Car will only start when it wants to... (Resolved)

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Sep 4, 2014 | 03:17 PM

cksnah252

Thread Starter

Honda-Tech Member

Joined: Jun 2009

Posts: 157

Likes: 0

From: The docks

Car will only start when it wants to... (Resolved)

Sup honda-tech, Ive been going on with this problem for 2 yrs now! The fuel pump is priming, starter relay and main relay is clicking. Also the starter is clicking as well... I tested the starter wire (the wire that triggers the starter to spin, which is the blk/white wire) and i'm getting 12v from there. Battery has been replaced and starter is rebuilt. The only way for me to get this car to start is to jump the 12v directly to the starter.. I'm all out of ideas, and its kind of embarrassing when you have to pop the hood of your car to start it... Can someone plz help me out?!

Sep 5, 2014 | 04:56 AM

cksnah252

Thread Starter

Honda-Tech Member

Joined: Jun 2009

Posts: 157

Likes: 0

From: The docks

Quote:

Originally Posted by TomCat39

Just becuase the starter relay clicks doesn't mean there is continuity when it does. If you haven't done all the ignition tests, you haven't isolated the problem area. The only part that is obvious is you are not getting current running through the starter unless you manually jump the starter from the battery directly. Could be a grounding issue, a relay issue or the ignition switch itself. And because you didn't give us any car information, no one can look up any wiring diagrams for the Chevy Corvair you are working on. Please read the rules sticky thread at the top of this forum so that you are aware of the minimum requirements for threads in this forum. Failure to do so can potentially have dire consequences.

I do apologize for not mentioning what vehicle I have.. It is a 97 civic.. Here is the video so you can see what is happening!

Sep 6, 2014 | 06:36 AM

tony_2018

Fish Twig

Joined: Nov 2005

Posts: 15,554

Likes: 309

From: Still hunting that foo up there

Re: Car will only start when it wants to...

How do you usually start the car? In detail please.

Sep 6, 2014 | 07:24 AM

cksnah252

Thread Starter

Honda-Tech Member

Joined: Jun 2009

Posts: 157

Likes: 0

From: The docks

Quote:

Originally Posted by tony_2018

How do you usually start the car? In detail please.

I take a wire from the 12v on the starter, and jump it to the blk/white wire on the starter, then it will crank and start right up.

Sep 6, 2014 | 08:40 AM

tony_2018

Fish Twig

Joined: Nov 2005

Posts: 15,554

Likes: 309

From: Still hunting that foo up there

Re: Car will only start when it wants to...

So you mean to tell me, everyday you start your car by jumping the the starter by wiring 12v from the battery to the starter?

Sep 6, 2014 | 01:27 PM

tony_2018

Fish Twig

Joined: Nov 2005

Posts: 15,554

Likes: 309

From: Still hunting that foo up there

Re: Car will only start when it wants to...

I'm thinking the something else but it could be that as well, its just he's not explaining certain things.

Sep 6, 2014 | 03:21 PM

firehawk618

Honda-Tech Member

Joined: Sep 2014

Posts: 34

Likes: 2

Re: Car will only start when it wants to...

Clutch switch is the first thing I'd check.

Does your cruise control work? Does it dis engage if you push the clutch in?

Trending Topics

Accord 1996 weird starting issue -- bad ECM?

4

132
Need help please

22

1.5k
TurboLScrx - Making my return to the fold

1.9k

147.8k
Wiring issues

7

340
Honda Civic V/VI (1992-2000) LHD/RHD hatchback/coupe/sedan - new/used OEM...

145

33.2k

Sep 8, 2014 | 06:27 AM

cksnah252

Thread Starter

Honda-Tech Member

Joined: Jun 2009

Posts: 157

Likes: 0

From: The docks

Quote:

Originally Posted by TomCat39

I agree. I'd like some clarification on how he's tested continuity on the various circuits in question. There is a chance something was missed and unless the method is explained, no one can catch what it might be. I begin to understand why Ron always had people elaborate comprehensively when it came to wiring troubleshooting.

I followed the service manual on how to test the continuity on the starter relay and it was fine, no shorts, spikes on the multimeter.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tony_2018

So you mean to tell me, everyday you start your car by jumping the the starter by wiring 12v from the battery to the starter?

Yup every single morning...

This is how i did the testing

Name: image-336432353.jpg
Views: 2580
Size: 154.4 KB

Sep 8, 2014 | 06:40 AM

collkid

Honda-Tech Member

Joined: Mar 2012

Posts: 273

Likes: 0

Re: Car will only start when it wants to...

Do you have an alarm system that can be throwing things off? (had that problem in my Jeep)

Does this year Civic have a main relay problem like the Integra? Mine did this same thing too.

Sep 9, 2014 | 03:06 AM

#10

cksnah252

Thread Starter

Honda-Tech Member

Joined: Jun 2009

Posts: 157

Likes: 0

From: The docks

Quote:

Originally Posted by TomCat39

All civics have the main relay issue from what I understand. OP thank you for the clarification that rules out human error on the starter relay itself. Have you tested whether power reaches the starter relay when you throw the key to the "start" position?

I finally found the damn problem after messing around with the car for hours last night. I traced down the ignition switch wire (that has the blk/white wire to starter relay), I noticed that who ever owned vehicle had cut those wires and placed a smaller gauged wire! I dont why they would do that (previously installed alarm, or "starter kill maybe"?) but after pulling that small gauge wire and soldering the wires back together, the car starts up normal now! I appreciate the help guys, thanks a lot!!

Sep 9, 2014 | 07:22 AM

#11

tony_2018

Fish Twig

Joined: Nov 2005

Posts: 15,554

Likes: 309

From: Still hunting that foo up there

Re: Car will only start when it wants to... (Resolved)

Did the smaller gauge looked melted in any way? Was it soldered on before you did the repair?

Sep 9, 2014 | 07:24 AM

#12

tony_2018

Fish Twig

Joined: Nov 2005

Posts: 15,554

Likes: 309

From: Still hunting that foo up there

Re: Car will only start when it wants to...

Quote:

Originally Posted by TomCat39

I agree. I'd like some clarification on how he's tested continuity on the various circuits in question. There is a chance something was missed and unless the method is explained, no one can catch what it might be.

I begin to understand why Ron always had people elaborate comprehensively when it came to wiring troubleshooting.

Again, in order for any of us to help someone we just need to know what they did specifically. Now my go to guy for wiring diagrams is gone ATM and I am left to do my own searching. Sucks to be a mod for a website that is full of noobs and trolls. I feel bad that the next generation might end up relying on there phone to give them an answer.