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INTERMITTENT IGNITION FAILURE
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fifthgeardon
New User
Mar 19, 2009, 5:18 AM
Post #1 of 6
(1500 views)
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INTERMITTENT IGNITION FAILURE
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PRELIMINARIES: Honda-1993 CX Hatchback-163,000 MILES-1.5 liters. I drive less than fifty miles per week. In 1995 I disconnected the "clutch interlock switch" because, as I recall, depressing the clutch pedal while starting the engine causes the starter to turn over the engine AND the clutch both thereby placing strain on the starting motor. I mention this should it be related.
THE PROBLEM: It began in September, 2008 and has become progressively worse. I start the engine and drive a few miles to the store. I get back in the car and start the engine and the engine starts for one second and dies. I try again and again and the engine won't start. After ten minutes of sitting and doing nothing I try to start the engine and it starts. What is happening? Thank you for your patience and any help that you may afford.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Mar 19, 2009, 6:11 AM
Post #2 of 6
(1499 views)
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Re: INTERMITTENT IGNITION FAILURE
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#1 The interlock switch is actually easier on the starter as the trans isn't moving with the engine AND by depressing the clutch the car wouldn't just take off on you if left in gear and foot off of clutch - that's all. It just enables the starter when safe to do so.
Not starting is usually either lack of spark or lack or correct fuel..... correct meaning it could be too much or getting none.
This should also use a timing belt but I don't see how that's involved for this exact issue.
See if you can detect lack of spark or fuel for now WHEN it misbehaves,
T
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fifthgeardon
New User
Mar 19, 2009, 11:49 PM
Post #3 of 6
(1492 views)
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Re: INTERMITTENT IGNITION FAILURE
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Yah, I know what the function of the "clutch interlock switch" is, genius. I ONLY mentioned it in the event that altering the electrical circuits of my Honda could cause unforseen problems. AND depressing the clutch pedal DOES cause the starting motor to turn both the engine AND the transaxle both thereby placing undue strain on the starting motor. The only reason Honda installed the "clutch interlock switch" was to satisfy the feds who were lobbied by the insurance industry. That's just FINE. Now another thing that could go wrong to worry about. There are better ways to ensure that some idiot doesn't start his/her car when not in neutral.
As for your answer, it is vague. You did not help me one bit.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Mar 20, 2009, 6:25 AM
Post #4 of 6
(1485 views)
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Re: INTERMITTENT IGNITION FAILURE
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Another happy customer at a free site! You are wrong about the clutch and starter. Depressing the clutch stops all action of the trans and transaxle therefor is or should be EASIER on the starter to turn just the engine and not the mainshafts of the transaxles in what can be cold gear oils/fuids. The only thing spinning is always the flywheel (standard shifts) and when clutch depressed the throw out bearing is being used. Heck - you can start an engine on an engine stand without a trans at all so how would that be harder on the starter?
No matter - the starter should handle it either way and the wiring change could have been as simple as allowing the current sent from your key to bypass just that switch and turn the engine no matter what or when and shouldn't involve the ignition (items that make spark) by itself,
T
Ps: This whole site is volunteer help by willing people. If you want your money back you still get ZERO!
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Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran
/ Moderator
Mar 20, 2009, 4:07 PM
Post #5 of 6
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Re: INTERMITTENT IGNITION FAILURE
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>> I recall, depressing the clutch pedal while starting the engine causes the starter to turn over the engine AND the clutch both thereby placing strain on the starting motor. << Uh, yeah, that makes sense. NOT.
Loren
SW Washington
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cox438
Novice
Mar 20, 2009, 6:31 PM
Post #6 of 6
(1472 views)
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Re: INTERMITTENT IGNITION FAILURE
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Please don't be so vulgar we are all here to help each other.
The clutch inter lock switch should not have any thing to do with the issue here
Check for a loose ground cable/vacuum leaks, if that's not it check for spark/fuel when it gives you trouble.
Cheers
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