TL;DR - Is my starter going out? Will typically start after a few times, but seems i'm about to get stranded.

2001 Honda Accord - F23A - Manual Tranny - < 100k miles
I'm really hoping I can throw a new starter in and be good to go, but it won't outright fail so I can't really determine if that's it. It started really infrequently (maybe one every 2 months), but it's happening every time now. It failed inspection for check engine light that was either cut or blocked off (doesn't light up) The check engine light was for a catalytic converter (source: the SKETCHIEST shop you've ever been to). Will try to get a code soon.

The car whines like the aperture is spinning but not extending, but as soon as I think i'm stuck, vroom vroom start. When it was infrequent things I saw / heard of were main fuse / other electrical, but this check engine light has me thinking it could have something to do with it. Any input / advice / help would be most appreciated. 24 hours before I start another busy week shuttling between 2 jobs. TIA!

 

I can't say for sure but it sounds like the starter is indeed bad. You could rebuild it yourself with a new set of starter contacts if your car is a manual or a new set of brushes if it's an auto.

 

Or do what I did. Go to the Pick-and-pull, find an Accord with low mileage and pull the starter. Then take it to a alternator/starter shop and have it tested. Total cost was $25 and the starter works great. If it doesn't, return it and try again.

 

I can't play it. If it isn't the starter, you may want to have your fuel pressure tested as well. Frequently low fuel pressure due to a failing fuel pump or clogged fuel filter causes cars to take extra long to start, and sometimes fail to start.

 

Define "not starting"

You said "The car whines like the aperture is spinning but not extending" does that mean you can hear the starter motor running but it is NOT engaging and cranking the engine?

If so, the starter solenoid is N/G, replacing the contacts will not help, replace starter, as mentioned a bone yard, [PicknPull] is your best friend. 94

 

Thanks for the advice guys, but this is much more than I had anticipated. Evidently, the previous owner pulled the bulb / cut the wire to the check engine light. Codes being thrown:

P0401 - EGR Valve
P0420 - CAT Bank 1
P0505 - Idler Control Valve
P0325 - Knock Sensor
P1259 - VTEC Solenoid
P1297 - Elec Load Detector ELD

Sweet. All that being said, guy that runs the codes says replacing the starter would at least get me back and forth to work. False. New starter installed, same issue as before. I should note I did a charging system check as well, per other advice. All good there.

Are these all from one major issue, or do I need like 5 new sensors? VTEC Solenoid was just replaced as the last one fell off. I'm thinking I should start with the knock sensor, but need to do more reading. Long week already. Thanks again for the tips.