Intermittent Starting Problem
 

I'm a little stumped on this one. I have an 02 S with 99k miles on it that has a strange starting issue. Sometimes when I turn the key to start, nothing happens. If I try a few more times, usually releasing and re-pressing the clutch pedal and sometimes taking the key out and starting all over, it starts. So when I say nothing happens, I mean the starter isn't cranking at all (but all dash panel lights, oil measurement, etc kicks on every time).

The ignition switch was pretty shot when I bought the car a few months back (had to manually turn it back from start to run every time or else the wipers wouldn't work, etc) so I figured that was it. Recently replaced it with a new one (electrical part only) but the problem still happens every once-in-a-while.

Any ideas? The only two things I can think of it could be are: 1) Clutch pedal switch, or 2) A problem reading the chip in the key.

As a side note, my cruise control also intermittently doesn't work (i.e. won't turn on at all... the dash light works just fine but often if I hit the on/off it does nothing). I mention that only because I know the clutch switch plays into the cruise control (but my understanding is that it's a different switch).

Thanks!

me too
 

bump for having the same issue..... anybody have any ideas??

Bad ground connection somewhere? Have you checked you battery lately to make certain the connections are solid? Also it could possibly be a short in the disabling module under the driver's seat or a bad switch under the clutch. Those are all my ideas.

I had to replace an ignition switch in a honda one time.
It worked okay for a few weeks until one day it wouldn't start again.
Had to take it apart and found that the wiring harness needed to be pushed in a little further to get a better connection.

A friend of mine had the same issue 6 month ago on his 99 box.
I replaced the clutch switch for him. 23$ (if I remember correctly) and 10 minutes under the dash. Works great since.

I think it is very likely to be the clutch switch. This is an easy fix. This switch sees a lot of work and they fail relatively often.

Same issue, 86 carrera??

Was convinced it was the electrical portion of the ignition, not so sure now..