SureTrack Real Fix: Make the Switch

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Real Fixes from Mitchell 1’s SureTrack® expert information resource are documented issues from actual shop repair orders and community discussions. Read on to see how SureTrack can help you correct issues that are not easily diagnosed using OEM information alone. SureTrack is available at no additional cost in our ProDemand product.

Here’s another fix for an intermittent no start. In this case it was easy to reproduce but hard to track down. SureTrack community member schoolhouse2021 had a Honda Accord in their shop that intermittently wouldn’t start accompanied by strange noises under the dash. They posed the question to the community, and with the help of fellow community member Ericsautomotive and others, they were able to resolve the issue quickly.

The following Community Fix summarizes the interaction between members of the community that led to the solution.

Vehicle
2006 Honda Accord 2.4L

Title
Intermittent no start, replaced ignition switch.

Complaint
Customer states that car intermittently won’t start.

Diagnostic Steps Performed/Parts Replaced
Vehicle has an on and off starting problem where vehicle wont start till around third try. When in the start position and having the problem, there is a sound around the under the dash fuse panel that sounds like electricity jumping mixed with metal grinding. There is no smell or feeling of something getting hot. First showed up around 3 months ago and replaced turn signal flasher and problem was gone for about a month, now replacing flasher won’t work. Checked for proper operation of starter & ignition switch and found nothing wrong. Checked wires on back of fuse panel and found no loose or broken connections. What could it be if the system seems fine but issue is still present? Is it possible that there is a short in the panel itself?

Best Answer from Community Member Ericsautomotive
ALL power output circuits from the ignition switch test good? They are a common weak spot on this vehicle that match the symptoms you’re describing.

Cause
Rechecked the ignition switch and it tested good, but in a certain position it partially cut out causing the noise and a no start problem.

Correction
Installed new ignition switch and vehicle has run great since.

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About the Author

Nick Taylor

Nick Taylor is the SureTrack Community Administrator and a Senior Applications Specialist at Mitchell 1 with over 25 years of experience with electronic repair data systems. Nick previously worked in the automotive dismantling and engine rebuilding industries.