Rep Power: 0

Hi all! I’m new here, please be gentle! This is a kind of detailed story, apologies for the length.

I have a 99 Honda Civic, automatic transmission. It was bought new by my grandmother, given to my mother after her death, eventually given to me. A couple of months ago, it was stolen, the ignition was jacked so it could be started with a screwdriver. I got it back! But the insurance company decided to total it since I was only able to start it once to drive it home. Once home, I couldn’t start it again.

so when the tow truck came to tow it away, the driver was able to start and get it out of the driveway to make the tow easier I was amazed, and she showed me how she did it. I have a normal key, no fob. She put the key in the door lock, turned it left three times, then right three times, and then could start the car. Amazing.

Was this some sort of immobilizer? And if so, can I disconnect it?

Long story short, I bought the car back at auction. I have been able to start it a couple of times, but then I am unable to start it regularly. Even using the three times left, three times right trick. It is not the battery, the starter cranks, just won’t turn over. Except that at times, it will turn over. None of these problems existed before it was stolen, and it appears to have been treated pretty well while it was gone. In fact, they even cleaned it up and vacuumed it, ha ha.

Wil replacing the ignition solve this problem? And as mentioned, is this even an immobilizer? Does such a thing exist for cars using standard keys without a fob?

Thank you in advance for all your help.

 
Rep Power: 222

That key thing sounds made up but try looking under the dash for an alarm module.
you need to check if it's not getting spark or fuel while cranking

 
Rep Power: 367

immobilizer was implemented in 2001 (that one of the reasons up to 6th gen, civics were the most stolen cars).