99 Civic LX won't start (sometimes)

[sstula]

I've encountered a problem where my 99 Civic LX will not want to start on occasion.

This is what happens:

1. Key in ignition turned 1 step and fuel pump completes cycle
2. Turn Key full rotation to start...
3. Nothing happens.... There is only an audible click but the starter does not crank.

After several tries (inconsistent on the number of attempts required), eventually the starter kicks in and cranks the engine. Infrequently, the starter will attempt to crank but just chokes and the engine does not start. I have just replaced the battery, but that has not solved the problem.

Any advice on troubleshooting the problem is appreciated. Could this be a sign of a dead starter? (I've never had one go on a Honda!)

Thanks,

 

[motsco_ _]

I've encountered a problem where my 99 Civic LX will not want to start on occasion.

This is what happens:

1. Key in ignition turned 1 step and fuel pump completes cycle
2. Turn Key full rotation to start...
3. Nothing happens.... There is only an audible click but the starter does not crank.

After several tries (inconsistent on the number of attempts required), eventually the starter kicks in and cranks the engine. Infrequently, the starter will attempt to crank but just chokes and the engine does not start. I have just replaced the battery, but that has not solved the problem.

Any advice on troubleshooting the problem is appreciated. Could this be a sign of a dead starter? (I've never had one go on a Honda!)

Thanks,

Since you already changed the battery, you've probably eliminated loose battery clamps (but check them again anyhow), so go to the other end of both of your battery cables and check for looseness / corrosion. Have you checked with the dealer to see if your ignition switch was part of the 'great campain'??

'Curly'

 

[TeGGeR®]

wrote:

Since you already changed the battery, you've probably eliminated loose battery clamps (but check them again anyhow), so go to the other end of both of your battery cables and check for looseness / corrosion. Have you checked with the dealer to see if your ignition switch was part of the 'great campain'??

http://www.tegger.com/hondafaq/tsb/civic/x02-031e.pdf

I see the OP appears to be around Hamilton, Ontario. This raises the question of corrosion. Check all grounds, especially the battery ground cable and the engine ground cables. Also check the battery live cable that goes to the starter. Has the car ever been in a serious collision?

 

[SoCalMike]

Any advice on troubleshooting the problem is appreciated. Could this be a sign of a dead starter? (I've never had one go on a Honda!)

does the ignition switch recall apply to your model? if so, has it been done?

 

[TWW]

I've encountered a problem where my 99 Civic LX will not want to start on occasion.

This is what happens:

1. Key in ignition turned 1 step and fuel pump completes cycle
2. Turn Key full rotation to start...
3. Nothing happens.... There is only an audible click but the starter does not crank.

After several tries (inconsistent on the number of attempts required), eventually the starter kicks in and cranks the engine. Infrequently, the starter will attempt to crank but just chokes and the engine does not start. I have just replaced the battery, but that has not solved the problem.

Any advice on troubleshooting the problem is appreciated. Could this be a sign of a dead starter? (I've never had one go on a Honda!)

Thanks,

Had the same problem with an 01 Prelude. It was the ignition switch -- a $25.00 repair.

 

[sstula]

I replaced the starter today. Luckily, a friend had a spare. We'll see how it goes. So far so good, no problems today. Should it continue, I'll tackle the ignition switch as my car is on the recall list for this item.