Honda Car Forum

ok, this is what happens, it is very random and in no way predictable. The electronic brain on it has something wrong, at the most inconvient times, it will fail to start. sometimes leaving the right battery cable off helps, but it can take anywhere from 15 minutes, to 24 hrs to reset, does anyone know where the electronic brain is on my car, and is there a way to bypass this?i've checked into having it looked at by a mechanic, but to diagnose the problem would cost $75 and the car as it is now is worth maybe $300...any help would be great.

Buy a GM manufactured car.

which electronic brain are you referring to? what happens when the car doesn't start? do you get any response to turning the key or is the car just dead? do the lights on the dash come on?there is the chance that someone installed an alarm at some point in time and that the alarm is what is causing your problem. that's a long shot as is the possibility that the onboard computer is the problem.more often than not I see worn out ignition keys that cause this problem on the older cars. I would start with getting a new key made (or using a spare) and see if the condition still occurs.if it does, make notes as to what defines "random". does the car not start after driving for a long time or does it not start after being parked overnight? does it happen more in hot weather than cold? does it happen more in rainy weather than dry?i think from your description that your battery is running down over time and that's why its not starting. taking the battery cable off is allowing the battery to regenerate electricity that can be used to start the car. Your battery may be low or the alternator belt may be worn. If you get lights on the dash but no response to turning the key then its probably the battery or alternator belt. as I mentioned, the more information you can provide the easier it is to eliminate potential causes.hope that helps