Hey I have a 1997 honda accord lx 5 spd and its starting to give me problems. Last month the axle boot tore up so i had replaced a whole axle and now car hasnt been starting right for the past 2 weeks. IT WOULD CLICK and then silence when i'm turning the key to start it. It would start on the 4th or 5th time. Sometimes it would start from the 2nd time, and sometimes right away. But whenever it doesnt start it goes like CLICK and thats it, and then i gotta pull the key back take it out, insert it back again and try again.
If it is in fact my starter how hard is it to replace DIY? I've got basic tools around the house and even have an access to a lift if I absolutely have to. Any input?

 

How hard does it have to crank before starting when it does start??

 

when it does start it starts flawlessly without any hesitation like it usually did. And if it doesnt start it only clicks once.

 

You probably have corroded battery terminals/cable ends. The "Click / no start" you get is the response to the high resistance connector the corrosion presents. Intermittently, the two literally weld themselves together (normally associated with a spark) which either temporarily starts the engine or explodes the battery (whichever the Gods' prefer.
The real pisser about this? The same High Resistance Connection will keep the battery from charging.
Talk about double jeopardy
Another hint?
If you attempt a start, get a click, but the lights DON"T dim - starter (bad solenoid)

P

 

Did you check battery, and all of the battery cables. make sure everything is tight and not corroded. Then get battery tested. Just because it has volts, doesn't mean it has cranking amps. Could be just a loose connection. I wouldn't change the starter till I eliminated everything else. Batt and alternator. I think autozone tests them for free. Just a suggestion. You didn't say anything about checking those.

 

Thanks for the responces but keep em coming.... Basically the battery is brand new..only about 5 months. Contacts look preetty tight. I do have some white stuff build up around the neg terminal but I've seen it on plenty of other cars.
Someone mentioned alternator and I automatically remembered somthing. Basically everytime my music plays and /or lights are on it dims abnormally, and it started doing that about a year ago. Lights would dim, rpms would drop when low note hits etc.. etc.. Can autozone check and see if i need a new alternator?

 

At the very least, you need a larger capacitor for your amp system.
White "stuff" is not good. Get rid of it. Not with mamby-pamby baking soda, but with a knife, scrapper and some sandpaper. Make um shine bud, make um shine!
A charging system test at Autozone would be in order (as long as you don't buy anything from them)

 

when car does not start, have a friend try starting it when it clicks get a big screwdriver and hit the starter, if it starts you need a starter ....... simple test

 

Sounds exactly like bad starter.