Prelude not running please help. - Honda Prelude Forum

utcreed · 04-02-2008, 11:11 AM

I have an 88 Si Prelude standard 4W. It's all stock. I purchased a mustang in 2003 which means I do not drive the prelude. I'm away at school and the car is at my mothers house. For the past year and half I have not been keeping up with it such as running the car to keep it in operating condition. I know not a good thing to do. I can't seem to get the car running even after a jump. The alternator is only 3 years old and the battery is about 2 years old. I plan on taking the car to a Honda dealership to fix. I know it's going to be expensive but if something goes wrong I can blame it on them. When the car was running it ran great nothing was wrong with it. I ruined it by not starting it so I need help fixing the problem.

I have a couple of questions:

What do you think is wrong? What do I need to do to get it operating again?

Is it possible to replace the retracting atenna?

What alarm system would you recommend that is difficult for theives to break into?

What should I do besides K&B(N) air flow system to make the car run smoother?

Any suggestions and advice would be greatly appreciated.

P.S I'm a girl not stupid but not 100 percent familar with car problems. I know the basics so please keep in mind when replying.

Thank You,

Blair

BBYlude · 04-02-2008, 11:13 AM

bad gas

As far as alarms go, there've been a couple threads recently, so search for those. They're gonna break in if they want no matter what. It's just all about deterring it from happening or letting you (nearby people) know if anybody's breaking in.

acedude450 · 04-02-2008, 09:37 PM

does the starter try to turn the motor on?

wildogre · 04-03-2008, 02:40 AM

I am no expert either but check to make sure that the engine is getting fuel, air and spark. It could be something as simple as changing the sparkplug wires and plugs.

If you let us know what happens after you turn the key we will be able to help you figure it out.

Yes you can replace the antenna a motorized one is about $60 last time I checked a simple metal or rubber one is about $5 at Advanced Auto.

As far as what "air flow" system to get read the various build threads and search. There are a number of short ram systems you can get. A true cold air intake will require some fabrication since I don't think anyone makes one specifically for our cars.