No engine starter operation - not working?

Hi,

Since both the new and original starter do the same thing, it sounds like it is a connection issue.

Do me a favor. Check and make sure the battery terminals are clean and tight. Also, follow the ground wire from the battery to the engine block and make sure it is tight, free of corrosion, and undamaged.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/everything-goes-dead-when-engine-is-cranked

Since you are getting a clicking from the starter, that tells me the circuit itself is good but there is a loss of power at some point. Usually (and don't laugh) it is at the battery itself.

Check those few things and let me know what you find.

Take care,
Joe

Hi,

There is no ground wire on the starter. You should have two wires. Once (larger in diameter) runs from the battery direct to the starter and should have 12v all the time. The other is smaller in diameter and should only have 12v when the key is in the start position. As far as ground, it is done by the engine block when the starter is bolted on.
I attached two pics below for you to see the wiring to the starter system. I overlapped them so you could follow easier.

Do me a favor. If you follow the negative battery terminal from the battery, it will go to the engine block. Unbolt it from the engine block, clean and inspect it. Make sure where it mounts on the engine is also clean.

Let me know if that helps.

Joe

Hi,

I looked through schematics and I see no ground to the engine block which is very odd. If you follow the wire from the negative of the battery, does it only lead to the body?

If that is the case, for certain the starter is grounded via the engine block. So make sure the starter itself hasn't come slightly loose from the engine. If loose, it can cause a problem.

If it is tight, then we need to check the starter cut relay 2 in the relay panel.

Let me know.
Joe

Okay, If everything is tight, then it must have to do with the starter cut relays. They relay circuit board is under the hood in the fuse/relay box. It may not even be serviceable. First, locate it and let me know if it one that can be removed.

See pic 1 for location.

Joe

Hi,

Last night, I sent directions and tests. I see now they didn't go through. I tried again with no luck. There should be connectors under the unit that need disconnected. Let me know if you got it.

Joe

Hi,

Unfortunately, every time I attach the directions, it will not send. All I can tell you is it indicates to disconnect the connectors. Because of location, it won't be easy. I wish I could help more.

Joe

Hello,

This sounds like a classic starter that has gone bad, here is a guide and some diagrams (below) that will show you what you are in for when changing and testing the starter.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-starter-motor

You will need to jack the car up

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/jack-up-and-lift-your-car-safely

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken

I suggest that you start simple. Note whether when you turn the starter on if there is belt movement of the alternator, etc. This guide can help us fix it

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/starter-not-working-repair

Please run down this guide and report back.

If these are not moving, this means that the engine is not being engaged by the starter. Now you get to think back about the last few times the car started. Did you hear any extra noise as the starter engaged? It really sounds as though the starter is not engaging on the flywheel. That would mean that you need to pull the starter and see if the starter is bad. The starter could turn without the solenoid pushing out the drive gear. No solenoid, no starter engagement and no engine turnover. I highly doubt that the gearing of the flywheel or the starter have been broken. On old tractors sometimes a cog gets knocked off the flywheel or the starter and by just nudging it is gear the bad spot is moved away from the starter and it will go. Look at the starter. Have it tested.

First thing that comes to mind is the possibility of a bad switch. I might check with Honda about the switch replacement and see if they have a recall on it.