"Elle" <honda.lioness@earthlink.net> wrote in message news:rcuif.9793>
>The TA sensor sends a signal to the engine control computer
> that affects the fuel injection duration.

Pic link improved http://img414.imageshack.us/img414/3913/ta1hd.gif

> Seems to me its vital to proper operation. Dunno about
> starting.

If someone stole the intake, chances are that someone cut off the wire
to this sensor, most often it won't start if you do this. If the sensor is
not there, either get a new one or put a resistor in its place.