90 accord cranks but won't start

[tgperk]

Sporadic problem - engine cranks but will not start. It has done this 4 or 5 times. Each time it has eventually started. Sometimes after 4 or 5 attempts. Sometimes after 10 or 12 attempts. This car normally starts easy so I do not lay on the starter. I just hit it for a couple of seconds. After it starts, it runs fine and it has not died on me while running. Looking for ideas.

[mpumas]

It could be one of two things==spark or fuel. So which one. The rule of troubleshooting is to test to see which one is creating the problem before trying to do any replacing. And you need to do the testing when it won't start. I suggest you check for spark first. If you have spark, check for fuel at the distribution rail. I'll bet that the problem will be spark and probably the ignition coil/igniter but I could be wrong. After you do the testing come back to us and we will try to help you.

[2001jettavr6]

that would be your ignition switch from my experience. if it turns over and starts up for a second and then shuts off thats what would be it. because if it was spark you wouldnt start up at all it would just turn over and not do anything. so look into the ignition switch first id say and it couldnt hurt to change the spark plugs and wires.

[ProMan]

Originally Posted by 2001jettavr6

that would be your ignition switch from my experience. if it turns over and starts up for a second and then shuts off thats what would be it. because if it was spark you wouldnt start up at all it would just turn over and not do anything. so look into the ignition switch first id say and it couldnt hurt to change the spark plugs and wires.

Actually the symptom you described here is not the ignition switch, but the main relay.

[mpumas]

Again, the first thing is to determine if it is fuel or ignition. If it is ignition, then there are many tests to perform to determine if it is the igniton switch, main relay or igniter/coil. The point of my post is that a smart technician does not just start replacing things unless the tests are performed to pinpoint the cause, unless you are flush with money, then just take it to the dealer and they will fix it for you for a couple of hundred bucks.