Hey all,

Tried to start my '05 Civic today - no dice. Lights are bright, everything looks normal, but nothing happens when I turn the key (the radio shuts off as it should). No clicking sound (at least that I can hear).

The last time I drove, it didn't start when I turned the key the first time or two - which I thought was strange - but it started on the third turn of the key. I also noticed the engine light was on.

Everything seems good but the car just goes silent and absolutely nothing happens.

I had to replace the negative battery cable this past winter. I can try to see if there's an issue there.

The car is a 5-speed. Any suggestions on what to do?

What I really need is a temporary fix to move the car since it's on the street. Anyone think it could be the clutch switch?

If I could just bypass whatever so I don't have to snag people to help me push start that would be ideal.

Anyways, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

 

By the way, it has a new battery.

 

It's quite possibly the clutch pedal position switch, but it's also possible that the ignition switch is going bad.

Have you tried wiggling the CPPS to see if it helps? It might just be a loose wire on the back of it. (or the switch might be faulty and needs to be replaced)

 

I'll try bypassing the clutch switch with a paperclip or something to see if that does the trick. That would be the best scenario.

One thing that makes me think it might not be the ignition is that when I turn the key, the radio shuts off. So at least part of the switch is recognizing I'm trying to start the engine. Does that make sense or do you think that doesn't automatically mean it's not the ignition?

 

also which switch is the right one one the clutch? Top or bottom?

 

A friend mentioned it could be the theft-deterrent system - could that be possible?

 

It's still a possibility.

If you look under the dash at the clutch pedal, there are two switches. You want the top one. What happens is, when you push the clutch pedal down to the floor, an arm on the back of it presses the button down on that switch so you can start the car.

Is the "little green key" light in the gauge cluster flashing? Are you using the same key you've always been using?

 

Just to make sure, have you checked for power going to the starter pull in windings? Have someone hold the switch to cranking position while you check for battery voltage at the small black wire connected to the "S" terminal of the starter. Once you find out if you have power to the starter you'll have a better idea on how to go about diagnosing. Let me know what you find. We've had some trouble out of the newer civic starters.