Bad ignition switch symptoms? Or starter?

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Old Aug 5, 2008 | 11:43 PM
  #1  
herCLS's Avatar
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From: ny
Bad ignition switch symptoms? Or starter?

Guys,

For the last few days, the car will need the key turned a few times before the car starts. Now I was pretty sure it was the starter since I'd turn key, hear the hum of the fuel pump, then turn the key all the way, and just hear a single "click"

What are the symptoms of a bad ignition switch? Would I even hear a click if the ignition switch is going?

I need to know what to get fixed!

Thanks!
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Old Aug 6, 2008 | 01:45 AM
  #2  
Stimpy's Avatar
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From: Wichita, KS
it's your starter. same thing happened to me a few months ago. take it to auto zone/kragen/whatever to get it tested.
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Old Aug 6, 2008 | 02:21 AM
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01tl4tl's Avatar
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If its a 99 was the ignition switch recall ever taken care of?
If not= let the dealer do that for you for free
Even if it was done a few years agopthe switch can fail again
As said above- proper testing will tell if its a starter- or battery or something else
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Old Aug 6, 2008 | 08:48 AM
  #4  
herCLS's Avatar
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From: ny
Yeah, I had checked the dealership and they said the recall was done before.

The thing is, wouldn't the click definitely suggest the starter? In my mind, if the iginition is not sending a signal through, the starter should never even gotten to the point where it will click. Can anyone confirm?
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Old Aug 6, 2008 | 09:05 AM
  #5  
fobstylez's Avatar
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lemme tell you, if its the ignition switch, then it is such a bitch. I owned a 98 prelude with a bad ignition. I already had the ignition replaced with the same recall on my lude. So they told me since they already replaced it, if they check it and it is the ignition, they will replace it again but if it wasnt, then I would have to pay the labor for them to check it. It turned out to be the ignition, AGAIN. Anyways, it would start up just fine. It was recalled because the ignition would shut off while you are driving. You could drive on the freeway and with no signs, it would shut off. Sometimes it would start right up and sometimes it'll take like 20 tries. So my guess is that its the starter and not the ignition.
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Old Aug 6, 2008 | 09:06 AM
  #6  
mdavisii's Avatar
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From: Gwinnett County, GA
I had this exact same symptom about a year ago. A reman starter from Advanced Auto Parts, and about an hour of my time was all that was needed to get the car running again.
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Old Aug 6, 2008 | 09:09 AM
  #7  
Bob_F's Avatar
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Originally Posted by herCLS
Yeah, I had checked the dealership and they said the recall was done before.

The thing is, wouldn't the click definitely suggest the starter? In my mind, if the iginition is not sending a signal through, the starter should never even gotten to the point where it will click. Can anyone confirm?
A failing ignition switch can still allow the starter to run. When the ignition switch in my 1999 TL was failing, the car would start and then stall.

I'm not suggesting that the problem is not your starter but gettting the "click" does not rule out the ignition switch.

See also this thread from yesterday on ignition switch and starter symptoms:

https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=185370

(Read the linked threads that discuss the starter.)

Good luck and post an update when you figure out the problem.
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Old Aug 6, 2008 | 10:30 AM
  #8  
01tl4tl's Avatar
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click can be weak battery- or it can be bad starter selenoid or it can be the switch
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Old Aug 6, 2008 | 10:31 AM
  #9  
01tl4tl's Avatar
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oh the 99 ig switch for those needing one after recall replacement fails``
its 35 bucks and fairly easy DIY install
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Old Aug 6, 2008 | 10:38 AM
  #10  
mdavisii's Avatar
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From: Gwinnett County, GA
Originally Posted by 01tl4tl
click can be weak battery- or it can be bad starter selenoid or it can be the switch

Very good point.
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