Hey guys!

I have an 01 accord that is having problems starting. This problem started about two weeks ago. On my way to class, I decided to check my mailbox, which is about two blocks away from my house. It was probably about 20 degrees (F) that morning and the car started fine. I drove about two blocks to the mailbox and turn off my car in front of it because my mailbox key is on my keyring. I grab my mail, get back in my car, and try to leave for class but the car wont start. It just makes one clicking noise but my car battery appeares to still have plenty of power. In fact, I had my oil changed a week before and the complimentary battery test showed the battery to be in good condition. Also, the dash light dim when I try to start it which I think means power is getting to the starter.

So I call my buddy and he trys to jump it but the car would still just make the one clicking sound. We tapped on the starter with a hammer a little bit and tried jumping it with the negative cable grounded a few times and it eventually turned on. That was that and the problem was fixed for about two weeks until yesterday.

Yesterday, I drove to and from class in the morning with the car working fine. But about 2 hours after getting home I tried to leave to run errands and the car wouldn't start again. I tapped on the starter, tried to jump it and all that but it would still just make only one click but all the electronics have full power.

I wait a few hours for my roomate to come home and we jumped it. The car started! I drove it around the block to make sure it was charged, came home parked it, turned it on and off again to make sure it worked and it did! But then I come back a few hours later and it will only make the one clicking sound but my headlights are still at full power.

 

Needhelp, I believe I had the same problem with my 01 accord. Theres a copper ring inside the solenoid that wears down and will cause intermittent crank. If the battery is good,all connections are good and you have voltage at the solenoid when the key is turned, than this is what should solve the problem. Of course buying a reman. starter with the solenoid will too but it'll cost over 100.00. Separate solenoids cost about the same. Its not hard to fix if you have the time.

 

Sounds like the starter is going bad. Or you have a wiring fault in your ignition somewhere, but that is highly unlikely.

 

clean the battery cables on the battery.

 

clean battery posts on the battery. If it still doesnt' start then it could just be the starter contacts. To test, hit the starter with something solid and try to start it. If it starts, it's the contacts. If so, do a google search for "larry b's starter contacts"