1997 Honda Accord Intermittent No Start

1997 HONDA ACCORD
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ZMANN800
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  • 1 POST
Hi there, I have a 1997 Accord that occasionally will not start. When I turn the key to the start position the car will click quietly once, and never engage the starter. A jump from another car has not helped, but if you just keep trying it will eventually start. Sometimes it will start after a few try’s and other times it may take a while trying to get it to start. To this point I have only cleaned the battery terminals. What are some of the possible causes of this intermittent problem? Thanks!
Feb 25, 2007 at 3:24 AM
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MIKE H R
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sound like the starter could be the problem. it sounds like the starter solinoid is working but there could be a dead spot in the starter.
Feb 25, 2007 at 5:27 AM
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BRUCE HUNT
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 3,754 POSTS
Ritzel may be right but don't overlook the possibility that this is an ignition switch problem. I would test the starter by bypassing the switch. Honda is notorious for having bad ignition switches.
Feb 26, 2007 at 3:36 AM

Suggested Repair

Test the starter by bypassing the ignition switch. A dead spot in the starter is possible, but a failing ignition switch is also common on this Honda and should be checked.

Conversation Summary

A 1997 Honda Accord sometimes clicks once and will not crank, though repeated attempts eventually start it. A jump did not help, and only the battery terminals had been cleaned. One reply suggested a starter dead spot; the expert said to also suspect the ignition switch and test the starter by bypassing the switch.

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