YACT: Car wont start

[Kenny1234]

So i went out to my car today, turned the key and nothing. The radio and all the lights worked. I thought the battery was dead because of the cold weather and it being 6+ years old. I replaced the battery and same thing happens. I turn the key and nothing happens. No noice just a click from turning my key. I am thinking that it is the starter motor, but not sure. Is there anyway to verify this without taking it to a mechanic and how much do you think it would cost to replace it? Its a 1990 Accord with 205K on it and has had no mechanical problems since I've owned it. Thanks.

 

[oogabooga]

i dunno but i have a similiar kinda problem

my car won't start some mornings, and when i get someone to jump me, it works... for me i think it's the battery since i can hear the starter running when i turn the keys.. i'll probally go look for a battery, but if you're turning the key and you don't hear the noise from the starter *shrugs*.

Have you been able to start the car at all, any other way? (getting jumped, such, etc)?

 

[Kenny1234]

i tried jumping it and no go. I thought that the battery was too dead to jump it. And i dont hear the starter turning over so thats what I think it is.

 

[chrisms]

Definately sounds like the starter. Mine cost about $100, for a 1986 Toyota. It died again but Schucks has a lifetime warranty and the second one was free.

 

[Kenny1234]

Originally posted by: chrisms
Definately sounds like the starter. Mine cost about $100, for a 1986 Toyota. It died again but Schucks has a lifetime warranty and the second one was free.

did that include maintenance? or di you do it yourself?

 

[chrisms]

Screw mechanics.. most starters are simple to take out yourself. Mine was two bolts and a plug. Just hope you don't have to take out a bunch of crap to get to yours.. but I think usually they are on the bottom of the engine so if you jack it up you should be fine. And before you do all that you might try hitting it with something a few times to see if something is knocked out of place, and making sure any plugs in it are in there securely.

 

[Kenny1234]

Thanks chrisms

 

[OrganizedChaos]

thump it

 

[nineball9]

If you own a meter, measure the voltage across the starter's terminals. Sometimes the kill switch in the steering column fails.

 

[edfcmc]

Your ignition switch is also connected to a (1) starter relay and a (2) nuetral safety switch. Either can go bad and cause your car not to start in the way you mention.

IF your car is an automatic, put it in neutral and try to start it (or move the shift lever through the ranges a couple of time ) as the neutral safety swithc sometimes can get dirty or misaligned that can be temporarily remedied by trying the above.

The Starter relay on the other hand, can be crudely tested by opening the hood and having an assitant try to start the car. If you hear a relatively noticeable click each time the ignition is cranked, chances are the startey relay is working (but the best way to test it is with a voltmeter or a 12v test light).



Also, make sure you dont having any alarm kill switches wired in that can cause havoc on the ignition source.

 

[Kenny1234]

do u know where the starter relay is located or what it looks like?

 

[dethman]

Originally posted by: Kenny1234
do u know where the starter relay is located or what it looks like?

if you don't know anything about cars, just take it to a mechanic. it's just easier that way.

 

[rh71]

I had this problem... all that would happen when turning your key all the way is a single click. I had to get my starter replaced and all was well. I think it came out to $250 for me since it was hard to get to in my '95 Rodeo.

 

[edfcmc]

It appears aftermarket rebuilt starters retail for about 200 clams for that year and model and it sure looks like that the starter may have an integrated relay/solenoid so nothing to test there. Tack on labor to diagnose your problem and to remove and replace the starter too and thats what your looking to pay.

Now replacing a starter is not outside the realm of doing it yourself, but just getting to the point requires a set of hand tools, jacks, jack stands and/or ramps, hand cleaner and possibly a cheap repair manual for your make and model to account for the specific intricacies inherent with your make and model. Anyway, it appears there are at least 3 different starters for your year car depending on the type of transmission and you wont know what type you specfically have unless you take the old one out and compare it with the ones you might buy at Pep Boys for example.


Based on your limited experience with auto repair, you are better off calling your local mechanic to get a quote and see if they would tow your car there for free if you get the starter removed and replaced. Save yourself the trouble of getting your hands full of dirty oily grit and cut knuckles as well has having the car fall on you when you are trying to repair it.

If you are lucky there might be FAQ somewhere on some Accord Forum documentating diagnosising, removing and replacing a starter in your year honda accord. Good luck.

 

[TechnoKid]

The starters on accords (with F series engines, as far as I know) is replaceable without jacking up the car. It is right below the distributor on top of the transmission. Somethings that might be in the way are a coolant hose and some wire harnesses. I wouldn't say it is easy to replace but then again its not too hard.

The difference for starters is whther you have an auto or manual. It ranges from $130 to $212 on www.rockauto.com, thought it may be better to get it local at kragen or autozone, get one with a lifetime warranty incase it fails again.

edit: here is a guide to replacing it: Text

 

[NutBucket]

Yeah, if you're going to replace the starter definitely do it yourself. Its very accessible as TechnoKid stated.

 

[olds]

In the "olden days" we'd take a screwdriver and jump the terminals on the starter. Can this be done on the Accord starter?
This would give you an indication if the starter works or not.

 

[NutBucket]

You can kinda do it tho I think the way the terminals are spaced it would be awkward.