2000 Honda Civic 2000 Civic won't turn over?

FLIPJUNKY

MEMBER
2000 HONDA CIVIC
4 CYL
FWD
MANUAL
285,000 MILES

I started my civic this morning and it seemed as though the battery really had to grunt to turn it over, yes it is december but it was very mild today, much milder than the last 2 weeks when it had no problems. I started it again and at first the battery seemed like it wasn't going to turn the engine over and then turned once and fired right away. So it appeared as though the battery was running low. Next time I tried to start it, it wouldn't even turn over. So I check the battery with my voltmeter and it is reading 12.25 on the terminals and 12.25 on the battery cables.

The previous owner (who is a friend of mine) told me that he had replaced the ignition module twice in the past. It sounds like the same scenario that he described to me. Is this a common problem and if so what might cause it to become a chronic problem. Something must be causing this?

Any ideas?

5 Replies

BLUELIGHTNIN6

MECHANIC
16,542 POSTS

Could you please list the model of the Civic? LX HX etc.?

You should have the alternator tested at a local auto part store for free (on or off of vehicle) just to eliminate any issues with the alternator. Once I receive specific model of Civic I will search for any recalls or TSB's on the vehicle to see if this is a common issue that may be covered by dealer.

SPONSORED LINKS

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

-1

Sunday, December 14th, 2008 AT 10:31 PM

FLIPJUNKY

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Anyways when the car is running (I bump started it) The voltage at the battery is at 14.4 so to me that indicates that the alternator is functioning properly.

One thing that I have noticed is that when I turn the key to start the vehicle the lights don't dim at all (no load from starter engaging). So I'm going to move forward and check for voltage at the starter. And then follow it back from there. Does that make sense?

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Monday, December 15th, 2008 AT 12:13 PM

BLUELIGHTNIN6

MECHANIC
16,542 POSTS

I still need the model of the Civic to better assist you.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Monday, December 15th, 2008 AT 12:26 PM

FLIPJUNKY

MEMBER
3 POSTS

So sorry I thought I put it in there it is an SI. Thanks for your help

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Tuesday, December 16th, 2008 AT 1:39 PM

BLUELIGHTNIN6

MECHANIC
16,542 POSTS

No problem. Thanks for that info.

There is a recall out for the 2000 Honda Civic electrical ignition switch. Below is information on the recall. This recall means that you may qualify for free repairs at your local Honda dealer. Give them a call and give them the ref. number for the recall and also your VIN number to see if you qualify for free repairs of this component. I believe this will solve your problem, and is probably why the previous owner had to change the module twice in the past. Let me know the results .