cleanM1

Hey guys let me start with what i got.

2000 Honda Civic Si EM1. OBD1 JDM B16a sir II swap. OBD2a Engine harness. OBD2a P2T ECU (USDM STOCK SI ECU)

Ok guys went to start my car the other day. And starter wont spin. I get a click when i turn the key. and a buzzing/squealing from the main relay. its never done this before. Usually starts every time easily!

I tested the main relay in a friends car and works fine so its not that.
I Checked all my fuses, nothing blown.
Battery has full charge. and connections and grounds are all proper.
Fuel pump is priming.

Now with the issue,

When key is turned to on position relay buzzes. I DO NOT have the usual ECL light on the dash or the one next to it, (i forget which it is) when key is in the on position. However, i just realized the when i wiggled the shifter or moved it to the right... (the 5th gear/reverse position) my ECL light and the other dash lights COME ON!! So now i try to start but still nothing. Just a click followed by a buzzing from that annoying relay. And the dash lights disappear again, until i move the shifter to the right.

I have done some research and plan on doing a couple more tests involving the ignition switch. But i am STUMPED!

My fellow honda buddies all say replace the starter. but before i drop $150 dollars i thought id hit up HT. I'm convinced it's not the starter due to the strange relation to the wiggling of the shifter. as if maybe something is grounding out or possible electrical issue. I also read that possibly the ECU is bad??

Please guys any input would be amazing. I've seen similar issues on here with no resolve. Maybe it's something obvious I'm over looking who knows. Thanks in advance for any help.

Forgive me if I have left out any info. I will answer any questions that may help your diagnosis. *Ryan*

jbpnoman

Well, lets start with the simple, before we go telling you to rip your car apart.

Pull the starter out and bench test it. It's simple - attach it to a battery using jumper cables, positive on the terminal, negative on the body of the starter, and use a small piece of wire to bridge between the terminal on the starter and the signal wire plug. When the wire touches the signal wire plug, it should cause the starter gear to shoot out and spin. If it doesn't, either you're doing something wrong, or the starter is fried.

If the starter passes that test, reinstall it, jack up the car, and remove the flywheel dust shield. Make sure you have the car fully secured on jack stands, e brake pulled, and rear wheels chauked. Have a friend try to start the car while you're under it looking at the flywheel. Does the flywheel spin? If it doesn't, your starter either isn't getting power, or isn't getting signal.

cleanM1

i appreciate it. ill pull the starter tonight. i know the flywheel isn't moving for sure cuz i already have the cover off. so now just gotta find out if starter is fried or its not getting signal. Thanks again.

P-ridge28

I had a similar problem when I did a swap it turned out my thermostat housing ground was loose. Not sure I you are in same boat as me but how this helps