Okay, I just replaced the starter and solenoid for my 1997 Civic EX. The car was giving me problems starting (duh), sometimes when starting there would be a long pause and then just a click, but no starting. Other times it would start right up, and then there were even times when there would be a long pause and then it would start up. When it finally did start it would start without a problem, no weird sounds, nothing, I could drive it for 200+ miles without a problem. So, I figured it was just the starter, and didn't worry about it. Yesterday, I had to try twenty times to get it to start one time, and still with no luck. After a 30 minute rest, it started right up.

So, today's project was to replace the starter. That's done... The problem is still not fixed. It still happens; it's still annoying. I don't know if I can pop the clutch because it has never been an issue. Every time I think I'm going to have to do it, the car starts just fine.

I've heard that it might be the clutch switch?!? If it sounds like that could be the problem, does anyone know how to adjust it, or what I would have to do, or even better yet, where there are some pictures on how to do it?

Thanks.

 

clean the ground on the thermo housing(although this isnt the problem). clean the ground leaving the battery and where it connects to chassis. clean all grounds and replace them. should fix your dilemma if a starter didnt.

 

Ok, you said to clean the battery ground. What other grounds? Or, do you mean just to check all of the other wires? Did you also mean to check the black and white wire that connects to the solenoid?

Sorry for so many questions, I'm new to this. Thanks for the help though.

 

theres a ground comming of black side of battery. theres a ground going from valve cover to chassis. theres a ground possibly from tranny to chassis. theres a ground for main harness on the thermo housing. check and clean em all. and other connections like starter wire is tight and clean , signal wire on tight at starter. blah blah.

 

could be an ignition switch problem. Hard to explain how to check it w/o being there in person

 

yeah those kind of problems suck *** , lol , id rather put a clutch in a car.