I have a 2012 Honda Civic LX coupe, manual transmission, 195,000 miles. For the last year or so, once in a while, the car won't start on the first try. When I turn the key I might hear a slight hum, or I might hear nothing. I turn the key off and try again, and it starts like nothing is wrong. Sometimes it takes a third try. It might happen once in a month; it might happen two days in a row. My mechanic says it's probably either the starter or, if I understood him correctly, something sticking in the clutch. He suggested I pump the clutch a couple of times when the key was on but that didn't work. He doesn't want to replace anything because it so seldom doesn't work that he hasn't experienced it. He doesn't charge if he installs the wrong part, so he basically wants to wait until the car is towed to him. I am single, live alone and have a long drive to work. The battery is new. I'd really like this repaired! Anyone have ideas as to what it might be?

 

If the engine simply doesn't turn it could just as easy be the starter contacts going bad.

 

Thanks. If the starter contacts are going bad, then is the starter going bad and needing replacement? If not, what does one do about the contacts? Could it be anything else that you can think of?
Martha

 

Yes, you can just replace the starter.

 

My mechanic will have to replace the starter, and he won't do it because it never acts up when I'm at the shop. If the contacts are going bad can they be replaced without replacing the starter? Is it a cheaper job?

 

Yes, it's doable for the average Joe. Probably some how-to vids on youtube.

 

Thanks, I'll look for the videos. I have many skills and abilities; however, auto mechanics is not one of them.
Martha

 

I don't know how's the engine bay in the 9th gen, but it's a PITA for the 8th gens.