Problem just occurred this morning

[payam972]

First problem with the car in four years... On the way to work I went to the gas station to pump air in tires. When I came to turn
The car back on. It would crank and start but die after a second literally. And that's all it does now. Was gonna run codes but can't find the obd2 port anywhere! My car is a 97. Also, has anyone experienced this before? It starts without any problem but shuts right back off.

 

[Honcho]

Check fuel pump resistor.

 

[shawn110975]

do you have an aftermarket alarm?

when was your main relay replaced?

when was your Ign switch replaced

those are the things I would check

I had the same issue with my first NSX found out my alpine alarm shorted out my main relay and fried the ign switch.

had dealership ripp the Jury-rigged DIY alarm install crap out replaced main relay and ign switch

I could start the car and floor it it would reach like 6-7K rpm and die
or start the car and it would die.

 

[payam972]

do you have an aftermarket alarm?

when was your main relay replaced?

when was your Ign switch replaced

those are the things I would check

I had the same issue with my first NSX found out my alpine alarm shorted out my main relay and fried the ign switch.

had dealership ripp the Jury-rigged DIY alarm install crap out replaced main relay and ign switch

I could start the car and floor it it would reach like 6-7K rpm and die
or start the car and it would die.

shawn, no aftermarket alarm installed. ill see what the codes bring up once i find the obd2 port.

 

[shawn110975]

under the driver side footwell, above the fuse box

 

[mr_goat]

Temporary fix for ignition switch: rock the key a little in the ON position. Might give temporary connection to keep the car running (if that is the problem)

 

[payam972]

under the driver side footwell, above the fuse box

Here is a pic of the fuse area, can't find it anywhere!

 

[socold57]

Under Glove Box, far right back corner, blue two pin connector, may be under carpet.

 

[pgilliam1]

Under Glove Box, far right back corner, blue two pin connector, may be under carpet.

This is only for OBDI cars (1991-1994). His is 1997 or OBDII and has a connector to read codes, but since mine is a OBDI, I don't know exactly where his is.

Your problem sounds like the ignition switch (an easy DIY). Do a search in the DIY forums and read how to clean the contacts.

 

[Brylek]

Just under the glove box there should be a little panel with a rectangular clip to remove, the OBD2 port should be there on a '97.

 

[anesthesia]

Just under the glove box there should be a little panel with a rectangular clip to remove, the OBD2 port should be there on a '97.

thats were it is on my 99, its all the way in the back

 

[payam972]

just found the main relay and took it out. getting one from the dealer today. might clean the ignition switch too while im at it all.

 

[payam972]

well, it wasnt the main relay...any other guesses? lol

 

[DocL]

It sounds more like the ignition switch. Have you tried the previous suggestions about it?

 

[payam972]

It sounds more like the ignition switch. Have you tried the previous suggestions about it?

i ordered a new switch, wont be in til tomorrow. i could try getting the old one out and cleaning it, but it is a b**** to get to!

 

[nsxter]

Just a thought...
Ignition switch. Or the immobilizer, when you attempt to start it what is the green key indicator light doing? It should not be flashing, and should be off when the car is running or in the start position. if its flashing in the start position, thats the issue could be related to a bad/dirty ignition switch or the immobilizer. The green key only lights up solid for the lamp check. and off when the car is running (it flashes when you remove the key for a second tho)
Did you locate your obd2 port? under the glovebox left side with a small cover. codes?

Try a spare key....

 

[Nefarious]

I'm going to guess its the key. Try a spare. The immobilizer chip in the key might be dead. Had it happen to one of my vehicles. Ended up getting a new set of keys and programmed them. 97+ are the only ones with chips in the key.

 

[payam972]

i just got the ignition switch in, trying to install it and i cant seem to push it in all the way. like its not sitting right. the key is in the 0 position. any tips-anyone who has done this?

 

[payam972]

just got it figured out, replaced it and started right up!

thanks members of prime!!

 

[Larry Bastanza]

under the driver side footwell, above the fuse box

1997 is behind the cover below the glove box, left side

The symptom is classic Fuel Pump Resistor as Honcho points to.

You can disconnect the fuel pump resistor and jump the connector. If it runs, replace the resistor. With that said, main relay and ignition switch are next in line.

HTH,
LarryB