Ignition problems

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PR8urvtec
Posts: 119
Joined: Sat Dec 06, 2008 6:59 pm
Location: New Orleans, LA

Ignition problems

Post by PR8urvtec »

So, I got the S300 unit installed into my ECU finally and It is really awesome. I was tinkering with it all day. So I went to set the idle according to the instructions and everything was going fine. I found a vacumm leak and fixed that and was going to go try the process again to get the idle down to 450rpms. So im going through the process w/ the IACV unpluged and the car was running for a while and then cut off. I try to start it and it cuts off. I plug the sensor back in and the car still is dying everytime I let the key go. So I turn the key to 1 on the ignition and the alarm beeps telling me the doors open. But there is no power to anything. The car will start everytime until I let go of the key. The power cuts out at that point.

There are setting I, II , and III on the ignition switch. It seems like the position 2 has moved or something b/c I have to toggle the key to a particular point for the power to come on. But after cranking the car it will not fall back into that spot so the engine cuts off.

Has anyone had this problem before and does this sound like an ignition switch going bad? I just got a multi-meter today to check out my TPS readings so I guess I got it at the right time. All help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Ryan
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Spunkster
Site Admin
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Joined: Fri Sep 20, 2002 5:06 pm
Location: Hondata

Post by Spunkster »

Try the ECU in a known good car. Thsi will help you narrow down where the problem is. It may be a ignition switch problem, or a blown fuse, or fuel pump problem.
PR8urvtec
Posts: 119
Joined: Sat Dec 06, 2008 6:59 pm
Location: New Orleans, LA

Post by PR8urvtec »

I was messing with the car today. And It seems to be a problem with the position the switch lands on after recoil. For example I can turn the car on and it cranks perfect. But when I let the key go it shuts off. Now, while in position 2 on the ignition, I can turn the key a little toward position 3 and the power comes on the fuel pump wines and my guages come on. If I turn it a little toward position 1, the same thing happens. It is just in the middle section. I took apart the switch and cleaned the actual switch from all the build up from use and still now luck. I thought maybe it was just hitting a bad spot when connecting. I got a new key cylinder and still didn't help.

The actual switch works and the wiring is working correctly. It's just the position that it rebounds back to on position 2. So, I have come to the conclusion that it is a bad spring in the switch that coils the position of the switch. The part that the key cylinder goes into seems to be just a rod that travles from right to left (the key turns the rod that goes into the switch to a position.) If I crank the car and hold the key at position 3 and back off to position 2 slow it will switch to the power but I still have to hold it. Being held the key is not at set position 2. it will shut off if I let go.

I would like to get some opinions on this. A new ignition switch cost $229 and I would hate to spend that kind of money for a new spring. Over all the system seems pretty simple but has me stumped. Anyone know if honda can get the parts other than the whole unit?

Thanks for any help as always.
Ryan
PR8urvtec
Posts: 119
Joined: Sat Dec 06, 2008 6:59 pm
Location: New Orleans, LA

Post by PR8urvtec »

I fixed the problem today. It was a bad spot on a contact point. Saved me a lot of money by really just looking into the problem. I used some 400grit fine sand paper and sanded the spot lightly and the connection worked perfect. So the car is running good. Now for the adventure of tuning for my first time lol. This should be interesting.
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