Engine won't stay on

Problem with my 1991 Honda Accord (150K Miles). When I crank the key
in the ignition to the "Start" position, the engine turns over and
everything is seeminly fine. But as soon as I let go of the key, so
that it's in the normal "On" position for driving, the engine stalls.
I performed two exercises:

1) Not much of a test - I replaced the Main Replay. Cost me $60 and
didn't improve the situation.

2) After the engine turns over, if I hold the key in between the two
states, the engine stays on and sounds fine. I didn't attempt to
drive it this way, however.

My next guess will be to replace the ignition switch. Does any one
know if I'm on the right track? Also, how difficult is it to replace
this switch? Any websites with pictures?

Appreciate any feedback.

Thanks.

 

Put the original back and sell the new one on Ebay. Describe as
'New - used for testing.'

Yes - you will only need the electrical part at the back of the assembly.

 

I think you are right about the ignition switch. You can replace the
switch by itself without having to deal with the key / lock mechanism.
Replacement is not hard, but there is a procedure to follow. The most
challenging part is getting the upper and lower steering column covers
off. They are held together with both screws and latches, and the
latches can be a pain to pry open. Disconnect the negative terminal to
the battery before you start. Make sure you have the security code for
your stereo (if your stereo requires one). On my Civic the service
manual says to insert the key, but leave the ignition off before
removing the switch. Check your local library for a service manual and
do a quick read through before you start (or sneak a peek at the manual
in the book store).

 

Strangely enough, that wasn't the case in the 92-95 (and possibly later)
models. The lock and switch were all one mechanism. Made for an
expensive replacement.

 

My Wife's 94 accord had this eact problem right before we got rid of
it. it was the wiring harness under the steering column that connects
the ignition to the rest of the engine.

$150 bucks for a new one (from the dealer) and all was well.

Hope this helps!

-Steve

 

One more thing.

My wife's accord had a pretty crappy ignition switch (loose key, lots
of "fiddling" to get it out of lock position, etc) and this stalling
problem was NOT caused by the ignition switch itself, but the wiring
harness I mentioned in the other post. Might be a better place to start
looking.

FWIW....

-Steve

 

ub,
I recently had EXACTLY the same problem with my 91 Accord. I posted a few days after you. Based on some of the replys you got, I went to the local Honda dealer to buy an ignigiton switch. They mentioned that there were two parts, the switch and the "backer". I explained the problem and they said it sounded like I needed a new backer.

I bought the backer ($56 +/-) and asked for replacement instructions which they were glad to give me (verbally and briefly). All I had to do was to remove the clam-shell cover behind the steering wheel, and replace the component (which is on the left side - not the ignition side). It required removing a couple of screws, unplugging from the fuze box, and snaking the old wiring out from around the steering column, but in less than an hour, I started the Accord just fine.

Good luck.
GAJoe