94 accord ex ignition switch

well my ignition switch has failed. Firstly can i fix it? The "on" position is what failed.

if not..what would a replacement run and where would i get it..also..can i use the same key.

or do they fix the inside and say they put a new one in. im  DIY'er, i hate having people mess with my car.

-------------
I need quality equipment, feel free to donate.

I had the same problem with my 95 honda accord and yes you can fix it if you have the correct tools. The replacement part if I remember correctly was between 60-70 dollars at the local honda dealer. You will have to drop the bottom and top half of the steering colum cover where the ignition switch is at. Disconnect the battery as well and if you still have the factory head unit that requires a code make sure that you have that before you disconnect the battery or else the radio will not work if you have an after market radio forget what I said. As you have these parts taken off you will find 2 round headed bolts that hold the switch in. What I did was use a mini hand saw and cut a line into the bolt making it into a flat head screw. Then I was able to use a flat head screw driver to take them off. Other than that you will have to disconnect a couple of connectors within that switch as well as the two philip head screws behind the ignition switch. Replacement is the reverse. The only time comsuming part is the filing of the top bolts. You can replace them after you get them out of you like. I left mine in as I filed them perfect for the flat head. I hope this helps.

-------------
Sound Pressure

You know you have the right amount of pressure when your eyes start to water! Now you've got Juice!

I like that tip for removing the screws.  If you have enough room, you may be able to just use a hammer and chisel to break them free.  Then you could remove them by hand, and simply replace them with regular philips or flathead screws.  I've had to use the saw method before as well (fixing a gun- what a pain), but sometimes you have no choice.  That's what I got for not having the right equipment.

-------------
My ex once told me I have a perfect face for radio.

What fun to work on, just got 8-10 inched of snow and its cold

i take it you didnt have the correct tools?

They need the switch when you get the other one?

I suppose the major cost is the keying and keys...i dunno. It is keyed to what was in it right?

-------------
I need quality equipment, feel free to donate.

ok..calling up honda dealer. he said there were two things i could get. A whole new assembly with keys and electronic part for 152

or the electronic part, which he think is what is wrong, for 44$

What did you replace? everything or just the electronic part? and is this electronic part inside something that'll be a bitch to get to?

-------------
I need quality equipment, feel free to donate.

well i got it out today.  Took awhile to get out, but i had a snow day again..so i used the time.

-------------
I need quality equipment, feel free to donate.

That's good to hear.  Let us know how it turns out, and what all was involved.

-------------
My ex once told me I have a perfect face for radio.

From what i have found out Accords have this problem.  The high current simply destorys the switch.

Sound Pressure was on the money about everything,  but he left out one important thing, coming from chilton book, that you are supposed disconnect the srs air bag system, and put in the short plug, this ensures it will not go off. 

Parents picked up the part tonight after work since they are in the area looks like the parts guy got them to buy those breakaway bolts...1.50 a piece!

total bill 54.43

-------------
I need quality equipment, feel free to donate.

Well good, I'm glad you got it figured out.  Since you've got it apart anyway, why not use a relay to prevent this from happening again later on?  A buddy I worked with said his Accord was hard to start occasionally (older though, probably late 80's).  He did some research online and saw that a poor solder joint was a common problem.  I don't remember what component, or anything, but he used my soldering iron, and it started much better after that.

-------------
My ex once told me I have a perfect face for radio.

I havent had that problem. I do know i should replace the distro rotor and cap, they where pretty corroded, and the plug wires.

only hard starts i have had is when its really cold out...its been like high of 10 lately.

-------------
I need quality equipment, feel free to donate.

Wow, I don't like it much below 50, and especially not with the wind blowing.

-------------
My ex once told me I have a perfect face for radio.

ya..due for another big storm tonight..6-10 inches...adding to the 2 ft that we've gotten already.

-------------
I need quality equipment, feel free to donate.

hey maxst sorry about not mentioning the srs bag. I try to mention everything before I forget and what happens, I forget something. I knew what your problem was because I went through the same thing and I was happy to help someone that is having trouble with this and not knowing. Saves you from going to the repair shop with those high repair bills. I'm glad that everything turned out well and that I was able to help some. As far as the rotor,cables, and spark plugs change it out. It will run much better.

-------------
Sound Pressure

You know you have the right amount of pressure when your eyes start to water! Now you've got Juice!

its alright...just wanted to say that it should be done like that.  you got everytihng else right. 

I picked up a chilton book before i started. love that book.lol

Ya...its going to cost a bit to get good wires- what you recommend? plugs i replaced already-autolight single platniums,  what about the coil? replacing it do anything- like get a aftermarket one. 

-------------
I need quality equipment, feel free to donate.

if you are tight on money you could get a good set of wires at autozone with a life time warranty on them fairly inexpensive I believe they are the bosch wires. As far as the coil everyone will have their own person preference but I heard good things about Jacobs Electronics. They are a bit pricey. As far as the Chilton manuals I have one for each of my cars. They are a great help.

-------------
Sound Pressure

You know you have the right amount of pressure when your eyes start to water! Now you've got Juice!

im lookin around on the net for stuff.  Thinking about a diy set of wires, or an accel set.

-------------
I need quality equipment, feel free to donate.

As far as ignition stuff, I would take out those Bosch plugs they are more trouble than they're worth.  I've been working on Hondas and Acuras for about seven years and I've seen them cause more problems than fix'em.  Get NGK plugs from your local parts chain, they are less than two bucks a piece and are  what came in it from the factory.  Just look under the hood at the label it will tell you the correct ones to get.  The best aftermarket wires are also NGK they are a little spendy, but cheaper than factory and WAY better fitting and performing than Autolite, Bosch or any others.  Leave the coil and ignitor alone, replacing good factory parts w/ crappy ones from Checker or who ever would be a big mistake, you'll end up replacing them again soon if you do.  Good Luck!

yeah dont get bosch ignition wire, the wire handle really sux, they slip off when pullin them out....i end up returnin it to autozone.....i would get some NGK like he mentioned above. shop online theyre much cheaper.

my buddy got a NGK set by accident cause this site was messed up or something, it was like 20 bucks. it was for 97 acura integra

-------------
Houston,TX
"The two most common elements in the universe are H+ and stupidity" (Ellison).