Hey Guys,

Ive been scratching my head on this one and just cannot figure it out.

I have a 2001 Honda Civic ex, about a week ago it has begun to have a rough time starting.

When I turn the key it does an initial crank, pauses, cranks again, sometimes cranks longer, and eventually will start if enough cranks can sneak in there. Once started it runs great.

Ive searched for corroded wires and terminals but everything looks clean, battery tested out good as well.

I know this can't be the starter because usually electronic parts ether work or they don't. Could it be the starter solenoid?

It took quite awhile to start today, though I was going to have to get it towed.

Any input is appreciated!

Thanks,

Andrew B.

 

im confused your saying that it cuts out while in the start position mid crank ???

 

Correct, its really odd. I have been researching all over the internet and couldn't find anyone with the same problem. Thats why I posted.

 

Bad connections at the battery will do this. Sometimes a battery has an internal bad connection and the voltage from it goes away. Or it could be the ignition switch or the neutral / clutch switch, or the starter itself (the solenoid is integral with the starter). If you have someone to help by turning the key, you could measure voltage at the starter and other points to see if it stays on or goes away while the starter stops.

A simpler test you can do yourself is turn the headlights on and watch them while you are trying to start, once it stops cranking. If they go out, the whole car has lost power from the battery. If they stay on, the problem is more localized to the starter system.

 

i had a similar issue once it turned out to be just a loose connection on the positive terminal but you said you checked that already.

 

Thank you for the replies! I will be working on it today and see if I can get it figured out.

 

Fixed! It did end up being the starter/starter solenoid.