outkast1779

Hey all. So I've looked through the threads and there is a lot on this subject but I can't seem to find a solid answer. Here are the facts:

1. 1993 Prelude SI with a manual trans. with a H22B motor.
2. Battery is in good condition based on test. It is only a few months old.
3. Brand new starter
4. Alternator working as it should be
5. I'm in Arizona, car is parked in very hot weather
6. no corrosion on terminals

When I start the car it sounds like it barely wants to turn over. Spinning very slow, but starts right up (most of the time). Basically, it sounds like the battery is very weak - but the battery is not weak per the load test. Today I turned the key and the starter wouldn't even turn. All of the lights did come on. I rolled down the hill a bit and push started in reverse and it started right up. ONE minute later, I shut the car off and then started it right up with the key (still with the slow spinning starter).
Would this be the main relay under the dash? In the "on" position the fuel pump starts up, and the dash lights perform as they should.
Is there another relay that has anything to do with power getting to the starter?
Is this a symptom of a bad ignition switch?
Thanks for any help.

outkast1779

UPDATE: So I went out and did the "screwdriver across the starter terminal" trick and the starter acted how it should, nice and fast. What do I check in between the ignition and the starter solenoid that would impede the power getting to the starter?

rynslude

how does it drive...??
is starting it the only problem or is it hesitant when you drive it?
is ur service engine light on?

outkast1779

No light. Everything beyond the starting issue is perfect. No hesitation. It just seems like the ignition is not supplying 100%. When I start it using a jumper on the starter it's perfect. How many components are their between the ignition and the starter solenoid?

rynslude

what about your spark plugs and wires

outkast1779

Spark plugs and wires are not going to have an effect on my issue. The car runs PERFECTLY after it starts up. It's simply something in between the ignition and starter. Maybe a relay, or a wire with too much resistance. I just need to know where I should start. Like I said before, when I use the power directly from the battery to the starter it's perfect. The key in the ignition should give the same results. Something is clearly slowing the current down.

rynslude

yea but if a plug is misfiring.. or wat about ur icm

outkast1779

A plug misfire wouldn't cause the starter to turn slower. There is no problem with the car running. No problem with the plugs or wires. The starter just simply turns much slower when I use the key. When I manually apply 12 volts from the battery to the starter it turns much faster- as it should if I used the key.