Notices
Honda Prelude All Model Preludes

5th gen blues... car does't start...but i bet you never heard of THIS reason!

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 12-08-2003, 12:40 PM
  #1  
Thread Starter
 
graphic's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 494
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default 5th gen blues... car does't start...but i bet you never heard of THIS reason!

my 5th gen lude has been giving me real problems...

the car has 60,000 original miles on it ..
and was working fine for the last year...then all the sudden it doesn't want to start...the starter has been checked out and is 100% o.k. the ignition switch was also checked and is in tip top shape...battery is full charged... when i go to start it all i hear is fast clicking...(like a relay click)

and the car wont start...no CEL's

and get this...when i turn the combination light switch to parking lamps..they work fine but when i give it that second turn ...so the headlights can come on...it makes that relay clicking noise and the headlights don't come on...

all the fuses are fine...i don't understand...what is going on...

PLEASE help....
Old 12-08-2003, 12:50 PM
  #2  
Honda-Tech Gold Member
 
ScareyH22A's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Orange County, Ca, USA
Posts: 5,487
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

I know you said that you're battery's fine but it sounds like your cars not getting enough current to the electrical system. The clicking your hearing when you turn you lights on is probably a relay trying to click over but not getting enough current to do so. Check your battery posts. Maybe they're loose. See if you can twist it with your hands. This happens sometimes when people put extra powercables and such on the 10mm bolt but on the wrong side of the post hole.
Old 12-08-2003, 01:45 PM
  #3  
Honda-Tech Member
 
Bigjussin's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Nuck FASCAR, NC, usa
Posts: 1,411
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: (ScareyH22A)

i agree, a connection definitely seems loose, or a ground is loose...if you didnt have the combo switch demons, I would have suggested checking the ignitor in the dizzy if it will turn over but not fire, that is if you are running stock ignition....just my .02
Old 12-08-2003, 02:30 PM
  #4  
Honda-Tech Member
iTrader: (1)
 
AndyD's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: MD, USA
Posts: 5,596
Received 5 Likes on 5 Posts
Default Re: (Bigjussin)

I say clean your battery terminals.
Old 12-08-2003, 02:37 PM
  #5  
Thread Starter
 
graphic's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 494
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: (AndyD)

battery terminals were cleaned...and the cables were secured and double checked...

i have a greddy TT installed and it measures "real-time voltage"

and when i turn the key to acc it reads 11.7 volts...

plus i just got done doing a continuity test on all positions of the ignition switch and it checked out good...

so what now?
Old 12-08-2003, 02:53 PM
  #6  
Honda-Tech Member
 
Matgallis's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: wet Dreaming, over 400whp, USA
Posts: 3,647
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: (boost-stupid)

double check everything again
Old 12-08-2003, 04:32 PM
  #7  
 
NOTENOUGHBOOST's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Not sure, Depends on, The Day
Posts: 404
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: (boost-stupid)

I bet if you were to try and jump your car, it would start.... All though 11.7 volts is close, 13 is the magic number.

Something is draining your power. You have an alarm, audio system, or anything electrical that could be staying on, or shorting out?
Old 12-08-2003, 05:59 PM
  #8  
Thread Starter
 
graphic's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 494
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: (littlechoppab20)

no...nothing of that nature...

btw, i tried to jump w/ battery charger/jumper...and that did nothing...
Old 12-08-2003, 06:13 PM
  #9  
Member
 
TurboSam's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: yo mammas house, NC
Posts: 1,802
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: (boost-stupid)

starter solenoid
Old 12-08-2003, 07:03 PM
  #10  
 
NOTENOUGHBOOST's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Not sure, Depends on, The Day
Posts: 404
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: (Turbo Sam)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Turbo Sam &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">starter solenoid </TD></TR></TABLE>

That would have been my next comment!
Old 12-08-2003, 11:51 PM
  #11  
Junior Member
 
slowsh's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: rosemead, ca
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: (littlechoppab20)

If all that fails check the fuel pump
Old 12-09-2003, 12:30 AM
  #12  
 
Gerhard_001's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Anywhere, Ca, United States
Posts: 523
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: 5th gen blues... car does't start...but i bet you never heard of THIS reason! (boost-stupid)

Do you still have the stock deck in the car? If you do this might be a malfunction with the theft deterrant system, where for some reason or another the car isnot recognizing the coding in the key.
Old 12-09-2003, 06:37 AM
  #13  
Honda-Tech Member
 
rjr162's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: State College, PA, 16865
Posts: 3,028
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: (littlechoppab20)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by littlechoppab20 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I bet if you were to try and jump your car, it would start.... All though 11.7 volts is close, 13 is the magic number.

