I'm stumped on a recent starting problem
 

Hello all. Here I am again to pick the brains of those smarter and more experience with cars than myself.

Today and yesterday I've been experiencing a problem starting my 2007 civic ex. Battery is good, starter is good and less than 3 months old (just replaced), and the alternator is good. I had a parasitic drain last winter and I now know all my ground connections are rust free and fastened down with dielectric grease. The immobilizer green light turns on for less than a second and shuts off as normal, but no crank, no start, no click on the starter (lights and radio come on as normal). When the starter went bad a few months ago it still made a click, but no crank. Replaced the starter and it's been problem-free until yesterday and today. I've attempted to start my car three times now and each time it has happened. Each time too the car sat for 6+ hours in between start times. I can turn the car off though and immediately start it right back up though. The car does eventually start after a few ignition turns and key removals.

Any thoughts? Something I'm overlooking---need to check? Thanks in advance!

Re: I'm stumped on a recent starting problem
 

Your starter came from where? Discount parts? Any loose connections on the starter?




Can you use a voltmeter? Test light? Jumper wire? Test to your hearts' content.
Starter solenoid wire connector is here:
Attachment 114361

Re: I'm stumped on a recent starting problem
 

Hello ezone. You helped me last time. I appreciate you stopping by again. This is the exact starter I replaced my original one w/ http://www.autozone.com/autozone/par...8033_191901_0_.

I haven't crawled under it yet to check for loose connections on the starter, but I will tomorrow. I just replaced the battery in my multimeter. What do you suggest I check? I can locate that solenoid wire, I assume from the ease of accessibility in the photo that it's under the hood.

Re: I'm stumped on a recent starting problem
 

Yeah. My hand is on the brake fluid reservoir.

Everything you can check to either figure it out or condemn the starter. LOL

Autozone, huh? You should already know what the next words will be....

Re: I'm stumped on a recent starting problem
 

Unplug that connector and hold the loose end in your hand.
Use a jumper wire to get 12v+ to that wire in your hand.
Does the starter crank?

Re: I'm stumped on a recent starting problem
 

I haven't had a chance to test this yet because it's started first time every time the last three times now. I guess this is now an intermittent issue? :/

Re: I'm stumped on a recent starting problem
 

And kinda random too, apparently.

Re: I'm stumped on a recent starting problem
 

i would put money on a defective starter from the store... im an aircraft mechanic and i cant even tell you how many times we have installed either re manned or brand new parts from factory and they have been defective, and those are CERTIFIED airworthy parts.. quality standards for automotive parts will be much lower

Re: I'm stumped on a recent starting problem
 

It happened two days in a row yesterday and the day before, but it hadn't happened again since the last time I posted. I suspect it might be related to the ignition itself. It's like I'm trying to start the car in drive. Nothing happens.

I usually move the shifter back and forth a time or two as well as remove the key from the ignition also a time or two and then she starts right up. I'm stumped because of the randomness of the issue, which is really preventing me from troubleshooting it.

Re: I'm stumped on a recent starting problem
 

I might wire up a test light to the small wire on the starter, place the light on the dash or tape it to the windshield so I can see it whenever I start the engine.

If it still lights up when it won't crank, it's probably a bad starter.
If it does not light up when it won't crank, it's electrical and more checking is needed.

Re: I'm stumped on a recent starting problem
 

Sounds like a plan. Thank you for your help

Re: I'm stumped on a recent starting problem
 

Crap I forgot this is about a 07.....I'd wire the test light into the connection near the brake master shown in the earlier pic, it's a lot easier to reach than the terminal on the starter itself.

Re: I'm stumped on a recent starting problem
 

Wooo, I'm glad to hear. This will be much easier. Thanks for remembering!

Re: I'm stumped on a recent starting problem
 

I finally got some troubleshooting time on this issue. Wired up the multimeter everywhere I could and found that I'm getting the voltages I needed. So I dropped the starter down. Took it to my local autozone and it failed the test. The starter spring/plunger was failing to push the drive gear out consistently, which explained why it was intermittent.

Swapped out the starters (I know it's an autozone one, but I originally bought it there and it was still under warranty). So we'll see how it goes from here!

Again ezone, I appreciate all your help.