness? I never had a check engine light though and the bulb does work.


colorado_accord, I've tried 2 switches, 1 from napa and 1 from o reilly. still have the same issue.

I have not changed the cap and rotor yet and i will do that now.

 

Sorry I had missed you had replaced them already.... I was curious why PA had not suggested it... That is a weird problem...

 

Help me with a little more info. When it dies, does it start back up or when it dies that is it....EDIT: is this related to temps-outside and or eng temp?

Are the rest of the reg maint items up to date-cap, rotor, plugs, ect?

 

I finished the tune up; Cap rotor plugs wires. Same issue.

I can not find a pattern to when it starts or when it doesnt.


The car always cranks and starts in the crank position. If i hold the starter on, or still in the crank position with the key backed off far enough the starter is not engaged, It will continue to run no problem.

As soon as the key falls back to the run position it will die. sometimes.

but if i try again it may run the next time. after awhile i cant even get it to run at all so i wait and try later. back to intermittent

I do remember before the the starting issue i was at a stop sign and it began bogging down as if it was dying. i dont know why but i punched the gas and it chugged and then it cam back to idle. - that only happened one time.

 

Well i left the new Napa switch in and buttoned everything back up and it kept acting up for a while.

While I was driving and hit the brake pedal the main relay was hitting my foot. nothing out of the ordinary. since i unplug it in rough neighborhoods.

tucked it under the dash and the car died.

got it home and could make it die by moving the main relay harness around. shook down all the wires and came up with nothin. been workin fine since. still a mistery but knock on wood its fixed

 

Sounds like a wire broken inside it's insulation. I had that (86 Jetta) and it drove me nuts because the wire LOOKED perfectly OK.