civicowner123

So like the title says. The man hot-wired my car, since I had ignition problems, so I could drive it off the lot it broke at and get it to my house. Well, after a month of trying to get this guy to change my ignition, he finally did, but forgot to redo what he did to my car.

The way he hot wired it was, he took a wire, and connected it to the starter, so all I had to do was power the car on, and then connect the wire to my battery terminal.

I have no clue as to how to fix this, and I searched all over the web, and can't find any solutions.

Please, let me know if you need more details. I will also post up pictures too.

Thanks!

mikey1

it sounds to me like all you need to do is remove the wire that he installed

kinakoes2

Disconnect the wire at the battery. Does it start?

civicowner123

I can try that for sure. I'll let you guys know.

civicowner123

No, that didn't work.

Here are some photos of what's going on.
It won't let me upload the last photo, but it's me holding the wire next to the battery terminal.

civicowner123

Anyone have any ideas?

Poopies

iTrader: (4)

Check all your fuses and make sure that wire isn't touching ANYTHING when you try to start your car.

ezone

Real shop with real technicians that really can fix cars?

Poopies

iTrader: (4)

That

civicowner123

I rather try, and save money by working on my own car. I know I can do it myself.

civicowner123

I took the wire off, and tried to start the car. It didn't work. That wire is doing something to where the car is relying on it in order to turn the engine over.

mikey1

i think you need to explain a bit better, exactly where is this wire going to and from? is it connected all the time? or are you connecting it to start the car? when the car DOES START, are you using the key inside to start it?

you need to provide alot more information, we cant see anything from here

civicowner123

I'll post up more pics as soon as I can. This wire is connected to the starter I believe. I first turn the car on, so there is power, and then I open the hood, and take the wire, and touch it the the negative side of my battery terminal. I never disconnect it from the starter. The pics show that. When I touch the wire to the terminal the engine starts.

I can't start the car using only the keys. The keys just turn the power on in the car.

The red wire in the previous pics is the wire that I use to start my car with.

mikey1

so this obviously didnt fix the problem? why did he do it then?

ezone

Because the craigslist hack obviously couldn't correctly diagnose or fix the car.


(I'm just assuming the hack was found on craigslist.)

CraigW

iTrader: (1)

What model is this anyhow ??

You touch the other end to GROUND side terminal to start ??

Edit: Sorry did not see the +symbol..... or one without a proper cover over it.

ezone

civicowner123

It's a 2004 honda civic lx. 5 speed. Well the ignition went bad and I couldn't turn my key to start my car. I was referred to him by my local autozone store. He hotwired the car so I could get it off the parking lot where it was stuck at and get it to my house.

Here are some more pics of what going on under the hood

civicowner123

Here is another pic. Sorry I got one more post with another pic. My phone is only letting me upload one photo per post

civicowner123

Here is another one

ezone

So....Please explain exactly what was done to resolve this part of the problem.

mikey1

in a previous post you said you touched the wire to the negative battery terminal to start the car, however in the picture it appears you are touching the wire to the positive terminal

bsmiley

Although the OP wants help, based on the ability demonstrated to describe the technical aspects of the problem and temporary solution, I suspect the best help that can be offered is this: Have your car towed to a reputable mechanic or dealership where it can be properly restored to operating condition.

BTW: The battery has two posts, one is negative, the other is positive. The red one with the plastic cover is positive. It may only be 12VDC but there is enough current to kill you. Don't play around with the battery connected... just saying.

civicowner123

Looking at my car again you guys are right. My mistake is brought on by the frustration of being ripped off and the stress of the whole situation. I feel as though this is a learning experience and would like to use it as so and begin the process of learning about my car instead if relying on mechanics fully. I'm going to slow down and take more notice of detail with my vehicle. I would appreciate as much advice as I can get.

Thanks again for the correction.


The ignition problem begin as soon as I couldn't turn my key. I drove to work with no worries and parked my car once I got there. When I got there I forgot something that I needed and so put my key in the ignition. I felt a little resistance when I did and once I tried to turn the car on the key wouldn't move at all.

If you need any more info please let me know

Thanks again

ezone

Again:

mikey1

lets start with some common sense, the red wire in the picture should not be there, so start by removing it, then we can start the troubleshooting process......properly

civicowner123

I got the ignition replaced

I got a new set of keys with it. The mechanic was able to do that, but he left in a hurry after. I now know why.

I got my car towed to honda, and they programmed to the new set.

civicowner123

I did that already, what are you thinking I should do after that?

I was wondering if that wire actually connect to something in order for the engine to turn.

mikey1

now describe in great detail exactly what happens when you try to start the engine, lights on dash, noises, etc etc

ezone

Did the car start and run at that time?

How long were you able to drive it before the car broke down again?