Hey,

I am having some issues with my 96 Accord 4 cyl. VTEC not starting after the car has warmed up and then turned off. The car will not turn over and I only hear a slight click when I turn the key. Battery is good and car runs fine otherwise. These symtoms seem to happen most often when its hot outside. The solution to get it started is to pour cold water or pack ice around the starter and solenoid, wait about a minute and then it starts fine.

I am looking for some advice on what the most likley cause is. I know the main relays are a common problem but my symptoms seem to be a little different than what I have found on here. I am leaning towards the solenoid being the culprit but am not sure. Any advice? Also, can I replace just the solenoid or does the whole starter have to be replaced?

Any advice would be appreciated, I am pretty new to Hondas but this forum seems to have a lot of knowledgeable people that can get me up to speed.

Thanks
Swade

 

The main relay is located inside, sorta above driver's left knee. With a bad main relay, the starter will crank the engine just fine. But the fuel pump won't be running.

If you can get some results with ice on the starter, that pretty much nails it as the starter or the starter's solenoid.

 

pgmfi relay....car wont start when it hot outside. under the drivers dash.

 

if you are hearing the starter click but have no cranking, and all your elctrical connections at the battery are good.
the most common problem is starter contacts; very cheap and easy to replace on 'ND' brand starters.

 

Thanks for the info everybody! Could you clarify what parts I would be replacing in the photo? Also, where can I get the parts and once I get them, is it pretty self explanetory to replace them?

Thanks
Swade

 

I had the same problem in my 99'. The guy @ the dealership said it was common for the relay to stick in ho weather on honda's. I cost about 200 bucks. But, I can start my car everday

 

I like to perform a voltage drop at the starter while holding the key in the start position when the symptom is present. I have been known to 'whack' a starter or two as well.