Hi,

I have been having some trouble with getting my Civic to start when it is humid out. I sometimes have to turn the key several times to get the battery to kick in. I had a new starter put in last winter, so I don't think that is the problem (also, I believe that I hear the solenoid click). It does not give me a problem if it is not humid out, even when it is very cold. Does this sound like the battery itself, the battery cables or something else? I did clean the terminals with baking soda, but this did not help. Thanks,

Andy

 

If the lights go out when you try to start, the battery or connections is bad. Also check the ground wire on the transmission.

Typically though when the starter clicks but doesn't turn-- but it will if you try several times, it's the starter itself. There are different degrees of "new" parts.

 

Thanks mk. Will a starter sometimes be able to last in that state for a long time, or is that usually a sign that it's on its way out?

 

It will get worse and worse until at some point it will never start. What has happened is the copper contact points (under the triangular cover on the back) are worn out. If you can find new ones you can "rebuild" the starter yourself.

 

Could be a loose ground wire on the starter too..I have that problem and the Solenoid just clicks and thats it. so maybe try checking the wire connections on that too