My starter is not crank the engine over?

Hi,

If you are only getting one click, chances are the battery is weak or you have a lose connection.

Do me a favor, check the battery terminals for corrosion and tightness. Take a look through this link:

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

If the terminals are clean and tight, try load testing the battery to see if it is weak. Here is a link showing how that is done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-load-test

Do this and let me know what you find.

Take care,
Joe

Hi,

Okay, the battery test looks good. Since the starter clicks, either we have a bad starter or the engine is locked up not allowing the starter to turn it.

What we need to do now is remove the starter. Note: I am basing this on the idea that the click comes from the starter and not a relay. Please make sure the sound is the starter. It isn't an easy one to replace.

First, here is a link explaining how in general to replace a starter:

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

Here are the directions specific to your vehicle for a starter replacement. What I want you to do is remove the starter and then take it to a parts store and have them bench test it. Most do it free of charge.

The attached pics correlate with the directions.

2007 Honda Civic L4-1.8L
Removal and Replacement
Vehicle Starting and Charging Starting System Starter Motor Service and Repair Removal and Replacement
REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT
Starter Removal and Installation

Removal
1. Make sure you have the anti-theft code for the audio system and the navigation system (if equipped), then write down the audio presets.
2. Disconnect the negative cable from the battery first, then disconnect the positive cable.

see pic 1

3. Remove exhaust pipe A.

pic 2

4. Remove the intake manifold bracket.

Pic 3

pic 4

5. Remove the harness clamps (A) and harness connector (B) from each clamp.

pic 5

6. Remove the two bolts securing the starter, then remove the starter from the engine.

pic 6

7. Disconnect the starter cable (A) from the B terminal. Disconnect the connector (B) from the S terminal, then remove the starter.

INSTALLATION

pic 7

1. Install the starter cable (A) and connector (B). Make sure the starter cable crimped side of the ring terminal faces away from the starter when you connect it.

pic 8

2. Install the starter, then loosely install the upper mounting bolt (A) and lower mounting bolt (B).
3. Tighten the upper mounting bolt, then tighten the lower mounting bolt.

pic 9

4. Install the harness clamps (A) and harness connector (B) to each clamp.

pic 10

5. Install the intake manifold bracket.

pic 11

6. Install exhaust pipe A. Use new gaskets (B) and new self-locking nuts (C).
7. Connect the positive cable to the battery first, then connect the negative cable.
8. Start the engine to make sure the starter works properly.
9. Enter the anti-theft code for the audio system and the navigation system (if equipped), then enter the audio presets.
10. Set the clock.

______________________________________

Also, before going to this trouble, make sure the engine isn't locked. See if you can turn it at the crankshaft. You will need a socket and breaker bar. Make sure it can turn.

Let me know.

Joe

Hi,

The crank pulley is at the bottom of the engine. See pic 1. I highlighted the bolt I'm referring to.

As far as what gear to put it in, since it's an automatic, it won't make a difference. You should be able to turn the engine regardless.

The battery being disconnected is actually a good idea. Not that you are going to damage it, but you are placing steel tools into the engine compartment and we don't want to cause a short.

Also, there is no need to lift the vehicle. You should be able to reach the bolt from the top.

Let me know if I can help.

Joe

Hi,

That's good news. If you still only get a click from the battery and all connections are tight and clean, follow the directions I listed above and remove the starter. Make sure the battery is disconnected before you start work.

Once the starter is out, have a parts store bench test it for you. They will likely do it for free.

Please confirm that the click is from the starter and everything is tight. I don't want you to remove the starter to find out it's something simple to fix.

Let me know if I can help or if you have other questions. Also, let me know what you find out related to the starter.

Take care,
Joe

Hello I'm Danny.

I have to disagree with AutoZone. It sounds like a problem with the starter solenoid-starter motor. You would have had to physically take the starter assembly to them to test and not have it be in the car. Here are a few tutorials about the starter solenoid and starter motor for you to view:

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

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-starter-and-solenoid-works

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

I've attached picture steps below on removal and replacement of the starter motor on your car. Hope this helps and thanks for using 2CarPros.

Does the motor spin over with the starter or is the starter not engaging?

Does the starter engage then just click or can you hear it spin up?

See if you can turn over engine with a breaker bar and socket on crank pulley bolt. If it won't, then engine is seized. If it does, starter may be bad.

Check yoru battery for condition first most auto parst stores do this or free, then check your starter, teh click ing was probably your starterrelay or solenoid on the starter. You may have a bad starter