Intermittent Starting Problem

[gsmiller]

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!

[magnuskgc]

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

[ronster]

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.

[steveng1993]

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.

[Meirschwartz]

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.

[sonar23]

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.

[mmari270]

Same issue, 86 carrera??

[mmari270]

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