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No engine starter operation - not working?

Tiny
STATONE52
  • MEMBER
  • 2014 HONDA ACCORD
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • 78,000 MILES
When starting sometimes won't start just click. Sometimes after 3-4 tries it starts. Replaced starter and battery sensor. Worked for a couple of months now have the same problem. Battery good alternator good. Had original starter tested and it passed. Don't know what's wrong with it.
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Friday, April 24th, 2020 AT 8:09 PM

35 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Hi,

Since both the new and original starter do the same thing, it sounds like it is a connection issue.

Do me a favor. Check and make sure the battery terminals are clean and tight. Also, follow the ground wire from the battery to the engine block and make sure it is tight, free of corrosion, and undamaged.

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

Since you are getting a clicking from the starter, that tells me the circuit itself is good but there is a loss of power at some point. Usually (and don't laugh) it is at the battery itself.

Check those few things and let me know what you find.

Take care,
Joe
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Friday, April 24th, 2020 AT 9:56 PM
Tiny
STATONE52
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Okay thanks, that was one of the first things I checked and the battery posts are good and clean. Checked the ground cable that seems to be good and tight, no visible damage. Note that when trying to start and it clicks all lights stay illuminated.
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Saturday, April 25th, 2020 AT 10:47 AM
Tiny
STATONE52
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Is it possible that the ground wire connected to the starter is defaulted?
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Saturday, April 25th, 2020 AT 11:30 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

There is no ground wire on the starter. You should have two wires. Once (larger in diameter) runs from the battery direct to the starter and should have 12v all the time. The other is smaller in diameter and should only have 12v when the key is in the start position. As far as ground, it is done by the engine block when the starter is bolted on.
I attached two pics below for you to see the wiring to the starter system. I overlapped them so you could follow easier.

Do me a favor. If you follow the negative battery terminal from the battery, it will go to the engine block. Unbolt it from the engine block, clean and inspect it. Make sure where it mounts on the engine is also clean.

Let me know if that helps.

Joe
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Saturday, April 25th, 2020 AT 11:01 PM
Tiny
STATONE52
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
Good afternoon. I've been trying to locate the ground that's mounted to the engine block and I just can't seem to locate it. I've looked at the diagrams you sent and I just can't seem to find it. I have attached a video of the only ground that I saw. Is it another one. Please show me. Thanks.
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Monday, April 27th, 2020 AT 11:20 AM
Tiny
STATONE52
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
This ground is grounded to the body of the car.
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Monday, April 27th, 2020 AT 11:21 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Hi,

I looked through schematics and I see no ground to the engine block which is very odd. If you follow the wire from the negative of the battery, does it only lead to the body?

If that is the case, for certain the starter is grounded via the engine block. So make sure the starter itself hasn't come slightly loose from the engine. If loose, it can cause a problem.

If it is tight, then we need to check the starter cut relay 2 in the relay panel.

Let me know.
Joe
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Monday, April 27th, 2020 AT 11:42 AM
Tiny
STATONE52
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Okay, checked starter it's good and tight.
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Tuesday, April 28th, 2020 AT 7:44 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Okay, If everything is tight, then it must have to do with the starter cut relays. They relay circuit board is under the hood in the fuse/relay box. It may not even be serviceable. First, locate it and let me know if it one that can be removed.

See pic 1 for location.

Joe
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Tuesday, April 28th, 2020 AT 8:38 PM
Tiny
STATONE52
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Found the relay. It doesn't look like it's serviceable but it looks like it can be replaced. I haven't been able to see how to remove it. Was able to pull it about 9/10 of the way out. Does it plug in?
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Wednesday, April 29th, 2020 AT 4:11 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

Last night, I sent directions and tests. I see now they didn't go through. I tried again with no luck. There should be connectors under the unit that need disconnected. Let me know if you got it.

Joe
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Friday, May 1st, 2020 AT 8:04 AM
Tiny
STATONE52
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
Yeah I pulled the unit up but not enough to reach the connectors. I didn't want to use to much force with being afraid of damage or even breaking. Could you give some advice on proper procedure. I attached a video for you to see my concerns.
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Sunday, May 3rd, 2020 AT 8:15 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

Unfortunately, every time I attach the directions, it will not send. All I can tell you is it indicates to disconnect the connectors. Because of location, it won't be easy. I wish I could help more.

Joe
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Monday, May 4th, 2020 AT 8:21 PM
Tiny
SHAWNALFREY
  • MEMBER
  • 19 POSTS
  • 2013 HONDA ACCORD
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 90,000 MILES
Car just makes a click noise until it starts, would that be a starter or relay? How can you tell? The clicking comes from the starter area. It was put on a tester and came back as alternator is that possible?
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Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 12:13 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,643 POSTS
Hello,

This sounds like a classic starter that has gone bad, here is a guide and some diagrams (below) that will show you what you are in for when changing and testing the starter.

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

You will need to jack the car up

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/jack-up-and-lift-your-car-safely

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken
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Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 12:13 PM (Merged)
Tiny
EVANSSMITH
  • MEMBER
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  • 2012 HONDA ACCORD
My car was working fine and just stopped running. I tried to start it up again but it sounded like nothing was cranking only my starter. Sounded like nothing was attached to the starter, no rur, rur, rur, or nothing, just the straight sound of the starter. Could that be a timing chain or belt? I have no clue as to what happened, it went from working fine to dead, but I do have juice. Someone please help me out here.
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Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 12:13 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BRUCE HUNT
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,754 POSTS
I suggest that you start simple. Note whether when you turn the starter on if there is belt movement of the alternator, etc. This guide can help us fix it

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

Please run down this guide and report back.

If these are not moving, this means that the engine is not being engaged by the starter. Now you get to think back about the last few times the car started. Did you hear any extra noise as the starter engaged? It really sounds as though the starter is not engaging on the flywheel. That would mean that you need to pull the starter and see if the starter is bad. The starter could turn without the solenoid pushing out the drive gear. No solenoid, no starter engagement and no engine turnover. I highly doubt that the gearing of the flywheel or the starter have been broken. On old tractors sometimes a cog gets knocked off the flywheel or the starter and by just nudging it is gear the bad spot is moved away from the starter and it will go. Look at the starter. Have it tested.
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Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 12:13 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SSCHULTE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2012 HONDA ACCORD
Car won't start consistently. Battery is new. When key is inserted into ignition it looks as though the immobilizer system is not reading the key code. I repeat, this doesn't happen all the time. Can someone please tell me how to fix this issue?
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Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 12:13 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BRUCE HUNT
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,754 POSTS
First thing that comes to mind is the possibility of a bad switch. I might check with Honda about the switch replacement and see if they have a recall on it.
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Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 12:13 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CARLACAR
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2010 HONDA ACCORD
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 100,000 MILES
I started my car this morning and backed up a few feet. Noticed it was a bit reluctant to turn over, but it did. Thirty minutes later, it will not start. The starter clicks, and the battery should be working (car serviced and battery tested just two weeks ago). Then I noticed droppings around the battery (which is not corroded, and seems well attached with connections tight) and then found a chewed wire (pictured). It thankfully seems to be the only one. It is red in color, and it is mostly severed, though I did try squishing it together and starting again (did not work). Could it be just this?
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Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 12:13 PM (Merged)

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