1998 Honda Civic EX AT Starter clicks but doesn't start the engine
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1998 Honda Civic EX
Joined: Aug 2022
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From: Southern California
Rep Power: 0 
1998 Honda Civic EX AT Starter clicks but doesn't start the engine
I was driving on the highway and my engine started losing power and eventually stopped working. I still had power and got towed.
Been working on it the last two weekends, I've replaced the starter motor, alternator and ignition relay but it still only clicks. there's also rapid clicking behind my gauges when the key is in. I've checked all my fuses, none of them are burnt or broken. Electrical connections are good and my grounds are OK and provide sufficient resistance. Any help is appreciated, thank you.
Also, when the key is in, the dash shows that I'm in park and D4. Brake, battery and oil light all come on.
Been working on it the last two weekends, I've replaced the starter motor, alternator and ignition relay but it still only clicks. there's also rapid clicking behind my gauges when the key is in. I've checked all my fuses, none of them are burnt or broken. Electrical connections are good and my grounds are OK and provide sufficient resistance. Any help is appreciated, thank you.
Also, when the key is in, the dash shows that I'm in park and D4. Brake, battery and oil light all come on.
Thread Starter
1998 Honda Civic EX
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Southern California
Rep Power: 0 
Re: 1998 Honda Civic EX AT Starter clicks but doesn't start the engine
also, for context, I don't know know what I'm doing and a friend is helping me a lot but we need more perspective
Last edited by MGBagman; Aug 7, 2022 at 10:25 PM.
"Marge, anyone could miss Canada! All tucked away down there."
Joined: Feb 2016
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From: Barrie, ON Canada
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Re: 1998 Honda Civic EX AT Starter clicks but doesn't start the engine
Bad battery/ground/alternator/starter connections. Electricity likes clean shiny metal, and a tight connection.
If you have the crappy battery connections that clamp the ends of the bare wires check there for corrosion. One of my cars wouldn't start because of that. Acted the same as yours
If you have the crappy battery connections that clamp the ends of the bare wires check there for corrosion. One of my cars wouldn't start because of that. Acted the same as yours
Thread Starter
1998 Honda Civic EX
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Southern California
Rep Power: 0 
Re: 1998 Honda Civic EX AT Starter clicks but doesn't start the engine
Bad battery/ground/alternator/starter connections. Electricity likes clean shiny metal, and a tight connection.
If you have the crappy battery connections that clamp the ends of the bare wires check there for corrosion. One of my cars wouldn't start because of that. Acted the same as yours
If you have the crappy battery connections that clamp the ends of the bare wires check there for corrosion. One of my cars wouldn't start because of that. Acted the same as yours
I'm currently away for the next few weeks so I can't do much at the moment.
"Marge, anyone could miss Canada! All tucked away down there."
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 9,632
Likes: 1,283
From: Barrie, ON Canada
Rep Power: 222 






Re: 1998 Honda Civic EX AT Starter clicks but doesn't start the engine
Does it have an alarm system?
it might ohm out on a meter but the current needed to spin the starter is way more than the meter puts out.
it might ohm out on a meter but the current needed to spin the starter is way more than the meter puts out.
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