I’m having a frustrating start-up issue with my 2005 Honda Accord LX (2.4 L, automatic). Here’s what’s happening:
• No Crank / No Noise
– Turning the key does absolutely nothing—no click, no cranking, just silence.
• Key Gets Stuck
– The ignition key often won’t release; I have to jiggle it or disconnect the battery to pull it out.
• Green “Security” Key Light Flashing
– The dash security/immobilizer icon blinks continuously instead of going out.
• Green “D” Gear Indicator Flashing
– The “D” on the instrument cluster flashes green, even when parked.
• Shift-Lock Bypass
– I can move the shifter out of Park without pressing the brake pedal.
• What I’ve Tried
1. Key Reprogramming: Had all keys re-programmed—no change.
2. Battery & Connections: Battery reads ~12.6 V at rest; terminals are clean and tight.
3. Brake Lights: Function normally when pedal is pressed.
4. OBD2 Scan: No stored fault codes.
I suspect the STOP-lamp fuse, brake-light switch, shift-lock solenoid, neutral‐safety (range) switch or immobilizer loop might be at fault—but I’m not sure where to begin.
Remember that battery voltage could be a mere “surface charge”, and there might not actually be current available to start the car. Without trying a different (known good) battery, you cannot rule out the most simple cause: a dead battery.
Has this car given problems before, which would suggest that something more complicated than a new battery is needed?
Well, I went through something similar with my 2002 Daewoo Lanos. The problem was intermittent at first, and related to the weather. At first, I thought it was the transmission range sensor (basically like a neutral safety switch, though it also tells the PCM which gear you’re in). I replaced that, and the problem continued. Then I got out the factory service manual, traced the starter signal wire back to the PCM, and assumed it was a bad PCM. So I replaced that, and the problem continued. Then I replaced the ignition switch, problem continued. This car doesn’t have an immobilizer, so I didn’t have to worry about that. What ultimately solved the problem was a new starter, which required pulling the brake master cylinder, pulling the coolant expansion tank, pulling the intake manifold, pulling the fuel rail out of the engine, etc. Probably the hardest-to-replace starter I have ever seen, though I heard replacing the starter on a Chevette is even more difficult.