I have a 1988 honda civic hatchback DX. It has 313,000 miles on it. It had been starting just fine until one day when i took it to Lowe's. After coming out of the store, i tried to start the car and all it did is make a click at the starter's solenoid. So i thought well it should be the starter. I replaced the starter with a new one, still won't start, same issue. I've checked all fuses and most wires, they seem to be fine. I'm pretty new with being a self-made mechanic, i don't really know much about cars. Friends have told me the engine might be locked up, i don't know. I was just wandering if it could be bad ignition coil, igniter or spark plugs, etc. I have power, the battery seems to be good, i even charged it to full power to make sure it had enough power to turn the starter. All i get is a click at the starter. The small wire is plugged in at the solenoid and the positive it is connected and the big balck wire from the starter is hooked onto the solenoid. I don't know what's wrong, maybe electrical issue, please help. Thank you.

 

Put a socket wrench on the front crank pulley bolt (the one on the left side of the engine that drives the alternator, A/C, etc.) You should be able to turn the engine by hand with the car in neutral (key OFF for this test).

If the engine is able to turn, check the connections at the battery, and the big power and ground cables. An additional clue is to turn the headlights on and try to start it. If the lights go out, you have inadequate power available from the battery or a bad cable connection.

There's also the possibility you got a bum starter from the parts store.