97 accord stick-no start?

Problem just started this winter. On cold mornings
it won't start, won't click even. All accessories
work fine.

If I play with the clutch pedal, shake the shifter,
eventually it starts normally so the battery and
solenoid must be fine.

It's a 5 speed, so I am working on the assumption
that it has to do with one of the switches at the
top of the clutch pedal.

I have played with the clutch-interlock switch
(topmost switch) and thought I had it fixed.
But when cold weather came back, same problem.

I have no idea what the second switch it for.

All help appreciated.

nick

 

--------------------------

Second switch is for your brake lights, I think. www.slhondaparts has
your diagrams and part numbers.

For a '97 with unknown mileage, you need to read up on starters:

http://www.hondasuv.com/members/showthread.php?t=20252&highlight=stranded+solenoid

The wiggling around and pumping the clutch may be equal to the 'tapping'
of the hatchet. Follow the links in the thread too.

'Curly'

 

Thanks Curly. It's a 97 Accord LX with only about 65K miles and on
it's second battery. I do now get a loud click but no start below
maybe 40 degrees. I had already tried tapping the solenoid and the
clutch interlock switch. Probably the solenoid then??

nick

 

------------------------

Follow the links in that 'hatchet' thread and look at the replaceable
contacts in the solenoid. If the solenoid clicks but doesn't spin the
starter, those could be shot (although your mileage is terribly low).

Ever cleaned your grounding point of your battery's black wire?

'Curly'

 

Kinda doubt it. Would be silly to have brake lights come on every time
you shifted... On the other hand, if you have cruise control, it's
almost certain it's the cruise disable switch. You definitely want
cruise to drop out if you depress the clutch pedal. Some cars use the
same switch for starter interlock and cruise disable.

[smile]
--Rick

 

--------------------------

Hey, Rick . . . But wouldn't it make those pesky TAILGATERS nervous??
Sorry, it's hard for us automatic guys think MANUAL tranny / clutch. I
guess the parts diagrams at www.slhondaparts.com will confirm your
suggestion.

'Curly'

 

My 98 was involved in a ignition switch recall, due
to contacts not heavy enough to current the current.
I don't know if 97s where involved in that also.
Just a thought.

 

-------------------------

The RECALL NOTICES are here, check it out:
http://www.tegger.com/hondafaq/tsb/index.html#list

'Curly'

 

Yeah, I believe mine was replaced in that recall. What
has me curious is that it only seems to be a problem
when its below, say, 50 degrees. And if I do get it started,
and let it warm up a bunch, it seems to be ok as well.

When it won't turn over, I DO get a solenoid click. Would that
not imply that the switch is ok but the solenoid/starter is
at fault??

 

If you are still on only the second battery, I would take that battery and
get it checked before messing with anything else. I have experienced
batteries on the way out that had just enough power to make the solenoid
click.

 

Updates:

Battery is great, alternator kicks out 14.5. Problem
is unrelated to temperature or duration of inactivity.
Can happen first thing in the morning, or after a
drive during the middle of the day. May not happen
at all.

This is a 97 accord. In 2004 it had (they tell me!) a
new ignition switch replaced as a recall.

Anyhow -- sometimes when I go to start it, all I get
is the solenoid click. No turnover at all.

But if I repeatedly flap the key to Off then start,
again and again quickly, the starter turns over and
the engine starts.

Now .. I ask you .. is this the ignition switch or
the starter solenoid????

nick

 

-------------------------

It's the contacts on the solenoid. They're replacable per the link I
already provided. You don't have a no-start problem . . you have a
no-turn problem. Nothing to do with the ignition switch since you always
here it click at the starter.

'Curly'

 

Yep... I had an ol' '76 Civic that would do the same thing. I wacked
the starter with a jack handle for several months before having the
starter rebuilt..

JT

(I ain't cheeep, Ah's frugal!)

 

______________

.. . . . . Here's the link again. It involves a _HATCHET_ not a jack
handle. Same methodology:

http://www.hondasuv.com/members/showthread.php?t=20252&

Enjoy.

'Curly'

 

Shades of Lizzy Borden??

<G>

JT

 

OK, used the hatchet trick and am convinced. I will
order a $25 solenoid kit. When I complete the order
online will they eventually ask me the model/year of
the car?

Also, how difficult is it to get at the bottom bolt
on the starter??

 

-------------------------

If you need the hatchet, it's usually because the solenoid isn't getting
ground through the brushes / armature.

Read the thread again. I have edited it for clarity. If yours clicks,
but doesn't crank it is more likely the solenoid contacts mentioned by
the member 'Carbuff2'.

'Curly'

 

How difficult is it to get at the bottom bolt
on the starter?? I do a lot of wrenching on our
old MG, but all the bolts and nuts are pretty simple
to get to. How's the 97 Accord 4 cyl starter to get
off??

Yes, mine clicks. Loud. If I repeatedly flick the key
from OFF to III and back eventually the solenoid contacts
come together and it starts. So I am planning to
order the Nippondenso starter SOLENOID contact repair
kit WITH plunger. Izzat OK??

 

---------------------

Yes, you've got it!

Mine needs to come out soon because I've got the noisy gears / bushing
that go EEeewww when I let go of the key.I can't say about the
difficulty cuz I've never done one on a Honda.

Look in there with a mirror and a good flashlight. Parts diagrams are at
www.slhondaparts.com but they rarely help for what you need to know.
Search www.tegger.com and see if there's anything about starter removal.

'Curly'