When I turn the key to start my 98 Accord it clicks but doesnt start. After another try or 2 it starts. Ideas?

Question

I've had the battery and alternator checked and they are fine. Also changed battery terminals and posts are clean. I've had 2 recalls on the ignition switch and let the dealer fix it both times. I'm thinking starter but I hope it's something simple. It's very intermitent but really annoys me. Any solutions?

Answer 1

Check starter and solenoid

Answer 2

Have the battery bench tested out of the car, but it will most likely be the starter, but check the wires on the starter to see if they are loose. best i can remember the solenoid wire is a push on type connection which may be loose or have oil/grease in the connection but most likely it will be the starter, also check for a leaking valve cover, a lot of the time the starter will fail early due to oil draining onto/into the starters solenoid from the valve cover.
if you're hearing the clicking sound when trying to start it wont be you're ignition switch, loose battery cables maybe? double check them. I once had my talon towed home only to find that my cable was loose after i had just cleaned them 2 days before. $55.00 down the drain lol.
also if you live where the roads get salted for ice during the winter, you will want to check all of the engine and body grounds and by check i mean loosen, clean, and reinstall, dielectric grease is your new best friend....

Answer 3

If it clicks,99.9% sure it is the solenoid contacts in the starter. Put your fingers on the starter and have someone turn the key when it does this, you will feel the clicking.

In the starter, there are two large contacts that send the battery voltage to the starter motor. These contacts a jumpered with a round copper disk that turns with the starter when you crank it. Because of the high amperage arcing, the disk and contacts get burn spots on them. That's why the problem is intermittent, there are still good spots on the disk, but it will get worse.

If you are interested, I have a document that shows the internal pictures of a subaru starter. Just email me with an address I can send an attachment to.

Answer 4

Check the connections on the starter. It sounds as though something may be loose on the starter. If everything seems tight, you may have a sticking solenoid which means the starter needs to be replaced

Answer 5

WELL YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE STARTER IS CORRECT PROBABLY IS THE ARMATURE INSIDE STARTER. BUT CHECK THE STARTER CABLES GOING TO THE STARTER SOME HONDAS ROUTED THERE CABLES TO CLOSE TO THE BRACKETS THAT HOLD THE MUFFLER PIPES. THAT IS LOCATED MIDDLE OF ENGINE UNDER THE CAR. JUST FOLLOW THE POSITIVE LEAD ALL THE WAY DOWN. MAKE SURE THE CAR IS COOLED DOWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!! VERY COOLED DOWN!!!!!!!! U WILL GET BURNED!!!!!!!!!!! ALSO HAVE THE FLYWHEEL TEETH CHECKED LOCATED UNDER THE CAR THERE IS A INSPECTION PLATE COMES OFF EASY. IF U DO NOT HAVE ANY HANDS ON TRAINING LET A GARAGE PUT THE CAR ON A LIFT THEY SHOULD TELL U IN 10 MIN

Answer 6

Starter Motor (Brushes inside starter motor)
Or the solenoid on the starter motor.
If its clicking sound is coming from the starter motor that is probably the solenoid working which points to the brushes inside the starter motor.
If the brushes are worn out it will get progressively worse and eventually you will not be able to tart it at all.

Answer 7

It does sound like a sticking solenoid, try putting a starter relay in the system, this has worked for me on many cars

Answer 8

Check the starter solenoid.

Answer 9

It sounds like a bad connection somewhere, or the starter, or a bad connection inside the starter.

Answer 10

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