no dash lights , car wont start..

[Final 204]

K so it all started a few days ago... my car wouldn't start. i got it towed, and then all of a sudden it started again. then it wouldn't. then it did. but died out quick. now it wont start at all. Dash lights DO NOT come on, but car WILL turn over like it's trying to start. battery is charged up (cuz i charged it)

i spent today installing new valve cover seal, new plugs, and new plug seals cuz i thought oil on the plugs might be the issue. ( not relizing my dash lights were no longer working).

also. both the battery and the alternator are a few months old.


so what are we thinkin here guys? Main relay? distributor? i checked all the fuses in the engine bay.. will check main relay tommorow. i'd really like to know why the dash lights wont turn on but the car will turn over.


any help would be appreciated as i spent my night working on this thing already and i gotta use it for work.

[slammed4th gen]

Is your fuel pump priming up when your ignition is on before you start? If not then I'd check your main relay. Id also check the dash fuse box as well.

[jdm_inspired]

Check if your battery terminals are corroded.

EDIT: Oh and check the wiring connection as well for anything loose.

[accordztech]

no dash lights, hummm

bad ignition switch.

or ignition fuse. their is something that isnt getting power via key.

check the fuse in the inside fuse pannel, actually check everyone...also the main big ones outside.

if its the ignition switch....it can do a few things. basically every point is turned on by the key. if the key is in a certain position some things turn on and if the key is in the start position the starter will crank. probably the other positions are shot with no power and only the starter wire is getting power.

best way to tell is get a volt meter to those wires and test while turning the key....or take the old one out and plug the new one in.

[f20aaccordturbo]

got a good feeling its main relay, igniter or coil

[accordztech]

no power to the dash lights is first....if u have no power to those then u have no power to anything else including main relay, sparks, etc.

[Final 204]

thanks for the help guys , i'm gonna check the main relay. then maybe the ignition switch...


i'll keep you posted.

[bagoon316]

i have the same problem currently. i have changed the ignition switch, checked all my fuses. im also not getting fuel though. so i think its the main relay. good luck to you mang. i am on the hunt this weekend.

[Fake Thug]

yeah, check the continuity across the switch!

[Final 204]

********* UPDATE *********


k so now the dash lights come on, but when i turn key it just turns over but doesn't fully start.

you guys think its the main relay? i'm trying to avoid buying parts i wont need.... could it be the dizzie? i dunno...

[accordztech]

make sure ur radio and heater blower turns on....when the key is on...maybe there is still a line that isnt getting power.

[Final 204]

just checked the wires from the dizzie, all 4 are getting spark. does that mean there is for sure no problem with the dizzie?

i'm thinking maybe theres a problem with the fuel pump or something

[accordztech]

answer my question.

[Final 204]

yea heater and radio turn on fine

[Smokinspeeds]

no dash lights, hummm

bad ignition switch.

or ignition fuse. their is something that isnt getting power via key.

check the fuse in the inside fuse pannel, actually check everyone...also the main big ones outside.

if its the ignition switch....it can do a few things. basically every point is turned on by the key. if the key is in a certain position some things turn on and if the key is in the start position the starter will crank. probably the other positions are shot with no power and only the starter wire is getting power.

best way to tell is get a volt meter to those wires and test while turning the key....or take the old one out and plug the new one in.

had this same problem. I was actually driving and it cut out while i was moving, turned out to be the ignition switch. Turned but wouldn't start couldn't jump it, like you said. so yeah I think accordztech is right..