I just got done with my 97 gsr swap into my 93 civic cx hatchback. I have a brand new battery, and to my knowledge, the wiring is all correct, meaning the cables that go to the engine bay fuse box and the starter and all that is exactly where it should be.

When I put the key in and turn it, but don't crank it. All the lights turn on, the fuel pump goes, and things seem ok. But then when I go to crank it, theres a click near the battery and fuse box, but nothing. And when I do crank it, it seems like it resets everything, the lights go off, and when I crank it again, they come back on and the fuel pump goes again, as if I had taken the key all the way out but I haven't, I have just tried starting it again.

The first time I tried this, I didn't have a ground on my transmission so I thought that might be it, but I then I threw a ground on my transmission and still the same thing. Then I thought it could be the clutch neutral safety switch, and yah theres no rubber stopper on my clutch so I grabbed a screw driver and shorted the switch, made sure it was touching, but then when I cranked it, now theres a continuous clicking that doesn't stay rhythmically consistent.

I think it might be my starter, which is why I have already ordered one and its on its way. But the behavior of the car when I try and start it makes me less than 100% convinced that its just a dead starter.

Any one have any ideas as to what this could be?

Thanks!

 

it was the neutral safety switch. im an idiot and turns out its a button so once i pressed that in, then it started up.