I really need to get my car working again ASAP, so help me out guys.. any info is appreciated.
Keep in mind that the battery is in working order, electronics work, and there everything visible seems fine (assuming ive checked most areas). There have been NO previous problems with start-up before... for the past few days it has been starting up very weak, almost not at all.. felt like the battery was dieing.
Today i go to start it, and it wont even rotate. NO click, NOTHING.. its like as if you try to start your car without pressing the clutch. NO sound. I cant figure out why it wont start, or even rotate for that matter. HELP.. thanks..

 

have you pulled the cap off the dist.? i wasted a coil once and that is what it did. keep us posted of symptoms and we will try to help.

 

are you sure the battery is in working order? if you have a meter, check to see what voltage it is putting out. it sounds like the battery just took a mean **** on you. i have had that happen on a few cars, it starts slower and slower for a few days, then BAM! it doesnt do anything at all. i would suggest starting with the battery. one time i spent about a day trying to figure out what was wrong with my worktruck, it did the same thing your car did, i changed a ton of stuff, couldnt figure it out, towed it to a shop, and they changed the battery and it fired right up, havent had a problem since.

 

I would say put some jumper cables on it and then try to start it. Then get back to us....


[Modified by Vinceg99, 1:01 PM 2/26/2003]

 

Are you sure its not the battery?? Mine did that last year and it was just a dead battery.

 

Even if the coil is burnt, the car should still crank at the turn of the key. It sounds like the starter isn't getting any power at all. Double check the battery or the connections to the starter. Good luck.

 

Mines is doing the same thing RIGHT now and I know it's my battery. So i'm going to get me a Optima battery today, right after work. I think you shoulfd go get a new battery also bro.

 

Well.. thanks for the responses guys.
At first I assumed it was the battery as well. But how can it be the battery when everything else is in working order? Lights are fine, radio works, as well as all the other electronics. I even swapped batteries with my brothers car.. still nothing. I hit the ignition and everything else comes on, it just ront rotate.

 

Try taping your starter with something metal, while somone else is turnig the key.

Damn I forgot the name of the sensor on the clutch but maybe that went out.

Do you have a alarm that could be messed up too.
(Check the fuse from the ecu)


[Modified by JALOP B16, 8:06 PM 2/26/2003]

 

Nope, i dont have an alarm.. so you can rule that out.
I guess ill check the stater soleniod. how can i see if the clutch is the problem? this damn car still wont start.. is there a way to bypass the clutch to see is that is the problem?

 

yes there is, try clutch starting it. put it in second gear and keep the clutch in, then have someone push the car (or push it down a hill), when you're going a fair clip pop the clutch and it should start up your engine. you can do it in reverse as well but you need to be pushed backwards. this totally bypasses your starter.

 

good plan.

 

im pretty sure it will start when i pop the clutch... the motor itself isnt seized or anything. i just want to fix the starter situation.. but ive pretty much narrowed it down to the starter itself, or the clutch switch (if there is such thing). Can the starter itself seize up on me? keep the suggestions coming.

 

I doubt its the switch most likely the starter but if you want to check The clutch switch it is located at the top of the clutch pedal lever stick your head under the dash and see.

 

Damn dude, i'm having the same problem. I replaced the battery, rebuilt the starter and it still only cranks part of the time. I think i've narrowed it down to the ignition switch. I hear they get worn out after awhile. The sensor at the top of the clutch pedal is also a good place to look. You can manually press in the button to see if it will start, but make sure your car's out of gear. If anybody has any ideas about my starting problem, they would be greatly appreciated.
sk90civic