Hello all,

Car starts up every time when I first start it for the day, but then after driving it around a little, and only sometimes, it won't start. Can't hear any sounds, key turns over and just nothing. Normally what get's it to start is turning the steering wheel back and forth. One time I had a friend give the starter a tap and it turned over. It run's perfectly fine once it's started. I think it may be eather a electrical wire issue or something with the starter. Any help would be appreciated.

 

Tapping the starter could mean the contact points are getting worned, you can either rebuild it or replace it. If you have to wiggle a steering wheel to start the car I suggest you take apart your ignition switch and see if the contacts are corroded.

 

Also check the rubber stopper that presses on the starter switch at the top of the clutch pedal (assuming manual transmission).

 

it is manual, checked the rubber stopper and it seems to be working fine, pressing the little button in and all and doesn't look too worn.

 

Run wire from (+) battery post to the starter solenoid terminal (Blk/Wht wire). Put transmission in neutral. Every time you touch the wire to the terminal, does the starter crank?

 

Not to hijack this thread, but I'm having a similar problem with my 97 Civic EX. Every once in a while the car will not start. No cranking or anything like the OP stated. However, I've figured out that if I mess with the small wire with the blade connector (wiggle the wire, disconnect/reconnect, etc.) I can get the car to start up again. The starter has been out before and tested fine. I'm leaning towards a bad connection. Is there a certain resistance I can check for in this wire to see if it's corroded?