Rep Power: 0

Hello all,

So I have a 97 Honda Civic EX manual and I've been having this weird issue where the car would randomly not start up. And by not starting up I mean the engine would not crank and under the dash would make a single click sound when I would go to start three and also the main relay would make a singular click as well and I also heard the fuel pump Prime. So through my research I figured it was probably the starter so I replaced it. Then I proceeded to start the car after the install and it still made a single click under the Dash and the main relay. So further research made me believe that it was the main relay so I went to install the new one and while taking out the old one it shot couple of Sparks out. Then I put the new one in and tried to start the car but this time it made a single click under the dash only and the starter would engage but fuel pump was not priming. So I bypass the relay and put a jumper cable connecting pins 5 and 7 and the fuel pump turns on and I also jumped Pins 1 + 7 but nothing happened. So I'm wondering if it is possible that when the main relay arced that it shorted something in the ECU or maybe something else?
Thanks

 
Rep Power: 518

Probably blew a fuse when it sparked. Check BOTH fuse boxes
Fuses #13 and 31 in the dash, #44 and 47 in the engine compartment.

Main relay can't make the starter quit though. That's a separate issue.

 
Rep Power: 0

Cool I'll check it out tomorrow. Could you give me a link for the diagram of the fuse box under the hood with the numbers associated? Thanks

 
Rep Power: 518

That's in your owners manual if you still have it.

Or take a flashlight and look.......

 
Rep Power: 0

Thanks ezone fuse 44 was blown and the car runs fine now.

 
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So my car Is starting not to start again. I pulled the starter out and tested it and it turned over and the solenoid worked properly. Also I replaced the battery terminals because they where both maxed out and were lose. So I don't know what else it could be

 
Rep Power: 0

I figured out the underlying issue. It's something with the wiring to the starter. So I got frustrated and took the starter off and set it in the engine bay where the cables can reach and I would get In the car and try to make the starter turn and all that would happen is that the starter would make a single click. So I took off the cable that engages the starter but kept the one that goes straight to the battery and I jumped the starter by putting as short cable touching both the feeder line and starter engage connection. But nothing happened until i wiggled the feeder line and it would engage depending on which way I held the feeder cable. So I replaced that cable and jumped the power again and the starter engaged every time. So I put the starter back in but the cable that engages the starter is also internment. But if I put the key in start 2 and jump the power to the engage side and it starts every time. So do I have to replace the entire cable harness or is there an easier route?

 
Rep Power: 518

Which wire does this mean? The fat wire or the skinny wire?
I assume the small wire?

If the female spade terminal on the small wire has lost tension (grip) and fits loosely it will make intermittent contact, so it wouldn't work reliably as it is a loose connection.


If you can use a test light or volt meter that can tell you a lot about if the electrical stuff is doing what it's supposed to do. Once you figure out which part isn't right then you have a solid direction to go. Without guessing.

 
Rep Power: 0

I meant the fat cable that feeds power straight from the battery. And the spade connection on the other cable is a little lose. But I am getting a multi meter to see exactly what's going on.
Thanks for the quick reply

 
Rep Power: 184

In my motorcycle days, we would suggest cutting the insulation at the terminal closest to the battery, lengthwise, an inch or two, and pull it back to look for corrosion. If you see any, replace the cable. If not, tape up the damage you did, and keep looking.
Reassemble with dielectric grease.