Something is draining your power. You have an alarm, audio system, or anything electrical that could be staying on, or shorting out? </TD></TR></TABLE>

No, with the car not running the magic number is 12.6 for a fully charged battery in top-notch shape
Old 12-09-2003, 06:40 AM
  #14  
 
b16acrxer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Mocksville, NC, USA
Posts: 185
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: (rjr162)

i had the same problem in my 90 crx dx, it was the thermostat housing ground. check it.
Old 12-09-2003, 10:12 AM
  #15  
Member
 
TurboSam's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: yo mammas house, NC
Posts: 1,802
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: (slowsh)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by slowsh &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">If all that fails check the fuel pump</TD></TR></TABLE>why the **** would the fuel pump not allow the engine to even turn over???
Old 12-09-2003, 10:12 AM
  #16  
Honda-Tech Member
 
prelittlelude's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: northern DRUNKit, ma
Posts: 3,969
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes on 4 Posts
Default Re: (rjr162)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by rjr162 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

No, with the car not running the magic number is 12.6 for a fully charged battery in top-notch shape</TD></TR></TABLE>

every autoparts store that i ever bought a battery from, says that i can't return the battery if its less than 13 v? do you think they over charge them? and they are supposed to e at 12.6 ish?

yeah i would check your grounds, sounds like a fluttering relay, and the fact that you headlights are messed up id definatly check the main ground, not just at the battery, but at the other end too
Old 12-09-2003, 10:15 AM
  #17  
Member
 
TurboSam's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: yo mammas house, NC
Posts: 1,802
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: 5th gen blues... car does't start...but i bet you never heard of THIS reason! (Gerhard_001)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Gerhard_001 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Do you still have the stock deck in the car? If you do this might be a malfunction with the theft deterrant system, where for some reason or another the car isnot recognizing the coding in the key.</TD></TR></TABLE>that's not the problem, the theft deterrent in the radio is not realted to the immobilizer system in the car. the starter is obviously not turning if all he hears is a clicking noise


seriously, some of you people need to re-think giving advice. b/c obviously you are not properly equipped to do this.
Old 12-09-2003, 10:17 AM
  #18  
Member
 
TurboSam's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: yo mammas house, NC
Posts: 1,802
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: (prelittlelude)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by prelittlelude &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">every autoparts store that i ever bought a battery from, says that i can't return the battery if its less than 13 v? do you think they over charge them? and they are supposed to e at 12.6 ish?
</TD></TR></TABLE>

"12v" automotive battery use 6 cells, each cell when properly charge and in good shape produces 2.1v. 2.1v x 6 cells = 12.6v total in a battery

i'll go break out my automotive text books next for you guys and scan them if you like
Old 12-09-2003, 10:51 AM
  #19  
Junior Member
 
95ONE's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Houston, tx, usa
Posts: 257
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: (Turbo Sam)

I'm still curious, have you at least tried to jump start your car with some jumper cables yet?
Old 12-09-2003, 10:54 AM
  #20  
Member
 
TurboSam's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: yo mammas house, NC
Posts: 1,802
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: (nsxlr8)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by nsxlr8 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I'm still curious, have you at least tried to jump start your car with some jumper cables yet? </TD></TR></TABLE>
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by boost-stupid &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">no...nothing of that nature...

btw, i tried to jump w/ battery charger/jumper...and that did nothing... </TD></TR></TABLE>

maybe you guys should try some freakin reading comprehension too
Old 12-09-2003, 11:17 AM
  #21  
Honda-Tech Member
 
rjr162's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: State College, PA, 16865
Posts: 3,028
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: (Turbo Sam)

you should read anywhere from 13.4 to 15 with the car running (depends on alternator etc), but the battery its self should not read over 12.6. If it were at like 13 or something it's actually overcharged, and that's not a good thing for them. This is actually a question found on the basic level MECP test also.
Old 12-09-2003, 12:08 PM
  #22  
Thread Starter
 
graphic's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 494
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: (rjr162)

well....my battery with both cables unplugged reads...11.8v

with them pugged it also reads..11.8 v

with the car turned to acc it reads...11.7v - 11.6 v

and when i go try to start it it reads... 11.4v

i also checked the voltage at the s terminal on the starter..and when turning the ignition to start it reads..
.4v -.5 v

so something is definatly wrong here...

today i checked:

starter cut relay...good
headlight relay..good
dimmer relay...good
combination light switch...good
all fuses...good

and looked over all of the grounds again..
and the fuel pump primes every single time i turn the key to ign II


what i have noticed:

-if i turn the headlights on..they will work, but if i try to start the car w/ them on
i get clicking noise and the headlights go out and so does the indicator lamps on the dash and so does the interior lights...

then the headlights won't work for a couple of minutes...

after that it is just the same sequence over...and over...

Old 12-09-2003, 12:10 PM
  #23  
Member
 
TurboSam's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: yo mammas house, NC
Posts: 1,802
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: (boost-stupid)

what did you use to try and jump the car with?
like what kind of charger?
Old 12-09-2003, 12:18 PM
  #24  
 
ZoNe_HKS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Queens, NY
Posts: 473
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: (boost-stupid)

sams right batttery should be 12.6+ and prob ur dist. (ignitor) check if you have spark, fuel, compression
Old 12-09-2003, 12:21 PM
  #25  
Thread Starter
 
graphic's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 494
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: (Turbo Sam)

i fogot the name of the charger... i'm at work right now..

when i jumped it the setting was 12v 125amp..and the needle went to "ready start"...


Quick Reply: 5th gen blues... car does't start...but i bet you never heard of THIS reason!



All times are GMT -8. The time now is 08:18 PM.