I recently replaced the starter on my 98 accord Ex 4cyl automatic. I took off the starter and took it to the shop to get tested and it turns out that the rotor would turn really slow. Got a replacement starter from Advance auto parts and it fired right up. Now two weeks later on the first cold night, I could not start the car. I took a hammer and beat on that thing for awhile and managed to get a weak crank. Each time when I turn the key, the relay would click. Tried to jump start with a good battery but couldn't.
Question: - Do you thing the starter went bad again? I check for loose cables and even the ground cable and it is fine. Good thing about this is that it is a life-time warranty but it sure pisses me off to have to take it off and get it tested again.
Any other suggestions?

 

remanufauctuerd parts from places like auto zone are terrible. Im not sure if the starter is your problem but i would not doubt the starter is indeed bad.

Make sure your battery cables are clena and tight

 

I know that the battery is good cause during this whole time, the lights do not dim and nothing else seems to be bad. Should I try to get my money back and get a honda starter? It's less than 2 weeks since I got the starter.

 

I had symptons like yours beofre in other cars and it was loose cables and headlights worked fine.

If your convinced its the starter again i would take sit off and tell them its defective, It has a lifetimes warranty more than likely.

 

Well, got the replacement starter today and put it in. But in the process, the post for the positive terminal broke. I tried to tighten the nut as tight but I sure did not over torque it and it snapped. Couldn't believe my eyes. They ordered me another one and it'll get in Wed.
On the up side, I'm getting pretty good at replacing starters.

 

Are ther any "gotcha's" regarding replacing a starter on a 1998 4 cylinder DX? I'm mechanically oriented but have previously left the car stuff up to the professionals. I have the same symtoms as you describe, i.e., the relay clicking and electrical power to all other componets. When the starter does catch it sounds as if there's a significant amount of grinding noise, etc.

 

If you cant afford HONDA parts go with Napa, the only stuff I get at places like Autozone is oil and antifreeze. The only way Autozone can sell stuff so cheap is by selling crap.

 

Check your power lines for wear/grounding. Sounds like you may be burning out your starter because of this.