Ok, the title is a slight lie. It will start sometimes, just not often or in any reproducible way. On to the problem.

Turning the key to start will cause the engine to turn over, the spark to fire and combustion to occur. Normal so far. When the key is released to the run position the car obstinately shuts off. This was preceeded one time, while driving, with the automatic locks flicking back-and-forth and the AC loosing power.

Now here is some info I feel is important. When the key is turned to the run position (Which should show a number of warnings along with allowing the fan or AC to run) *NOTHING* changes from the accessory position.

That last bit leads me to my own theory but I want to hear from others before I go yammering on about what it may be.

By the way, The first time this happened I brought it to a mechanic who could not reproduce the problem and therefor seems to have diagnosed an unrelated issue and replace the head gasket along with the plugs and fuel filter.

==OBLIGATORY INFO==
96 2.5 TL w/ 132000miles

 

Bad ignition switch?

 

This is what I am figuring, that or a bad connection between it and the rest of the motor.

 

Faulty keyswitch assembly. A search of this site should produce repair instructions. Easy repair.

good luck

 

Ha, I'm a noob. I should have searched first as there are many questions just like this (and many answered by TexasHonda). Tomorrow I will check out the key switch and the relay. Here's hoping.

 

So I removed the key switch assembly (that screw on the back of the connector is a PITA) and now have it on special order from my local Napa fro a grant total of $41. A far cry from the total grand I spent at the mechanic.

 

Glad to hear you're making progress. Yes, those round head bolts are a bitch. Sharp chisel or punch will make short work of them.

good luck

 

for $41.00, you're getting the electric part of the key switch? right?
I bought that part from the dealer for $46.00. It's not that difficult, you need small screw driver.

The complete key assembly is over $250.00.

 

Yup, just the actual switch. Since it was broken anyway and a new one is on its way, I decided to open it up to see how it worked. Surprisingly uncomplicated.

 

Well, I actually managed to fix the broken switch. There is a raised section on one of the metal pads that after awhile looks to have worn down. I just globbed a bit of solder on there and it works. Now I wouldn't trust this as a permanent solution but it should hold me over till Tues afternoon.

 

Thanks everyone for the help. I got the new switch installed and everything put back together.

 

You did not happen to snap some pics, did you?