Ever few days, when turning the key in my ignition, I hear one click (not multiple clicks), then *nothing*. After several attempts the 1999 Accord Ex always starts (as normal-full power crank).

Any ideas?

 

Sounds like it could be the Main Relay. This thing craps out on hondas all the time. There are instructions somewhere on the forum about how to locate and fix it. I did mine and never get any of that non-starting BS anymore. It's a huge relay under the dash, and basically you pull it out and take the cover off of it, then melt the existing soldier joints to get rid of any cracks that may have formed. There will be corrosion buildup around them too that you can clean off while you're in there.

 

i have a bunch of main relays for sale....
25shipped!

 

Get one!

 

By "nothing" do you mean the car shuts off or will not start? If it does not start does it crank but not start, or no cranking period? Hook yourself up with a main relay. If you still have problems after that, your ignition switch is probably bad, which is common in Accords.

 

Have someone smack the starter when it gives the click, while you hold the key in the crank position.
This really sounds like bad starter contacts, and I'm not just saying this to sell starter contact sets.

 

BS! Yes you are trying to sell starter contact sets. Don't believe this guy! I saw him post the same thing on 10 other threads. I think he works for Duralast or something!

Ok, just kidding. I was just being a jacka*s. That sounds like a very plausible idea too.

 

Clarification:

When I go to start the car, I turn the key... instead of starting, I just hear one click (under the hood or in the dash, I guess)... it does not start. No crank, nothing but one click. I return the key to the I position, and try again. After 3-4 attempts, the car starts like nothing is wrong. The car always starts within seconds of it cranking, when I do get it to crank. Most of the time, however, the car starts normally on the first try... in the last 2 weeks, the issue has happened 6 or 7 times. The car never dies and I always get it started [knocks on wood]. Other than having to turn the key 3 or 4 times, the car starts, cranks, and runs just like it has for 7 years- great! Again this has only happened a few times... I'm not really sure if the issue is getting more frequent, but it may be.

I hope this clarifies...

 

Could this be the starter solenoid?