Have a 99 EX that sometimes will not crank. Several attempts at removing the key, turning it back to the start position seems to correct the problem. I originally thought it was a neutral saftey switch because the first time I got it to start by putting the car in neutral, but that hasn't helped since. Its not a ground because the car doesn't blink out when pushed to start, the fuel pump keeps running, just no crank.

I'm thinking its either a bad ignition switch or starter solenoid. The problem is that its intermittent, so I'm not sure if I'd be able to determine if its the switch just by bypassing from the battery to the solenoid. I guess I'm just thinking this is probably common and somebody else has had the issue, and maybe I can avoid having to tear into the column too look at the contacts if it sounds like that's not going to be it.

Thanks in advance-

K

 

I think it would be useful to try jumping the starter. Leave the key off so the engine will not start. Try several times and if it doesn't crank every time, bad starter. It is typical for Civic starters to get so it will only intermittently start. This gets worse and worse until it won't crank at all.

 

I have the same issue with a 93 civic. I am just wondering if it could be an ignition (key) problem and how to determine this when it only occasionally happens.