Bad starter?
12-06-2017
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Bad starter?
Hello all,
Several weeks ago, my 96 civic ex, began to have trouble starting. I'd hear a click but no crank, then she'd start. Knowing my battery was close to EOL, I stopped by AZ and they checked it...BAD BATTERY, so I replaced it with a new one. Things sounded better...For a while, then the ole click, no crank...click, no crank...Sporadic start. Now, the last 2 days, click, no crank..click, no crank..NO START. After, I hear the initial distinct click, I hear a slight humming, coming from the general direction of the fuel pump.; then a softer click. Battery wires l& connections look good, dash lights & headlights are bright, and battery reads 12.4 volts on multi meter. All fuses appear good. I tried tapping lightly on starter with end of screw driver, but no help.
I appreciate your feedback!
Several weeks ago, my 96 civic ex, began to have trouble starting. I'd hear a click but no crank, then she'd start. Knowing my battery was close to EOL, I stopped by AZ and they checked it...BAD BATTERY, so I replaced it with a new one. Things sounded better...For a while, then the ole click, no crank...click, no crank...Sporadic start. Now, the last 2 days, click, no crank..click, no crank..NO START. After, I hear the initial distinct click, I hear a slight humming, coming from the general direction of the fuel pump.; then a softer click. Battery wires l& connections look good, dash lights & headlights are bright, and battery reads 12.4 volts on multi meter. All fuses appear good. I tried tapping lightly on starter with end of screw driver, but no help.
I appreciate your feedback!
12-06-2017
#2
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
Re: Bad starter?
I tried tapping lightly on starter with end of screw driver, but no help.
Have someone else keep the key twisted....I'd quick check the three electrical terminals of the starter (and the housing) with a test light to confirm the rest of the system is doing what it should....then if it is, beat on the starter with something a bit more stout than a screwdriver handle. Beating on the starter really should be a two person operation.
12-06-2017
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Re: Bad starter?
On my dad's 97 suburban, he used a ball peen hammer
Really? I've always done it solo
12-07-2017
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Probably needs a starter, bad contacts within the solenoid.
Have someone else keep the key twisted....I'd quick check the three electrical terminals of the starter (and the housing) with a test light to confirm the rest of the system is doing what it should....then if it is, beat on the starter with something a bit more stout than a screwdriver handle. Beating on the starter really should be a two person operation.
Have someone else keep the key twisted....I'd quick check the three electrical terminals of the starter (and the housing) with a test light to confirm the rest of the system is doing what it should....then if it is, beat on the starter with something a bit more stout than a screwdriver handle. Beating on the starter really should be a two person operation.
Unfortunately, I'm all I have to count on, until I can get a someone else to keep the key twisted. What exactly is a test light and how do I use it to check starter solenoid terminal contacts?
12-07-2017
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Lightly? Why lightly? When I needed to "mechanically agitate" the starter on my '02, I went half Chris Brown (or Bobby Brown, depending on what generational reference you understand. lol) on it with the end of a 12" socket extension. Good amount of force, but not enough to make me think I was gonna break off the motor. I had no issues after that.
On my dad's 97 suburban, he used a ball peen hammer
On my dad's 97 suburban, he used a ball peen hammer
Lightly, because I didn't get close enough to hit harder and really can't see what I'm hitting...How can I get better access? Have ball peen hammer, will use. FWIW, both generational references understood.
Originally Posted by ezone
Beating on the starter really should be a two person operation.
Originally Posted by xRiCeBoYx
Really? I've always done it solo
12-07-2017
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I've done that on a couple different vehicles.
12-07-2017
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As far as access, the 2002 starter was kinda deep below stuff, hence me using the 12" extension. A swift downward kinda stabbing motion.
12-07-2017
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Thanks!
I was wondering about that or, if it might be more accessible, from underneath.
Cool, perhaps I misunderstood but THAT I can do.
Where exactly do you want to beat on that starter? Or should I ask, where NOT to hit it??
