Rep Power: 0

I have an '01 Civic Ex w/Manual Transmission that I've had since '05. It has about 270K miles and runs great ! I've never had any problems with it.
Last evening (twice) and again today (twice), when attempting to start the car, the engine turns over, but, fails to start.
However, it starts easily by bump starting with just a little push.

The way its behaving, is just like when I use my generic (non-chip) key that only opens the doors.
That key will crank the Starter, but, Not start the Engine.

The fuel pump IS working, I can hear it when I turn the key.
The plugs are pretty New.
It's Not the starter, that's working fine.

As stated, if I turn the Ignition On and have someone give a little push, I can pop the clutch and it fires right up !
It simply will not start normally, by turning the key.
BTW, I'm using the Factory Key.
Anyone ever encountered this symptom and its solution ?
Thanks,
Steve

 
Rep Power: 517

I don't really have a silver bullet for this....

Does the starter spin kinda slow?
Grounds for the trans and engine in lousy condition?

When it doesn't start, is the green key symbol flashing madly while you crank it?

 
Rep Power: 0

Hi Ezone,
It's weird, the starter spins normally, it's a brand new battery with new connectors.
I live in a very dry, humid free area, so no corrosion on anything electrical.
All grounds look good and clean.
No, the Green Key symbol doesn't flash madly at all while cranking.
Everything appears normal on the dash. No tell tale indication anything is wrong.
It just doesn't fire up.
Once I get it rolling and pop the clutch, it fires right up and runs as smooth as can be.
???
After I Bump Start it and shut it down, were back to square one again. It won't Key start until I bump start it again.

 
Rep Power: 0

I've read a number of posts where similar but different circumstances existed, like flooded plugs, weak spark, etc.
In those cases the engine wouldn't start, at all.
Mine will start and run, quite easily. Just not with the key.
Is it possible that the Key Chip Sensor, (or whatever it is) in the steering column is the issue?
Because I'm using the Factory Key.

 
Rep Power: 517

Ya, it's not ringing any bells yet, that's why I said no silver bullet

Climate notwithstanding, metals still oxidize and galvanic corrosion still happens between dissimilar metals.... Aluminum/steel/brass/copper.

Cables fray after many thousands of miles of engine movement

I was thinking a weakness in the large grounds for the block and trans case might adversely affect the PCM grounds while the starter is pulling 100+ amps.


That's why I asked about the green key symbol.

 
Rep Power: 118

Sounds like a failed ignition switch
one set of contacts is supposed to stay active and powering the computer as the key is turned to start position.

As the switch has worn, that path may have become contaimiated or just worn out past the run area.

Sometimes it may still work if you just turn the key very very very slowly just till the starter kicks in..

Pulling the switch off and testing the connection with a continuity meter tone would be my second step.

 
Rep Power: 0

Tomorrow I'll inspect the Grounds more closely, even disconnect and reconnect them.
I've never experienced anything like this, with the exception of the one time that I mistakenly grabbed the Non-Chipped Door Key and tried to start the engine.
I immediately realized my mistake. This behavior is exactly like that.
I'll post anything I find tomorrow.
Thanks Ezone

 
Rep Power: 0

Thanks for your suggestion Slumpertcivic.
Perhaps I'll try and remove the switch and inspect it closely.
Question: Is the Key Switch replaceable, without messing with the Key Chip ?

 
Rep Power: 517

Good thought there.. I don't see many of this style fail but the older style sure did.

Wonder if the CEL goes out sooner than usual if the PCM loses power during cranking

 
Rep Power: 517

Switch is available separately through Honda

 
Rep Power: 118

Yea no need to shoot parts cannon yet.

You might even be able to just unplug the switch as long as you can get both probes of the multimeter on the two right contacts and with your third hand move the key between run and start listing for a change of tone.