I have just aquired a 1998 Accord ex 2dr 4cyl auto. I bought it off of a kid that said he couldn't make it run. So the first thing he did was replace the fuel pump. When that didn't work he replaced the starter. He sold it to me because within 2 hours of the starter replacement it wouldn't start again and he was done with it. Now with that said. I paid $160 for the car. I tried to start it as well, and immediately knew that he got a bad starter. It worked one time but never pulled the gear back in and the flex plate just ate up his new starter. I got it home and pulled the starter off and 1/2" of his starter gear was ground off. Didn't hurt the ring gear thank goodness.

$40 bucks for a used starter and well, it runs, kind of. Found out also that his entire problem was Ignition switch related. He had indicated to me that it kept dieing on him. What I found is that if you take the ignition key and got to the start position it would start, as soon as you leave off the key. WHAM it's dead. So I held it in start and ever so gently released the key and it would stay running. Bought a lifetime warranty switch and 20 minutes that problem was solved. Not it's on to the cosmetic things.

Oh once I got it running, unlocked the radio with number in the glove box, hit the a/c and it works, power roof works too. Oh it's got 4 new tires.

I think for $160 dollar car I'll keep it! I drive about 47 miles one way to work and it was costing me $150 a week... I believe that me and this Accord are going to get very well acquainted..

A little background on me... 22 year Aircraft Mechanic 30 year shade tree mechanic. This is my First Honda... so we will see how it goes....

 

Welcome!
Sounds like you got a good deal because the kid didn't really troubleshoot his problems. Just randomly threw parts at it.

 

Welcome new member:
Thank You for joining the HAF:

Good story you told which ended up in a great deal for you...

WheelBrokerAng
click the images

 

Thanks guys, I'll try to not muddy the water to much..