I have a '98 Honda CRV automatic tran. For a while, the car had some trouble starting, but, eventually it would start. Now, the key turns and zip. Clicking, struggling, turning, or anything. I have replaced the ignition switch, lock key cylinder, battery cables and two relays(neither of which are a starter relay since this model doesn't have one- confirmed by the honda dealer service dept). The starter has been tested and is good. I have also tried dtarting it in neutral to no result. So, I am at a loss. I can use some input if anyone has it.

Thanks

 

When you say it had touble starting did the engine crank over and take a while to start or did you have to turn the key a few times before the engine would crank? was there a difference when you tried to start it in neutral? (I assume when you replaced the battery cables the battery was tested and terminals cleaned).

 

The engine would crank but take a while to turn over. Yes, the battery is good and the terminals are clean. When I turn the key, all of the indicator light come on. Like normal. Its just there is nothing. No turning or gasping or anything.

Thanks

 

Also, I checked as to wether the recalls had been addressed and the dealer said that they had been. The big one was the ignition switch which I have replaced again.

 

How long would the engine crank before it would (start="turn over")? I'm sorry but I'm a little dense, the second part of your response is a little confusing " all of the indicator light come on. like normal. it's just there is nothing" does this mean at that point the car is not cranking or not (starting=turning over)?

 

Good question. No crank or no start. If no crank then check for starter signal at starter with the key in the start position. There should be battery voltage. If there is not there is a open in the starter signal circuit. If there is you may simply have a bad starter.

 

What I mean by indicator lights= you insert the key and turn it to the on position and the dash lights(voltage, temp, oil etc) are lit. I mention it because it shows that there is power from the batt. As far as cranking, it would be anywhere from 10 sec-to a min or more of trying to start(turn over). I wish it were a bad starter. I did remove it and took to the auto parts store where they tested it. they did 4 or 5 tests and each time it was good. So, by "nothing" I mean that when I turn the key to start the car that literally nothing happens. Silence. No cranking, clicking or whirring. The starter is good and the batt is good. I replaced the batt cables and the ignition switch/lock key cylinder. So it seems like it has to be somewhere in between the ignition switch and the batt?

 

One thing to add. Every so often when trying to start the car, an weird sound will come from the area of the glove box(the fuses are on the driver side) but the relays are on the passenger side just on the other side of the fire wall. The sound is not mechanical. It sounds sort of electrical, almost like something is shorting out. Again, it doesn't do this every time. 99.9% of the time its just silence.

 

B, if you are turning on the key and your dash lights come on but the starter won't turn over, taking into consideration all you have done so far I think I would test your neutral safety/lockout switch, it could be worn out or out of adjustment. Maybe try jiggling your shift lever while the ignition switch is in the start position. SET YOUR PARKING BRAKE AND CHOCK ALL 4 WHEELS FIRST!

 

Thanks! I will check that out. I have tried to start it in neutral but to no result.

 

'98 CRV
I have read the posts and found the info very useful. My daughter has a 2000 CRV and the engine turns over but does not start. I tried to move it around to tow it but the shifter will not move from park. Are these 2 issues related in some way or has her bad luck caught up with her.

 

Could possibly be but you need to troubleshoot the safety switch.