I have a 2001 civic lx. and today i turned the key, it turned for a second and then it stopped. all the power is on battery is fine. but the turning the key won't start the engine.

what could i be dealing with here? bad starter motor? connection from the key to the starter?transmission finally went dead? can that cause that? the check engine light has been on for a while.

thanks for any insights.

 

Starter relay, starter, fuse, also could be grounds from engine to chassis.

 

funniest thing happened. i went back to my car to see how to put the car into neutral without starting it so it can be towed. it apparently has a lock next to the shifter. so i made i knew hot to do it so i put the car from park to neutral a couple of times.

and i have no idea why i did, but i tried to start the car again and it cranked for a second. then the same thing. all the lights come up, electric motors in the doors worked, locking and unlocking. but engine didn't start

so i tried the park and neutral thing again and turned the key again, and it started back up. i drove it to the mechanics and he said if it happens again bring it back saying he can't figure out what's wrong with it. maybe i need a new mechanic.

i haven't started again since that was a couple of days ago.

 

Soooo I forgot automatic transmissions exist Sounds like the neutral safety switch is now your likely suspect Easy replacement from the wheel well if I recall correct.