Car is a 91 Integra LS with 193k miles. Car runs great, perfect compression.

Maybe once a month when I go to start the car in the morning, I turn the key and nothing. I hear a click in the cabin, i think that's the main relay? But the starter doesn't turn, kinda like its a dead battery but its not. Its a new battery, new alternator and the terminals are clean. I confirmed full battery voltage with a multimeter.

I can try starting it 100 times in a row and nothing. Never cranks, just clicks once per each key turn. I found that if I remove the key and try it again that seems to have better luck with it cranking. If I try it enough it will eventually crank and then it starts right up and runs perfectly fine. Ive also tried turning it off right after I get it started and restarting it. It will crank and start perfectly fine after that point.

This is very weird. Temperature or rain don't seem to be a factor. Actually I have no idea what is causing this. I don't do anything to fix it when it works. 99% of the time it cranks and starts the first time. 1% it just decides not to crank. But it has seemed to get more frequent.

What are the symptoms of a dying starter?
Any ideas or questions?

 

Symptoms are consistant with a failing starter solenoid, or ignition switch. BTW, have you checked the ground end of the battery cable? They tend to get corroded down to just a few strands at the crimp connector, but I think you would experience the no-crank more often.

 

Yes the battery ground has been replaced and all grounding surfaces have been sanded down.

What would be making the single clicking noise in the cabin when the key is turned? Is that the main relay or possibly the ignition switch?

 

Sounds like your starter. My car used to do that. Every once and a while it will just make a click sound and thats it. If it was your ignition the battery light and oil light won't even come on. If it was your main relay your car will crank but will not start.

Bam!!!

 

go to Advanced Auto or Auto Zone and they will check the starter, alternator and battery for free. Sounds like the starter though.......like the others said.

 

Can't tell if this is the problem or if cars with cable actuated clutches even have it, but on my Del Sol..it useto have a similar problem. I found it to be the clutch switch, so I had to pump my clutch once or twice for it to activate then the car started up fine. Just an idea before you spend money on other things.

 

Yes that was one of my theories too. With the key held at start I would pump the clutch trying the clutch switch multiple times. That didnt seem to have any affect. Im going to pull the starter and take it to auto zone for testing.