1988 Starter Relay

[Xaisk]

So I drove my 1988 Honda Accord up to O reilly's the other day and go inside. when I come back out and try to turn it on, it doesnt even try to turn over. All the electrical systems come online but it doesnt try to turn over. I tow it home with my jeep and replace the starter. The new starter worked for about 10 cranks before it started doing the same thing.

Im thinking my starter relay must be dead.

I would replace it but I cant find it. where is it at?

(Ignition relay maybe? Where are they?!) (edit)
(Also Carbuerated.)

[mpumas]

You might want to look at your ignition switch. If you have an automatic transmission also look at the neutral/park position switch. If manual, look to the clutch interlock switch. Only the manual transmission type has a starter relay and it is tied in with the clutch interlock switch.

[Xaisk]

Originally Posted by mpumas

You might want to look at your ignition switch. If you have an automatic transmission also look at the neutral/park position switch. If manual, look to the clutch interlock switch. Only the manual transmission type has a starter relay and it is tied in with the clutch interlock switch.

Kk so I dont have to worry about the starter relay. Its an automatic.

The ignition switch.. is that the thing you put your key into when you start your car? Almost sure it is but I wanna double check..

And can it be tested or do I have to take a shot in the dark and buy a new one? I think its only like 55 bucks or so but thats still money saved.

(edit)

Also the neutral/park switch. Do you have any idea where in the car its located? and how much a new one costs?

[mpumas]

The ignition switch is just in back of the place where you put the key. It is bolted on to the ignition key lock unit. Before you start spending money, you need to do some testing. The ignition switch when the key is turned to start, provides 12 volts to park/neutral postion switch which is located on the shifter position switch on the center console. If that switch is closed, it provides 12 volts to the starter solenoid which is located on the top of the starter. The wire color is Blk/white. If I were you I would invest in a small voltmeter or indicator light and see if you have voltage at the 3 places mentioned above starting at the starter. Also, the majority of the problems with a car not turning over can be traced to the batttery or battery terminals, so you can measure the voltage at the battery cables with the lights on and trying to start the car. If it is below 10 volts, then you have a bad battery or bad connections.

[Xaisk]

Hm interesting. I have a voltometer so I can do that. How hard is it to access the ignition switch? I know its behind where the key goes in so that tells me that theres going to be a bit of work to get to it before I can test it.

[mpumas]

I would go to the neutral/park switch and check both sides of the switch while it is in park/neutra. If you don't have voltage on either side of the switch, it is the ignition switch. If you have voltage on one side but not the other, then it is the switch. If the switch checks Ok then go to the starter or start at the starter. As for getting to the switch, just remove the lower cover under the steering wheel and you should be able to see the switch.