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!

Re: Bad starter?
 

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.

Re: Bad starter?
 

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

Really? I've always done it solo :shrug:

Re: Bad starter?
 

Thanks!
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?

Re: Bad starter?
 

Thanks!
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. :cool:
PLS, share how to beat on the starter and keep the key twisted., solo.

Re: Bad starter?
 

Remove the hood and windshield?;)

Re: Bad starter?
 

Remove non essential components. Like the air intake tube.

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.

Re: Bad starter?
 

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.

Re: Bad starter?
 

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??

Re: Bad starter?
 

I can substitute for a missing helper by using a jumper wire


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

Re: Bad starter?
 

No. Starter is on top of transmission

Re: Bad starter?
 

Thanks!
Google search:
How to substitute for a missing helper by using a jumper wire

Re: Bad starter?
 

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! :rockon:
Now what?

Re: Bad starter?
 

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.

Re: Bad starter?
 

Yes!
Sitting in her right, now afraid to turn her off.
How certain can I be, that confirms bad starer?

Re: Bad starter?
 

You could shut it off and see if you're left stranded.

Bonus points for getting stranded at a busy intersection during rush hour traffic.

Re: Bad starter?
 

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.

Re: Bad starter?
 

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.

Re: Bad starter?
 

Thanks to all! :_bow:
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. ;)

Re: Bad starter?
 

Search for a service manual instead


Step #1) DISCONNECT THE F'N NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE !!!!1!

Re: Bad starter?
 

2) remove air intake tube (clips), and silencer box (2 x 10mm bolts)

3) remove electrical connections (spade terminal and 12mm? nut)

4) remove 2 bolts (14mm, extensions help)

5) remove starter.

Reverse steps to install

Re: Bad starter?
 

Thanks!
I have Honda original service manual but sometime difficult to follow.
Step #1)...Will do! :tup:

Re: Bad starter?
 

Thanks...
That's very helpful!

Re: Bad starter?
 

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! :rockon:

Re: Bad starter?
 

:tup: glad it's working for you now

Re: Bad starter?
 

Thanks!
Me too!! :_beer: