Ignition switch problem or ignition cylinder problem?

Heres the car:

1990 Accord EX
2.2L Auto
Sedan

Recently, my car was noticeably stumbling (dying for a second or two) while driving and now, yesterday, I could not for the life of me get it to STAY running.

I eventually figured out that when I turned the key to the start position and then held it there with it backed off just enough that the starter would not stay engaged the car would run as normal.
However, when I let the key go and it sprung back to the ON position, the car would shut off as if I turned it off. All accessories that require the car to be on in order to work (power windows, shift lever lock, etc.) would not work.

I'm curious if this could be the ignition switch or the actual ignition cylinder that the key goes into. Any help that would prevent me from having to replace either would be great.
Currently, i have to drive with one hand constantly holding the key in the start position and if I let go, the car dies - sketchy at best!

Thanks for the help!

I would say this is a cylinder. I have never taken apart car's lock, but I do not think it is much different from a regular door lock. On another hand if you do not have enough time on hand, your best bet would be a local locksmith.

Good luck and let us know what happens next,

Sam

Any other suggestions out there?? Sorry Solick, but that didn't really narrow anything down or help determine the problem.
I want to replace either the switch or the cylinder but not both. Hopefully someone else has run into this problem and has found a solution??

Probably the switch is worn. The contacts wear. The switch is a lot cheaper and easier to replace then the clyinder. I would start there.

Working on a 99 Accord right now. Traced the trouble to the ignition switch. When tapped on, car dies. Also the "green" key thingy flashes in the dash board. Just a "bugger" to get to the screw that holds the switch cover on. I think I have to remove cylinder to get to that screw.

Will try to repair switch b4 buying a new one. I have bent the contacts up a lil in the past and it worked for a good while.
Blessings

Working on a 99 Accord right now. Traced the trouble to the ignition switch. When tapped on, car dies. Also the "green" key thingy flashes in the dash board. Just a "bugger" to get to the screw that holds the switch cover on. I think I have to remove cylinder to get to that screw.

Will try to repair switch b4 buying a new one. I have bent the contacts up a lil in the past and it worked for a good while.
Blessings
The green flashing key light is a confirmation that the key you are using is a correct one. As far as I understand it has nothing to do with intermittent starts.

I have a word document with pictures, but it is too large to attach it to the post. I copy and paste the text part of it. If you need pictures provide your e-mail and I forward it to you.

Here we go:1997 Accord - Installation Instructions from Kent

http://www.visualimpressions.ca/switch/accord.htm
Honda Switch
Part Number 35130-S30-003
Problem: Defective Ignition Switch
I have a 97 Accord EX and my daughter has a 97 Accord LX. The LX is listed in the recall but as yet the EX is not. The EX for no apparent reason without warning has been stalling. I considered this a very serious and potentially deadly problem so I replaced the switch in my 1997 Honda Accord EX. My daughter lives in Florida so I have advised her to get her switch replaced even though she has not experienced the problem yet. My EX has around 78,000 miles and her LX has about 55,000 miles on it. My research into the switch problem indicated that the problem shows up around the 70,000-mile mark.
For reference I have included pictures of the defective switch that I replaced.
Switch Disassembly
After several trips under the dash, scraped knuckles, mashed ribs and a newly found affection for automobile engineers I found that the trick to replacing the switch is that the switch comes apart. It is next to impossible to remove the switch without disassembly of the switch.
This may not be the proper disassembly and installation procedure but it is the way I did it. If there is an easier way I could not find it.

1: Disconnect battery
2: Remove upper and lower plastic cover around and behind the steering wheel.
Note: the two plastic pieces snap apart when the two phillips head plastic retaining screws and three phillips head machine screws are removed.
3: Unplug the wiring connector from the ignition key assembly and the wiring connector from the defective ignition switch.
4: Remove the three screws holding the switch in.
Note: the single screw holding the switch is very difficult to access. I had to bend a screwdriver on a 90-degree angle to access this switch. You may have to purchase a tool for this purpose.
5: You will see that there is not enough room for the switch to come out. This is where you have to disassemble the switch.
Using a knife blade or a small screwdriver, wedge the plastic lock away from the connector plastic housing.

Showing plastic lock removed from plastic housing connector
6: Pull the connector plastic housing away from the seven copper connections. This should allow removal of the switch assembly.
7: As in step 4 disassemble your new switch then install and reassemble the new switch in place.
8: Reconnect Battery

Note: Honda ignition switch part number for the 97 Accord EX is 35130-S30-003


Good luck,

Sam