I have a 96 accord lx 4dr sedan. When I turn my key to start, I hear nothing, no dash lights, nothing. when i turn the car back off and try again, it does the same thing. when i try a third time, it cranks up as if nothing is wrong. It does not do this consistently. When I do start my car, it sometimes sounds as if I am overturning the car..

I am trying to figure out if I have a bad ignition lock cylinder, starter, or both...

any ideas

 

Verify that you get 12V to the small wire on the starter when you turn the key to start the car.

You might want to wire a 12V test light to it and place the light where you can see it from inside of your car.

 

The culprit was the starter. I just had it replaced today. Thanks for your help!!