I wasn't sure what to put as the title. Every search that I've found under "Ignition" comes back with something about MSD.

When I start my car, sometimes I hear it click, like the sound of relays. But the engine doesn't try to turn over. Just the clicking sound. When it does try to turn over, and starts up, it sounds like the starter is constantly running. The really interesting part about the whole thing is that if I turn the car off, because of the sound of the starter, the car continues to try to start, even after I take the key out.

I've checked the starter, it's good. The key mechanism is fine, because it turns properly. So the only thing I can think of is that it's in the wiring or MAYBE a relay.

Does anyone have any experience with this problem?

 

The electrical part of the ignition switch is separate from the lock cylinder. It sounds like THAT's what's flaky.

 

That's what I'm thinking, but I'm also kinda hoping that it would be a simple relay that has gone bad.

I took the ignition switch off and was looking around... Dunno!

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by DangBruhY &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I took the ignition switch off and was looking around... Dunno!</TD></TR></TABLE>Check continuity thru each of the 3 circuits thru that switch with a DMM. At each position of the switch wiggle it around, see if the continuity gets flaky... You aren't gonna tell by just looking at it.

 

I'll check the continuity for each position. Can I rule out the relay idea?

Thanks

 

How old is this starter? its possible for the contacts in the starter solenoid to stick and continue turning even after the car is off which will drain your battery. When you try to start a car with a dead battery you get click.

 

i kno this sounds stupid but i had that problem once and it was actually my battery....it really didnt seem like it had ANYTHING to do with the battery but when i gave up on the ignition, i switched the battery and the problem went away...

 

That's where I started at, the battery. I took it to Sears and they said the battery was fine. When I hear the clicking sound, all I have to do is keep trying and it will eventually start up. The only problem now is that the starter keeps running, after I let go of the key. Even if I take the key out of the ignition, it keeps trying. So I don't think it's a battery problem.

As far as the starter itself, I took the starter to be tested. Everything came out alright with that. So I don't think it's the starter either.

I'm going to Ohm out the connectors today to see if I can find anything. The contactors were REALLY dirty, so I cleaned them off and hopefully I can figure this thing out soon. I haven't driven my car in 3 weeks.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by DangBruhY &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I'll check the continuity for each position. Can I rule out the relay idea?</TD></TR></TABLE>You can't rule out anything by reading an internet BB. You rule out stuff by checking it to make sure it's working properly. Nobody can guarantee yours is broken exactly the same way as anyone else...

The starter solenoid/relay is mounted on the starter itself. It does 2 things: it switches the big power circuit to 'turn on' the starter motor; and it also pushes the starter pinion gear out to engage the flywheel. That could be going bad, it would explain the clicking & no cranking, from your first post. It might also explain the starter continuing to run. But you checked that out, because it's part of the starter.

Loose or corroded battery cables (either end) can explain the clicking, but not the starter running on.

Whether you're talking about your Civic or your CRV (or even your Ranger), I don't have the same car. My cars don't have another relay in the starter circuit, so yours probably don't either. But check a circuit drawing for your car.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by DangBruhY &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I'm going to Ohm out the connectors today to see if I can find anything. The contactors were REALLY dirty...</TD></TR></TABLE>
So did you check the ignition switch? Is that what you're talking about? I suggested it because it's known as a sorta common problem, & it's easier to check than taking out the starter.

 

Ok, I fixed my car. I'll tell you what I did and you can form an opinion on what fixed it.

* Disconnected the battery.
* Removed the starter and had it tested. (Came out ok)
* Disconnected the ignition wires from the ignition switch. (Switch was ok)
* Removed the mechanism (that distributes power to the approperate wires) from the wire terminal.
* Cleaned the contats on the wire terminal and on the distributing mechanism.
* Slapped everything back together and it works fine.

I hope the problem doesn't come back. Before, when it was clicking and didn't start, I messed with it and it went away for a while. But then it got worse.

Hopefully it's fixed now. The only problem is that I've been driving my slow Ranger, that has a LONG clutch. My clutch in my car is a LOT shorter and stiffer. I was driving down the street and was screaching every time I shifted. hahah

Thanks for the help. Hopefully I won't need anymore on this subject.

-Aaron

 

Loose or corroded electrical connections are kinda like that. Sometimes you never figure out exactly where they were bad. I like to put grease on the battery cables (both ends) for corrosion, & sometimes in other plugs in the wiring harness.