so my starter wont start anymore i can push start it but thats it first thing i did was take my starter out and get it tested at autozone and it passed everytime so next thing that came to mind is it could be my ignition switch so i unplug it and test wires one of the wires failed i dont remember which so i ordered a new ignition switch i jsut got it today and put it on and still the same problem my engine still wont start what other problems could it be?

 

pulled this from another site when my sister's starter was acting up...

I spent some time today looking through the HELMS service manual and the HELMS electrical manual. I learned a couple tricks about the starter:


# 1 ___ If it clicks (thunk!) but doesn't start spinning, it's the (burnt up) solenoid's contacts because they handle the high current that makes the starter spin. They are shown on that www.nationsautoelectric.com/Nippondenso.html site. Clicking it several times will usually get it to go, but don't ignore this symptom too long.

# 2 ___ If it doesn't click at all, (or only a tiny click) it's because the coil of the solenoid isn't getting it's path to ground through the windings of the starter (brushes are worn out / hanging, or armature is burnt / bumpy). This is when a little tap on the side of the starter with a hammer / tire iron will get you back in the game most of the time, since the brushes just need a bit of vibration to make them connect.

#3 ___ If it makes a machine gun noise (kinda like ABS activating) your battery is too dead to hold the solenoid engaged or your cables are poorly connected to the battery.

#4 ___ If it makes a single ZAP! and nothing happens (even headlights are dead) then your battery terminals are very loose OR you've connected the battery the wrong way and blown (a lot of other stuff and) the huge fuse in the under-hood box.

 

thank you i think its #2 so ill go give that a try right now

 

i also forgot to mention when i pull the starter out and put it back in it will start the first try but after that it doesnt work

 

fixed my car it was the starter

 

good to hear. sucks that they don't really sell individual parts so you can rebuild it. you can get individual parts from honda but they are $$$

what brand replacement did you end up getting?

 

For Honda's:
99 times out of 10, the problem is related to a bad cable/wire connection, or weak battery.

1) Remove the negative battery terminal.
2) Remove the primary starter cable from the starter and the battery.
3) Use steel wool or 1000 grit sandpaper and clean the wire contacts until shiny metal is exposed.
4) Inspect and make sure the wire contacts are secure on the wire.
5) Reinstall the clean starter cable/wire nice and snug.
6) Clean and reconnect negative battery cable. It should make secure contact and the wire should not be loosey-goosey in the terminal connector. Also check the positive battery terminal.

- Check and clean engine ground wires the same way.