Starters keep going bad
 

hello All,
I have had to replace the starter in my 2000 4dr Civic DX 3 times in the last two months. The first time I replaced it, the second time I replaced it and the battery, the last time which was yesterday I replaced it and returned the car home until I figure out why the starter keeps dying or I sell the car. I did buy the starters at Advance Auto but that doesn't explain two in a row failing after only a month. I believe something is killing them. Anyway I am really tired of getting stranded by the same problem and would appreciate any expert knowledge that can be bestowed upon my humble being.

Thanks

RE: Starters keep going bad
 

Are you having any other engine problems that would make cranking the engine difficult?

When the starter dies, are any fuses being blown?

Is the starter solenoid or starter motor dying?

Edit: Added diagram below.

Attachment 26274

RE: Starters keep going bad
 

I haven't noticed any problems or changes in the performance of the vehicle I drive it about 50 miles a day and usually at unsafe speeds:) on the DC beltway.

I also haven't noticed any electrical problems related to fuses being blown, although ever since I have owned the car the radio dies after playing it real loud for 30 minutes or so requiring me to turn it off and back on.

Unfortunately I don't have the equipment to test whether it is the solenoid or the motor, I suppose it is time to invest in a multimeter and ohm meter. I always thought my car was a DX and after looking up the VIN just now discovered it is an SE. Maybe I got the wrong starters, I will check that now.

RE: Starters keep going bad
 

(A reasonable multimeter is not very expensive. Check you local Walmart or Sears Hardware store.)

Do you mean EX:

Attachment 26264

RE: Starters keep going bad
 

my vin is: 2hgej6619yh548321

carfax says it is Civic/SE
http://www.carfax.com/cfm/check_orde...PopUpStatus=0#

The grade code is 1 which doesn't look like an option according to the graphic you posted. I will start pulling fuses out tomorrow to see if any are blown.

RE: Starters keep going bad
 

Correction: Actually, you have a U.S. 2000 model made in Canada.

Possibly some variant of the DX model (code 19 vs 2x?) with the D16Y7 engine and an automatic transmission:

For comparison with Canadian models:
Attachment 26263

RE: Starters keep going bad
 

It could be possible that you installed it wrong, causing the starter gear to not sync up with the flywheel teeth correctly and have to work harder to turn the engine over.......
Im merely guessing here, but I know that was possible on the older american cars that required shims to line the starter up right.

RE: Starters keep going bad
 

Well, starter removal and installation looks pretty straightforward, but here are the instructions anyway:

Attachment 26258

RE: Starters keep going bad
 

The first one I installed did have a very different sound than the original however the second one sounded exactly like the original and I heard it the moment it died, it cranked for about half a second before quitting. None of the starter gears looked worn at all and there was no oil or water or any other fluid dripping on them. Short of it being the wrong part I am not sure how I could have done it wrong.

I went and checked that the #31 fuse is actually a 7.5 amp fuse and it is and appears to not have any kind of heat damage.

RE: Starters keep going bad
 

How long has each starter lasted after installation?

Are you sure the starter itself fails? Was each "bad" starter bench tested? Maybe your electrical connections are loose, damaged, or corroded or the ground is faulty.

Edit: Another possibility is that the ignition switch is faulty, the battery is low, or the battery terminals are corroded.