asoRm

97 accord lx. Looks like the starter or battery. It softly tried to crank once or twice and then nothing. I noticed the lights DIM when I try to start it and nothing happens. I ordered the starter since it has a used 95 starter. I am thinking it needs a battery too though. Your thoughts?

lazlong

Try jumping it to see whether it's the starter or battery. If it's the battery then I would check for a parasitic draw:

asoRm

I tried jumping it and it didn't start at all

94 accord typeR

starter, battery, alternator. most auto parts stores can test all three

asoRm

Thanks, I'll see what I can find!

asoRm

I just realized the fuse for my windows blows everytime i put a new fuse in. Some kind of draw/ground issue on that circuit. Which I am guessing could be impacting the battery. I am not entirely certain it's the battery since Jumping the car didn't help though. I am replacing the Starter since it's an old one anyways and may just do the battery AND alternator. Once running I am going to get a more experienced person to troubleshoot the draw.

asoRm

Replaced the battery on lunch... It now works! The old battery was warped. It had bulges on the sides, either frozen or over charged or something I dont know. Anyways, she works! Woo

Snyderm

Glad to hear that it worked out. I was going to say that it sounded like a battery issue. The same thing happened to me some years ago. It sucks especially when you can't pinpoint it. Again I'm glad it worked out.

sweetsymphony

I feel like I have a similar car issue to what asoRm had, but I would like a second opinion. I have a honda accord LX 1991 and was working great until it did not start one morning and just made a fast clicking noise. Replaced starter, and I can hear the starter turn over once in a while but is still making the fast clicking noises. Overhead lights work, but battery light and oil light stay on. After trying a couple times starting my car, the battery drains really fast. Don't know if it is the alternator or the battery? Shouldn't it still be able to start even if there is a problem with the alternator? Battery is only 1-year old and is an interstate 5-year battery. I think I want to test if it has a parasitic draw?

holmesnmanny

Jump the car. When it starts test for voltage. Should be 14.60 or so. Turn headlights on. It shouldnt go down more than 13. If it does replace the alt. However unless the charging light is on the problem is rarely the alt. Its likely your battery is bad.

sweetsymphony

Thanks! I'll try that. Hopefully my car will start after the jump.

sweetsymphony

Yep, it was the battery! My car works great now, my other battery apparently had bad plates. Thank you!