Hi new to the forum
my Son has a 04 Civic that he did not drive for approx 2 weeks.He went to start and car has no power.We thought maybe the battery was drained and tried to boost what happened then to me is unusual the horn honked and the nothing.We purchased a new battery yesterday and when we connected again the horn honked and nothing.Any one encounter a similar situation or have a idea where I could start trouble shooting?
Any help would be appreciated.
Regards Bruce

 

Do you get the normal lights illuminating on the dash when you turn the key? Do they dim when you turn the key to start?

I'm somewhat guessing here, but maybe a ignition switch issue or a failed starter? Someone else may chime in.

 

Alarm system? The factory alarm should reset if you lock and then unlock the driver's door from outside using the physical key.

 

No lights ,gauge movement at all.As far as the key that seems to be a seperate issue although I will have to look at it.The drivers door could not be manully locked or unlocked with the key or the knop on the inside not sure the issue I was going to remove the panel and check.Although the remote when we had power would work

 

The lights should still work. Try the headlights and brake lights, they don't depend on the key at all. Are the battery connections secure? Check the ground wire from battery (-) to the chassis and the engine, and check in the underhood fuse box for loose connections or melted parts. You are probably going to need to probe with a voltmeter to see where the voltage is being lost.

 

What is the history of this car? bought new, used, engine swaps, etc, parked outside where chipmunks could munch on the engine harness?

If headlights works but not the dash lights, I'd lean more towards that ignition switch. It's a switch at the steering column. Was a very common problem in my old accords. The contacts just go bad in the switch and you have to pop a new one in.

 

well turned out a 80 amp fuse is defective I will replace and advise if this cures the problem

 

Have your fire extinguisher ready.

 

Thanks it looks like the fuse was the problem ,not sure why it went though.....

 

Connecting jumper cables to the wrong polarity can blow that fuse. Also connecting a new battery backwards.