Mt daughter's 1997 civic has had starting problem for about 2 years. Usually when warm it won't crank. If she waits about 15 min, then keep trying it will start. I removed the aftermarket antitheft device, but that made difference. Car has about 212,000 miles. It was fine all winter, then with the warm weather, the problem is back. It is hard to diagnose because it is intermittant. Any ideas?

 

The engine doesn't turn at all when you turn the key, or does it crank but not fire?

 

So far, it has only happened when my daughter was driving, several times last week. She tells me that when it happens, the engine does not turn over. I don't know whether or not engine lights come on or not yet. I am driving it this week to see if I can diagnose. Yesterday, I connected a wire from the starter solenoid and ran it inside the car. If it won't turn over while I'm go to start it, I plan to connect a 12V test light with the key in III position to see if voltage is getting to starter or not. That should eliminate either the starter or a connection/switch. I suspect it is a switch, ground, or connection. Haven't checked the ground to engine yet. Today it was mid-80's and sunny; I made several stops and not problem starting yet. Someone told me he had a similar problem with a Honda due to a bad aftermarket radio installation. This car also has an aftermarket radio installed, so that is another check to made.

 

I too have a 1997 Civic EX (221,000 mi) with the same problem. Started about a year ago (& has retuned now that it's warm outside). When daily ambient temp is consistently 75+ deg F for 2 weeks or so, problem occurs. Turn the key and nothing happens (won't crank, no clicking, dimming dome light, etc.). It's almost as if the starter is not getting any voltage whatsoever. Wait 15 - 30 minutes (usually, sometimes longer) and it will eventually start. I may start troubleshooting again this weekend. Good luck!

 

Check that the small wire on the starter is secure. You can jump the small wire to the battery to confirm that the starter works. Manuals have a switch on the clutch pedal that must close when the pedal is all the way down to enable the starter.

 

I drove the car all last week to work. Started mid-day and after work. It was warm and sunny, in the mid-80's each day. I soldered the test wire to the 12V connection at the starter and clipped the ground wire to a ground. I went ahead and connected up the test light and tucked it down on the left side of driver's side and gave it back to my daughter to drive. She can tell me the next time it doesn't turn over if the test light comes on when she tries to crank it. According to the Haynes manual which has the starting system schematic, the only possibilities are (1) bad ground, (2) A/T gear position switch, and the (3) the starter switch. When it happens again, I can have her move the gear selector to neutral to see if that makes a difference. Other than the test light, I haven't checked anything, but otherwise the car runs great. Just annoying to have an intermittant no-start problem.

 

That's exactly what my issue turned out to be (small blk/wht wire to S terminal on starter). Time of year/outside temperature when conditioned seemed to occur was a mere coincidence I guess. I never even bothered troubleshooting the issue last year since it suddenly went away. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

My car is also a 97 civic. I have the exact same problem. It has died on me twice like that. I just read the last post and checked my blk and white wire to the starter and it seemed fine but who knows if it was then. we will see what happens in the future and il check it if it happens again. In the mean time if anyone has any more ways to solve the problem please post. Ill be watching this thread and hopefully find a permanent solution

 

Okay so I wired up a clutch bypass switch. So it starts without the clutch when the switch is on, and will not turn over when it is off. I tested it several times both ways and everything checked out.
But it happened again, luckily while i was in the parking lot.
Once again it was hot.
So, what else could it be? I checked the starter wire and i know the starter is good. I was wondering about the main relay? Or i know the ignition reads the key and turns, but my key is worn down and bent so could that be a problem? Is it possible that it is close enough to turn the ignition but for some reason not let it turn over?

 

My car did it again. This time i got in my car (it has been 80 all day) and I turned the key over and I get nothing. Same no click, no sound, and just a flash of my car stereo lights. This is really starting to get on my nerves. After about 10 minutes, it started right up. WHAT IS GOING ON!!!????

Somebody please help!