So I have a 1999 Honda Accord 4Cyl, 5spd that I am having an intermittent starting issue with it. When I turn the key to the on position, I hear the fuel pump prime. CEL light comes on and goes off after fuel pump is primed. Once I put the key in "start" position, all I get is a single click. Nothing else. I know it's not a battery issue as it does not make a difference if it's a freshly charged battery, or even with a jump box. After "clicking" the motor several times, eventually is starts up. And then sometimes I do no have any issues with it and it starts right up. When the car does start, the starter does not sound like it "struggling" or "straining".

Any help or suggestions as to what I may try to fix this problem would be great.

Thank you!!

 

Assuming your battery connections are all tight and good. Check your connections on the starter and make sure they are tight and not loose. How old is that starter? what is the car mileage?

Other than that, It sounds like you have a classic symtom of bad starter--it often does that until one day it completely quits on you.

 

I was thinking the same thing as well. on my next day off I'm going to inspect my terminals on either end. but I was kind of expecting a starter.

thanks for your reply

 

If cranking sound strong ... your starter is good ... you may have an ignitor issue .. check first your cables, spark plugs, distributor cap and rotor, and coil. A weak or faulty coil gives normal continuity reading ... but will fail for high voltage .. traces of voltage breakdown .. can be spotted ... change in color on its iron core and dark spots. Do not crank your car without your wires connected otherwise your coil will be damaged.