I have a 1997 Honda Civic 5 speed manual transmission. Last week it didnt start, so I messed around with it a bit, shook the battery cables and it started right up, took it over to Autozone they tested the alternator and the battery and both are good. THey said I might have a bad connection with the cables, so I took them off, cut off the ends and reattached them and it hasnt helped. It still will not start unless jumped and idles very low when stopped (but does not stall). Once I get it started it drives fine aside from the low idle. Any suggestions on why it will not start without a jump?

 

Any CELs?

Do you hear the main relay click on and off with the CEL light when the key is put into [II]?

Do you hear the starter in the engine bay click when the key is turned to [III]?

 

Since no one can see electricity, you will need a voltmeter to diagnose this problem. Key off, measure voltage at the battery posts (not the terminals, measure on top of the lead posts that are part of the battery). Less than 12.3 volts means the battery is run down or defective. Then start engine and measure again. Should be about 14 volts. If it is still in the 12's, the charging system is not working.