Honda Stepwagon RK5 - Intermittent ignition issue

Honest John Back Room » Technical matters
View Threaded
Sun 27 Aug 2023 15:32
Honda Stepwagon RK5 - Intermittent ignition issue - The23rdman

We have a 2010 Honda Stepwagon with intermittent ignition issues. At key turn there’s always power, but sometimes it starts and sometimes it’s dead. The starter is fine and the local mechanic has changed the ignition switch to see if that’s the problem.

He suggested it was wear on the key as depending on how the key is pressured when you turn it has an impact on whether it starts. I disagree with this because the issue is the same with both keys, and they both worked fine before this started happening.

Is this likely to be an ignition barrel issue? Maybe contacts?

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sun 27 Aug 2023 20:08
Honda Stepwagon RK5 - Intermittent ignition issue - elekie&a/c doctor
If you say the mechanic has changed the ignition switch , then he’s changed the switch contacts. You need to monitor the crank signal at the starter motor to see what’s happening.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 28 Aug 2023 09:28
Honda Stepwagon RK5 - Intermittent ignition issue - The23rdman

Thanks for the reply.

How would that be affected by the angle the key is held at during start up?

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 28 Aug 2023 10:19
Honda Stepwagon RK5 - Intermittent ignition issue - elekie&a/c doctor
Angle of the key could alter the rotation of the pin in the key barrel . An option would be to fit a separate push button switch on the dash somewhere just to operate the starter circuit. I would think getting parts for this may be a problem.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 28 Aug 2023 10:54
Honda Stepwagon RK5 - Intermittent ignition issue - The23rdman

Yes, parts are an endless problem with Japanese imports like this. I'm gentrly trying to suggest to my better half that it's more trouble than it's worth.

We did consider the start-up switch, but it seems quite complicated to make it secure.

Regarding rotation of the pin: would replacing the barrel be the most obvious solution?

Edited by The23rdman on 28/08/2023 at 10:56

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 28 Aug 2023 11:05
Honda Stepwagon RK5 - Intermittent ignition issue - elekie&a/c doctor
I doubt if it’s possible to buy just a lock barrel, usually a new steering lock needed , which means new keys . Not sure if these have a factory immobiliser? Fitting a push button start switch is no less insecure to what’s fitted now .
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 28 Aug 2023 11:27
Honda Stepwagon RK5 - Intermittent ignition issue - The23rdman

Damn, that's a PITA. All parts would have to be used too. Okay, thanks for your help, I appreciate it.

Edit: doesn't an aftermarket stop/start switch mean I'd have to fit a kill switch to prevent someone being able to start it without the key?

Edited by The23rdman on 28/08/2023 at 11:30

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 28 Aug 2023 11:42
Honda Stepwagon RK5 - Intermittent ignition issue - elekie&a/c doctor
No. The push button switch is solely for the starter circuit. It’s an easy modification.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 28 Aug 2023 12:13
Honda Stepwagon RK5 - Intermittent ignition issue - gordonbennet

Had a slightly dodgy gearbox inhibitor switch on our previous Subaru Outback, every once in a blue moon it didn't want to start in P, shifting the lever to N always worked though.

Just wondering if this could be an issue with your car, which might well have a similar design of inhibitor switch, easy enough to test next time it plays up...i'm guessing the vehicle is automatic.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 28 Aug 2023 14:00
Honda Stepwagon RK5 - Intermittent ignition issue - The23rdman

Thanks. I don't think we'd be able to test that effectively as it rarely happens two turns in a row. I think the start/stop switch suggested above is the best option.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 28 Aug 2023 12:17
Honda Stepwagon RK5 - Intermittent ignition issue - The23rdman

Thank you, I'll explore that option then.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sun 13 Oct 2024 14:59
Honda Stepwagon RK5 - Intermittent ignition issue - Andrew Hanson

new parts are available through JPparts, search through amayama for parts numbers. Automatrix in kent stock new service parts and used parts. cox honda also source new genuine honda parts. used parts also available through be-forward in japan.

I also have ignition issue, currently working through options

Reply | Report as offensive | Link