Liquidmetal

I have a 2003 civic LX....
I changed my starter because the old one had went out finally... The new starter has been tested and it works fine. but the car only clicks and doesn't start... I tested to see if I was getting power to both connections on the starter. all is good... After checking all the connections I decided to check the relays under the dash... I noticed that if I unplug one of the relays and plug it back in. the car starts but only once... If I unplug it again and replug it in, it does the same thing starts only once... then all I hear is a buzzing sound if I try to restart the car... it seems like the relay is okay so what is the problem here. any help would be appreciated. Thank you

ezone

Recheck both of those while someone is trying to crank it.

(It's gotta be broken though, it can't be actually working when you test.)

Liquidmetal

I tested the connections while someone was cranking it... it seems to not be the starter... even took it in to get tested and everything looks fine with it...

ezone

What were the results of the tests?
Was the starter working when you tested?

Liquidmetal

the starter was working properly... I'm lost on why plugin and unplugging the relay makes it start right away on the first try of turning the key but then all I get is a buzzing sound out of the dashboard when I try it a second time and doesn't start.

ezone

Any idea which of the 47 different relays this one is?

IDK if that info would help or not.....

Buzzing relays: There is a common thing with most Hondas, that is when you turn the ignition key too slowly or not far enough it makes relays buzz (when trying to crank the engine).

This noise is usually easily duplicated.
There is actually a bulletin that says to (more or less) tell the customer to turn the key faster and turn it all the way when starting the car.


If you are doing it right, relay buzz is usually due to insufficient voltage supply. But you have to be able to test all sides of the affected relay while the buzz is happening.

If you aren't turning the key fast enough or far enough, the buzz is normal and totally expected.