So I have a 1998 Honda Accord EX 4 cylinder automatic.

Was driving fine, stopped @ a gas station then it wouldn't start. When attempting to start it makes a single click (not multiple clicks as I've heard with cars in the past).

It also feels like the breaks & steering wheel are locked up.

The day before, while driving down the interstate, all the instruments (battery meter, speedometer, etc) spiked to the top, then everything dropped down to zero (as if the car died) then went back to normal. This is the only recent issue I've had.

Any insight? Thanks

 

A bad started relay is what it sounds like.

 

try cleaning your battery terminals first, then make sure it is fully charged. if that won't do it, tap the starter mildly with a tool (hammer, etc). you may have a bad starter. turn on your headlights, turn the key, and if current is flowing through the starter solenoid, then the lights should dim. that should tell you your starter is getting power.

 

I have the same issue with my crx! Car started fine, drove to school and after class car would not start.... Put key in ignition and instrument panel lights up and stereo comes on when I turn to position 3 to start the car, lights stay on but stereo kicks off and nothing happens.

I jumped the starter/solnoid with a wire straight to the battery and the engine started fine. So just today i replaced ignition switch and went to start the car and it did not fix the issue. I was parking on hills and poping clutch in 2nd gear to start the car, now im just using the wire hooked up to the solenoid post. I touch it to the pos and the car starts. Also the car does not have a clutch switch.

All fuses are fine. Any ideas?

 

Did you guys resolved your issue? I have a very similar situation like djshua, however my 99 2.3L auto accord, when i turn to position 3 to start, there's a single click and I also notice that there are only few warning lights on not all of them. I also notice that even with the key in any position, I cannot disengage from park. Any remedy and help would greatly appriciate heck I'll even give you $100 bucks for anyone that can pin point to the issue.

 

Hook me up with the $100 bro lol. I'm thinking it's the ignition switch or the starter, the lights and instrument gluster make me think ignition switch. This happened a couple of years back and the switch was the issue. I could be wrong about this but I think a way to test your starter is if you try jumping your car and it starts then the starter is ok and it's most likely your battery, if it doesn't start at all then it's your starter. Hope this helps and you can send me the $100 over paypal :-D

 

I have a 2002 accord with the 2.3l ULEV engine and I had just cleaned my EGR ports and a couple of days later I noticed when I would punch the gas the check engine light would flicker on and then all my gauges would spike. I found the problem after the motor shut off on me on the fwy. I had not tightened the 10mm screw to the ground on the plenum on the right hand side once I tighten it is was golden. I hope this information helps