Recently I have an issue with my 96 HX coupe with starting.

At first, I thought I was killing starters because I replaced it and the car started just fine, but now 4 weeks later, I turn the key and the starter doesn't even click on. All the other lights work, the dash lights flash, etc, the fuel pump clicks on. I took the starter to Advance and they tested it. It spins and engages just fine.

I replaced the battery terminals, as it still had the flimsy banded type on there and I was having issues getting a good connect to the ground post.

I swapped the clutch relay, I grounded out the clutch/starter switch at the top of the clutch by cutting the harness off and splicing the two wires.

The ignition fuse seems good, as does every other fuse I've checked.

I replaced the wire coming from the positive battery terminal to the starter, checked all three starter wires, the starter was pulled off and put back on tight when it was tested. I checked the ground coming off to the battery to the chassis. Getting a very clean connection and seems to be no corrosion.

We can push start the car just fine and it runs perfectly well after that.

Could it possibly be the main relay? I'm past the small amount of technical proficiency I have and at a loss.

Thanks for any insight.

 

Have you tested the ignition switch?

Do you have a multimeter?

 

I have a multimeter, though I barely know how to use it or how to test the ignition switch.

 

There should be a link in the FAQs sticky that shows a diagram for testing the ignition switch.

Post a picture of your multimeter and I'll tell you how to do continuity tests.

 

NOT OP, but I've tested the ignition switch in mine as well and even added a momentary switch on my Advance auto starter but I still only get 7-9 months out of it before the starter solenoid begins sticking and I either have to roll start it or jump the two terminals on the starter and then use the starter momentary switch as to avoid damaging the flywheel. I'm seriously considering rebuilding the starter instead of continuously replacing mine.

TL;DR
Cheap autoparts stores sell cheap parts, look into getting an OEM starter and having it rebuilt at a decent battery/alternator/starter shop

 

Ok it actually was clutch safety switch, I just hadn't bypassed it correctly. My family mechanic ended up helping me

Thanks for your help guys.