So my car (2000 Honda Civic SI) has been having a starting problem since last summer, mostly on really hot days. When I would turn the key, that starter would just click once. And if I turn the key repeatedly like about 10 times, the car would start on one of the turns.

So my guess was my starter was going out. I recently bought a new starter from Advance Auto and the problem is less intermittent with the new starter but the problem is still there.

Today, I took out all 4 of the engine grounds and sanded down all the contact points.

Battery terminals are tight.

I also wiggled my clutch safety switch to see if it was the problem, it wasn't and doesn't help the car start.

I also went to Autozone and they hooked up the battery machine to my battery while the car was off. It read about 11-12 volts.

I forgot what it read when the engine was running but the volts jumped up when I revved the engine.

I'm a bit stumped on what the hell is wrong, maybe the ignition switch? I mean the clicks I hear when I turn the key is the starter shaft engaging, it's just not cranking the flywheel. I've checked all connections on the new starter, they are tight and secure.

 

It really sounds like the ignition switch. If you have to turn the key like ten times before it finally starts. It may just be a bad connection inside the switch.

 

It's weird though, cause my car doesn't have the normal symptoms of a bad ignition switch. I know stalling and such would be a symptom but my car never does.

 

Also, I forgot to add. I sometimes hear a buzzing sound when I turn the key to the "3" position. Sometimes it starts and sometimes it doesn't after the buzzing sound.

 

that buzzing noise could possibly be your starter relay buzzing, due to bad connection.
try replacing that relay (less than $10) and monitoring the situation further.
Otherwise, in my professional opinion, sounds like your starter solenoid has a dead spot in it.
You can ask a friend to crank it and listen where the click is coming from, and if it is coming from the starter solenoid, than you know you're getting a crank signal from your ignition switch. Also than you should hook a test light up to your main power at the starter (the heavier gauge wire) and just make sure you ALWAYS have a bright bulb. even while holding in the crank position, and even when the car is shut off. ALWAYS!!!
If you have both a good signal and good battery power, than you can pretty much bet that it is the starter.
I would look into that relay a bit, though, as that buzzing noise sounds a little fishy...

Good Luck!

 

I'll check out the starter relay and replace it to see if it improves.

Even though my "new" starter or should I say re-manufactured is less than 3 days old (replaced it this week), is there a possibility of the solenoid having a dead spot like you said?

 

absolutely...
Re-man parts are exactly that...used parts.
I run into dud parts at work all the time. Usually alternators and starters. They are only "Re-conditioned" which means torn down, inspected and parts are only replaced if they are defective at that time...
And think about it this way... If a solenoid has a dead spot, than that spot will continue to get warm and decrease in function as each cranking action sends battery voltage through it.
It starts after a few tries because a solenoid disc (like the one on your starter) is designed to spin a very small amount each time you crank the engine. This promotes even wear in the solenoid, thus extending its life. So each time you crank it and it clicks, it spins a bit, and eventually the contact lands on a good spot and vroom, your engine starts.

A buzzing noise, like you are describing , is a similar symptom found in relays, where a bad spot in the relay causes intermittent connections.
You can even try switching the relay with a different relay (like the blower motor, or AC relay, if they are the same relay) and see if that clears it up. If it does, then you know it's a relay.
Although, in all my years mechanicing, i have done VERY FEW relays and a SHITPILE of starters.
Hope this helps with your problems

 

Thanks for the insight. If anything, I'll have the starter replaced since it has lifetime warranty.

So today, I drove the car and made at least 3-5 stops with the engine turned off at each stop. And out of those times the engine has turned off, my car took a cpl tries to start like at 2 of the places I stopped at. At the other places, it took one turn to start.

I also noticed how far I had to turn the key to the 3 position before it started. It would range from right off the 2 position, middle of the 3 position, or all the way till the end of the 3 position.

But no buzzing sound today. It only happens out of the blue.

 

So I ripped apart the under dash and steering column to check all connections and relays. And I took off the ignition switch which is that white round thing that has wires attached to it. I tapped it a couple times and put it back in and my car hasn't had any trouble starting since.

 

I had the same symptoms on my old civic. Car would take a few turns of the ignition to start on really hot days. It ended up being my main relay switch. Very common issue with Hondas

 

thanks for the help
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