I was wondering about that or, if it might be more accessible, from underneath.
Originally Posted by Colin42
Well you can't do that, but you can beat on the starter and then try the key.
I've done that on a couple different vehicles.
I've done that on a couple different vehicles.
Originally Posted by xRiCeBoYx
I guess I missed that part where it was beat/twist simultaneously.
I learned it beat them turn key. As far as access, the 2002 starter was kinda deep below stuff, hence me using the 12" extension. A swift downward kinda stabbing motion.
I learned it beat them turn key. As far as access, the 2002 starter was kinda deep below stuff, hence me using the 12" extension. A swift downward kinda stabbing motion.
Where exactly do you want to beat on that starter? Or should I ask, where NOT to hit it??
Last edited by g4384063; 12-07-2017 at 01:12 PM.
12-07-2017
#10
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
Re: Bad starter?
Google search:
what is a test light (at it's simplest, it could be just a 12v light bulb with 2 wires)
how to use a test light to check a starter
12-07-2017
#11
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
Re: Bad starter?
I was wondering about that or, if it might be more accessible, from underneath.
12-07-2017
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Google search:
How to substitute for a missing helper by using a jumper wire
12-07-2017
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Thanks!
Youtube search...No Crank, No Start Diagnosis - EricTheCarGuy
@4:10 he shows where and how he beats on it...(The starter that is)
Tried twenty solid taps 2x with ball peen...No help.
3rd time, started right up!
Now what?
Youtube search...No Crank, No Start Diagnosis - EricTheCarGuy
@4:10 he shows where and how he beats on it...(The starter that is)
Tried twenty solid taps 2x with ball peen...No help.
3rd time, started right up!
Now what?
Last edited by g4384063; 12-07-2017 at 02:18 PM.
12-07-2017
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you got it to start? go get a replacement starter as soon as you can before you get stuck again. cheap parts store starters are cheap for a reason.
12-07-2017
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12-07-2017
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If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
12-07-2017
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You might get 1, 10, 100, or 1000 starts out of it.
Might.
I'd get a new one if it was me. Especially if it's automatic since you can't bump start it.
Might.
I'd get a new one if it was me. Especially if it's automatic since you can't bump start it.
12-07-2017
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Alternatively, try removing the starter and cleaning superficial crap off of it?
Had starter issues (as aforementioned), beat the crap out of it, and it worked fine after that. Had tranny out of car when doing a bottom end swap, cleaned starter and everything while i had it out. Car was still rocking original starter with zero issues when I threw in the towel in October.
Had starter issues (as aforementioned), beat the crap out of it, and it worked fine after that. Had tranny out of car when doing a bottom end swap, cleaned starter and everything while i had it out. Car was still rocking original starter with zero issues when I threw in the towel in October.
12-07-2017
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Thanks to all! 
Kept her running, then went and bought a "new" reman Duralast starter at AZ with lifetime warranty. Next Google search...How to install starter on 96 civic EX.
Kept her running, then went and bought a "new" reman Duralast starter at AZ with lifetime warranty. Next Google search...How to install starter on 96 civic EX.
12-07-2017
#20
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
Re: Bad starter?
Next Google search...How to install starter on 96 civic EX.
Step #1) DISCONNECT THE F'N NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE !!!!1!
12-08-2017
#21
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3) remove electrical connections (spade terminal and 12mm? nut)
4) remove 2 bolts (14mm, extensions help)
5) remove starter.
Reverse steps to install
12-12-2017
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12-12-2017
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12-12-2017
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UPDATE:
Returned the Durlast to AZ because the housing around spade terminal connection was broken. Got a Carquest 25% off from AA with online purchase, p/u at store. "New" reman starter in. So far, so good...No click, just crank and start.
Thanks to all!
Returned the Durlast to AZ because the housing around spade terminal connection was broken. Got a Carquest 25% off from AA with online purchase, p/u at store. "New" reman starter in. So far, so good...No click, just crank and start.
Thanks to all!
