Almost new battery (all lights come on strong), well connected (terminals tight & dry) - turning the key does nothing - no clicking, no buzzing, the lights in the dash do not dim. Read some other threads, tried turning the key 'quickly', tried turning it several times ... nothing. Can't afford to get it towed to a mechanic and pay $80-100 just for the diagnostic. Is there anything I could do, or try to do ? Don't have advanced tools or the knowledge. Please help.

 

Sound like a duff starter motor, but have you checked the cables attached directly to the starter motor / solenoid make sure they have not come loose

Kev

 

Kev, you are the first person to respond, thank you.<br />I am not a techy but I think a faulty starter/solenoid would still produce some sorta sound (clicking?). Would absorb some voltage, at the very least, reflected by a dimming of dashboard lights. The fact that the dashboard lights register not even a flicker makes me think the current is not leaving the ignition switch/fuse box area. I tried to see where the starter relay maybe but couldn't figure it out. Auto parts stores don't even offer a starter relay on their list for Honda Element which I find puzzling.

 

I am not a techy but I think a faulty starter/solenoid would still produce some sort sound (clicking?). No like I said it may be totally duff.

Would absorb some voltage, at the very least, reflected by a dimming of dashboard lights. If it’s not working it would not be using any voltage / amps.

Yes it could be the famous Honda ignition key problem – If you are not capable of checking this I would suggest you get an auto electrian on the job.

Regarding starter motor relay – I am not familiar with the wiring / Honda Element, so I suggest you phone local distributor and ask for part number and location.

Kev

 

Hopefully you've resolved this by now, but my 05 crv did the same thing - starter was dead.