So I’ve been having this random (maybe once every two months) starting issue. Basically I’ve determined that when this issue occurs, my starter only is getting 6 volts, and subsequently will not crank. 99% Of the time things work fine. I have replaced the starter and starter relay recently…
What else could be causing this? Grounds are good.
grounds are good as you voltage dropped them? or you just looked at them?
I haven’t measured anything with the grounds. But I’m almost certain they are good. I have replaced the grounds in the past, and even added an additional grounding point at the shock tower. Terminals and battery are new
Where are you measuring the 6 volts? If it is the small wire to the starter than maybe the ignition switch has a high resistance in it between the common terminal and the start terminal or possibly a bad connector somewhere in the circuit. If it is the big wire, it has to be the wire itself or its terminals so long as the battery has 12 volts. Good luck.
The 6 volts is being measured on the small wire. When everything is working right, the reading is 12 volts.
You mention the ignition switch, I was thinking that this could potentially be the issue (just a guess though) as the ign switch sends a signal to the starter relay (which has been replaced) which sends a signal to the starter small wire (which has been replaced). Besides the actual wiring, the only part of this circut that hasn’t been replaced is the ignition switch…mhmm
I would check as many of the connections as possible first. Check the battery terminals, check the main fuse box especially the T202(WHT/BLK) wire leaving the main fuse box to the ignition switch. Look at fuse 30 and 32 in main fuse box for loose or corroded terminal ends. There is a test for the ignition switch in the maintenance manual. You have to access two connectors under dash on drivers side. It doesn’t look difficult to test although I have never done it. It requires a volt-ohm meter to check continuity through the switch.
I would try a bypass jump the next time it will not crank, if engine cranks, power to thwe starter and starter ground are good.
I would then look at the starter circuit, starting at the ign. switchm [test output at the switch. 94
That is exactly what I’ve been doing, on the odd time it doesn’t start, I jump the starter small wire directly to the battery and all is well… Will test the ign switch soon (don’t know if this matters but sometimes there is a 1 second delay between key on crank and starter engagement)
sounds synonymous with worn contacts at the ign. switch.
IMO, since the issue is only occurring intermittently, i would pull the switch and have a look at those contacts. not that difficult to do.
Ditto the above^^^, ign. switch problems are not uncommon on older Honda/Acura…
http://www.visualimpressions.ca/switch/
http://techauto.awardspace.com/ignitionswitch.html 94