2001accord101

2001 Honda Accord EX (4-cylinder, 2-door) will not start. It was running fine and had no previous problems starting. The battery is only a few months old, as the dealership recommended replacing it during the last service interval. When I turn the key to position I, the radio works and the dash lights work, but the headlights will not turn on. When I turn the key to position II, the radio turns off and when I try to turn on the headlights I hear a clicking noise coming from the behind the glove box but they don’t come on. When I turn the key to position III to start it, the dashboard lights die and I hear a faint clicking noise coming from under the hood. I had to leave the car at work overnight and I’m going back now to try checking the battery, the battery terminals, the grounding strap and the terminals on the alternator and starter. I have a buddy trying to help me figure this out. We will also try a good old fashioned jump start. More to come later.

The-Kid

I assume the battery is in perfect condition.

I'm going to guess starter from the clicking. Since it will not even turn the starter motor... A trick people use is to knock the starter with a hammer and somehow it will allow the starter to engage. Keep on knocking and trying.

If that's the problem, it is best to replace the starter.

2001accord101

I was able to jump start the car and drove it straight to Auto Zone (no plug intended) where they had me turn the car off so they could test the battery and then the alternator. After I turned the car off they tested the battery; then they had me turn the key to the On position (II). They told me the battery was bad right away. When they tried to jump it again, the car wouldn't start. I bought a new battery and they changed it out for me. After that they tested the alternator and said everything was good to go. My dealership is closed on Sundays, so I was more than happy to buy a new battery to get moving again. I hope this plays out to be an isolated incident. Drove it all day to run errands, stopping the engine and starting it between stops. Fingers are crossed.