Rep Power: 0

Hi Guys,

I'm new here and I'm having a serious issue with my 2005 Honda Civic EX Coupe Manual. The car has 198k on it and I began noticing an issue with the car starting about 6 months ago...

I ended up leaving the car parked in my garage while I was away for 4 months but since returning the car still has the persisting issue - I thought it may have been a result of having an open exhaust in the dreaded Canadian winter...

Whenever I start the car it will crank about 5 - 6 times before (sometimes) turning over. I don't hear any unusual sounds but if the car does not turn over it completely drains the battery. When it's cranking if it doesn't start you can see the dash starting to die out and then the car is completely dead. I've had to pop start the car a few times to get it gocraing and then it drives fine.

I've also listened for the fuel pump when I turn to ACC which sounds fine and also the dash and radio turn on fine before cranking. I really don't know what's going on here and I don't want to go throwing around money on new parts just yet.

Hope someone can help me out here, I'm not all that savvy but I'm willing to give it a DIY a shot if it's straight forward.



Thanks.

 
Rep Power: 518

Does the car run and drive?
Go get the battery/starter/alternator tested.


Your description says it won't be an alternator problem.
It will be either a weak battery, bad starter, or connection issues between the two.

 
Rep Power: 0

The car will run and drive if its jumped or if I pop start it.
Sometimes after a few cranks it will start up but once its going it will drive fine its only once I turn it off and go back to start it that causes an issue.

 
Rep Power: 518

Soooooo you haven't had anything tested yet?

 
Rep Power: 0

When I was working with a car dealership prior to me parking the car I was told that the battery was reading fine but the alternators readings were fluctuating.

The mechanic thought it was because of my short ram intake and the cannon size muffler I have on my exhaust?? I think he came to this conclusion because of the cold weather but now that it's warm the issue is persisting so I'm sure it's electrical.

 
Rep Power: 0

Without removing the starter is it possible to get it tested?

 
Rep Power: 222

If it cranks its probably fine, it sounds more likely the alternator or the battery is the issue, if the car will hold an idle see what kind of voltage you get across the battery terminals

 
Rep Power: 518

Get the damn thing started, drive it to an autozone or Canadian tire or any similar store that tests batteries and alternators, and get them tested.

Take enough money to buy a new battery. Maybe they will install it for free?

 
Rep Power: 210

I think we need to use phrasing the OP will understand.

Hey OP ay... have a buddy jump it and follow you to Autozone ay (As Ezone stated). They can test amprage/voltage of both the battery and alternator while they're still in engine bay.. ay. Maybe re-check chassis and engine ground connections and inspect for corrosion too..hoser, ay. LOL