Starting problems

Tiny
EONSENTREEZ
  • MEMBER
  • HONDA ACCORD
I have a 1998 Honda accord EX. It has about 160,000 miles on it, manual transmission and a 4 cylinder engine. Recently I have found that occasionally when trying to start the car the key will not turn. This has happened several times over the last 3 months and I find that if I sit and jiggle the key, after many minutes It will sometimes turn. Once the key turns the car starts no problem. The steering wheel is not locked and I have tried using a spare key to start it in case the key has worn down. Neither key turns. I used some WD-40 the first time this occurred and it solved the problem for a week or two. I also notice that it seems my brakes have locked when this event occurs. Any ideas as to what may be causing this problem?
Friday, June 15th, 2007 AT 12:42 AM

2 Replies

Tiny
BRUCE HUNT
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,754 POSTS
You mentioned trying the spare key in case the original or main key was worn. It works the other way. The tumblers in the lock get bad or worn as well. Replace the ignition switch. I know that is a pain and what really sticks is that the car will now have two keys, one for the ignition and one for the door and trunk, etc.
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Friday, June 15th, 2007 AT 8:50 AM
Tiny
EONSENTREEZ
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thanks for the help bruce. Any idea on what an ignition switch goes for in a 98 accord ex?
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Friday, June 15th, 2007 AT 2:33 PM

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