Honda Accord wont start

I have a 97 Honda Accord LX 2.4. I’m having problems starting it. The
problem started two days ago. Initially, I noticed the engine wasn’t
turing over ’normally’, it seemed a little slow. Later in the night,
it turned over extremely slow, almost as it the battery had no juice.

After poping the hood, I noticed an unusual amout of corrosion on both
the battery post. I cleaned the post and cable terminals and the
problem seemed to go away. Four or five hours later after the problem
seemed to disapear(after cleaning the post), the engine would not turn
over at all.

When trying to start, all dash lights would come on, radio, power
windows would work, but the engine would not even attempt to turnover.
There was no solinoid clicking, the starter just did nothing. The
instument lights on the dash indicated the car was in gear (drive 4).

The battery, alternator, and starter tested fine. I replaced the
battery cables, but the problem still persist.

I have not checked the fuses because sometimes it will start; I figure
if a fuse is blown, then it wouldn’t start at all because the
electricity wouldn’t flow.

I have read here that a master relay or some type of gear shift switch
could cause this, but I know little about either. Nor do I know where
to locate them or how to test them. Further more, if eighter of those
two items were the root cause, would they manifest themselves as
described above(with the slow engine turnover; slow crank).

Could the master relay or gear shift switch somehow allow a little
power to flow like described above?

I’m running out of ideas here, all feedback would be appreciated.

Matt

 

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Were you one of the 2.6 million Honda owners who got a new Ignition
Switch during the recall a few years ago? Was it only doing the 'fail to
start' after sitting overnight, or only when WARMED up inside? What's
your mileage, BTW?

'Curly'

 

you say the gearshift indicator has the d4 light on? is the park light
indicator also on? could be a faulty manual lever position switch,otherwise
known as neutral safety switch. if the car thinks its in gear (D4 light on)
then the computer will not allow the starter to turn over the neutral safety
switch will be located on the bottom side of the transmission close to the
wheel it may need to be replaced.also if d4 light is flashing ecu has a
code in it

 

I never received a recall, but the ignition switch has been replaced
within the year due to an auto theft. The failure to start is
happening at both times, while warm, or while sitting overnight. The
mileage is near 135,000. Thank you for your reply.

Matt