Ok, so the car (94 INtegra LS) has had a problem starting lately. Turn the key and nothing, but after several attempts it would fire up, sometimes slowly though. No problem, the battery was 4 years old so I figured it just didn't have enough juice.

Finally today I picked up a new battery and dropped it in. Same thing though, however I am able to get it to start again after a few tries. Could I have a bad new battery or maybe it simply needs to get a good charge on it after sitting for a while? Or could there be other gremlins? Gonna clean the positive contacts on the battery and starter tomorrow and see if that makes a difference.

 

im thinking its a main relay.

when you put the key in the ON position youll hear the fuel pump prime with the check engine light. youll also hear a click under the dash, thats the main relay. if you dont get any of this with the key ON, its the main relay 9 times out of 10.

 

Perhaps, I know normally I just get in, and turn the key and start it. Just went out and checked, and heard the main relay tick, but after about 4-5 seconds. Should it happen immediately? Perhaps this is a sign that it's on it's way out? I already forked over $40 for a battery and would like troubleshooting to be as cheap as possible.

 

When you try it, does the starter crank the engine? When the main relay dies the starter works just fine. The main relay gives power to the distributor, injectors, & ECM.

If it's the starter, you can check the big battery cables at their other ends. I suppose they're good at the battery since you just changed that. Make sure you check the big ground wire from the transmission to the car.

Next, try to start it while someone raps on the starter with a screwdriver handle or something like that. If the starter solenoid is flaky, sometimes that gets it going. Or maybe the starter motor brushes are worn down...

Also, you say the main relay ticks, but after a few seconds. What about a flaky ignition switch? Hondas seem to do that a lot.

 

A similar problem happened on my 94 ls and it was the starter motor brushes. I got new ones put in for $40

 

http://autorepair.about.com/li...a.htm

 

For reference, the starter doesn't turn over at all. When the key is turned forward, nothing at all happens. Does it both when the car is cold and hot.

 

Did you check all the big cables at both ends? Including transmission ground?

Have someone rap on the starter with a broom handle while you try it. If that does anything, it's either the starter solenoid or motor. Replace it, or just replace the solenoid, or look for parts like motor brushes.

I don't know the wire colors, but a small wire to the starter should get +12v from the ignition switch when you turn the key to 'start'. Check that with a voltmeter, if it's not getting 12v maybe it's the wire or the ignition switch itself.

Do the dashboard idiotlights come on? If not, then maybe your ignition switch isn't getting +12v in the first place. I've heard Honda ignition switches don't last forever.

You're tracing back 'upstream' till you find where the starter signal is getting lost...