2001 Honda Civic LX

ROBERTSCHON

MEMBER
2001 HONDA CIVIC
4 CYL
FWD
MANUAL
78,000 MILES

I could not start my car yesterday after work. The lights worked, but were a bit dim. When I turned the ignition I heard a clicking sound from behind the passenger glovebox but could not get any response from the motor. I replaced the battery but that did not change things. After a second or third try at turning the key, the clicking sound disappears, but there are no other changes. I think the problem is the starter. What do you think?

Also, the car is currently parked on an incline in a garage. I could try to roll it down and jump start it (it is a manual transmission). Would this be possible or does this problem mean that a rolling jump start will not be possible?

Thank you in advance for any help.

Robert Schon

4 Replies

SATURNTECH9

MECHANIC
30,869 POSTS

Did you make sure the battery cables are clean and tight?Also are all the dash lights coming on when you turn the key on?Do you have a multimeter to do some testing?

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Wednesday, April 20th, 2011 AT 7:45 PM

DOCFIXIT

MECHANIC
18,828 POSTS

Bump start O.K. To try but where will car be if it fails is to be considered. Put a test light or meter on small wire on starter solenoid try and start does it lighjt? If yes then starter is faulty if no then ignition switch or clutch switch is faulty

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Wednesday, April 20th, 2011 AT 7:46 PM

ROBERTSCHON

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thanks for the tips. When I insert the key, in fact only some of the dashboard lights came on. The electric windows did not work and caused a similar clicking sound as before. I tried to push start the car and it rolled down the parking garage ramp at a good speed, but when I disengaged the clutch, nothing happened- not even a lurch or anything. No engine sound at all. Any other ideas?

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Sunday, April 24th, 2011 AT 9:59 PM

SATURNTECH9

MECHANIC
30,869 POSTS

If you had it in gear and the car was rolling and you let out the clutch and the engine didn't turn over and the car didn't lurch there is something wrong with the clutch and transmission. SO have you checked all the fuses had the battery tested and made sure the battery cable ends are clean and tight?Do you have a multimeter or test light?

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Monday, April 25th, 2011 AT 6:10 PM