i have a 89 honda accord and if i try and start it with the head lights on it wont start but as soon as i turn the headlights off it starts right up. What could this be?

 

Possibly the battery. Autozone, O-Reilly's (formerly Kragen), Pep Boys, etc. will check it for free.

 

Also, see if there is any corrosion, etc. on the battery cables and that they are clean and tight.

 

they are pretty clean (the terminals)... could it be the alternator?

 

What do you mean by not starting? Describe what happens when you turn the key. Like, starter spins engine, I hear nothing, I hear one click, etc...

 

when my lights are on and i turn the key it acts like it wants to start but it doesn't... so i then will turn my lights off and then the car starts right up... it acts like its trying really hard to start but it just wont... as long as nothing is on when i try and start the car it fires right up but if anything is on like the lights or say i have the key turned to where the radio is on and then i try and start it it wont start.. but as soon as i turn the key all the way off and then turn it back on it fires right up... i know retarted ugh

 

I think that you don't understand what I am asking.

When the car is starting normally, you turn the car key all the way forward to start the car. The starter starts turning the engine and you hold the key. When the engine fires up is when you release the key.

So is the starter doing its job? or is it not firing up?

 

yes the starter turns but it doesnt start the car all the way up

 

I agree with redbull, and would have the battery tested at a parts store.

What model do you have, LX, LXi, etc? Does this have a security system installed? Does the car stall out when you turn on the headlights when the engine is running?

 

once i turn the car on it runs like a champ... that is really the ONLY issue i have with the car... i have a lxi its a 89 honda accord..