Trouble starting

JAMWP60

MEMBER
1999 HONDA ACCORD
65,000 MILES

Put key in, turn, hear a click, won't start. Pull key out, turn it around, put it back in, car starts. Sometimes it takes several tries like this. Battery seems OK, lights, radio, clock, door locks work. When it does start, has full power, no problems Checked battery connections, they are good. I know nothing about cars, have no tools to check anything, don't want to get cheated when taking in for repairs. Could it be as simple as needing a new key? Alternator, starter, spark plugs?
Thank you

5 Replies

DRCRANKNWRENCH

MECHANIC
3,380 POSTS

The battery itself could be bad. It might have 12 volts when sitting still without a load on it, but when a load demand is put on it the voltage drops so much that it can't start the car. You can test this with a multi meter by checking voltage while no load is on battery and then test it while turning key. It should have near 12 volts. Under 11.8 is a danger zone. You can have the battery and alternater tested at Auto Zone or SAdvance Auto for free.

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Sunday, March 18th, 2012 AT 12:15 AM

JAMWP60

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thank you. I did what you said, battery was tested, showed 13.6, so the battery is OK, also, just purchased this 6yr battery in August 2011. Roadside assistance said he did hear some ticking in a "box" near the battery, thought it might be a fuse? Any suggestions?

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Monday, March 19th, 2012 AT 1:49 AM

DRCRANKNWRENCH

MECHANIC
3,380 POSTS

It might be the starter relay.
I attached a diagram of the locations of relays and fuses under the dash including the starter relay.
There are some others in a box under the dash in the enigine compartment. On the back side of the cover you will find a diagram of fuses/relays with description of use.

Image (Click to make bigger)

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Saturday, March 24th, 2012 AT 5:51 PM

MR_NITRO

MEMBER
1 POST

I'm not sure if you got your problem fixed yet or not but, your problem is your starter motor locking up, which only requires someone to tap on the starter moderately while another turns the ignition switch. Be careful not to tap too hard as to break the starter casing though. If the problem persists, just replace the starter, you'll need the old one as a core or you'll be charged $11.00 for it. The click that you were hearing was the solenoid engaging which is electromagnetic and engages when the ignition is turned on. Hope this helps.

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Sunday, June 3rd, 2012 AT 6:36 PM

DRCRANKNWRENCH

MECHANIC
3,380 POSTS

That is the next part to look at. You have pretty low mileage for it to lock up. I would look at it and see if you have an oil leak that is getting the brushes immersed in oil and preventing it from spinning. Either way you should inspect the starter.