1990 Honda Accord - Bad Ignition Cylinder/Switch?

Hi all,

I have a 1990 Honda Accord that I’m having a problem with. When I turn the key to start the car, the car turns over and starts great, but when I let go of the key the car immediately dies. Before I actually push the key into position III to start the car, I’ve discovered that I can move the key in the range between positions II and III and get the indicator lights on the dash to go on and off, so clearly there is some sort of loose electrical connection. I’ve discovered that if I start the car and then quickly turn the key back a ways to the point where the connection seems to be good, I can keep the car from dying and then it runs fine. Does the diagnosis of a bad ignition cylinder/switch seem to be accurate for this problem? I just don’t want to replace the wrong component(s). Does anyone have any idea how much this replacement would cost at a shop? Also, can anyone tell me how hard this solution I’ve found is on the starting system? Thanks for any insight!

Ginny

Ignition switches are separate from the tumbler and not very expensive.
This is a pretty common problem with Hondas of that vintage.