'97 Honda Civic won't start...

Discussion in 'Civic' started by wardnine, Aug 4, 2006.

  1. wardnine

    wardnine Guest

    Hi, my 1997 Honda Civic is in the parking lot at work right now and
    won't start. Here are the problems:

    1) Ignition won't start at all when I turn the key. When I first tried
    this a couple hours ago, I heard no noise when I turned the key, just
    now when I tried it you sometimes hear it catch for maybe a split
    second (maybe .25 second) and then it dies down

    2) the lights and CD player/radio INSIDE the car work fine when I turn
    the key

    3) However, when I press the hazard light button or turn the outside
    head lights on, neither of those lights work. Also when I turn these
    on, the light inside the car and CD player/radio go off when either of
    these turn on

    4) There is a weird buzzing sound when I press the hazard light button
    that goes when I press the hazard light button again.

    Does anyone have a clue as to what the problem may be? I was doing
    95-100 on the highway when I came in today from work (haven't sped that
    fast in at least a few months, probably well over a year). Also, it is
    very hot where I am locate (D.C. area) and I do know that my timing
    belts are overdue for being replaced (had scheduled an appointment for
    a couple weeks from now). Would any of this have to do with the
    problems I am having? Any help is appreciated...

    Julie
     
    wardnine, Aug 4, 2006
    #1
  2. -------------------------------------

    Your battery terminals sound loose or corroded, since they won't handle
    any amount of current, but make sure to check the OTHER ENDS of the
    wires (especially the ground) to be sure they aren't loose or rusted
    too.

    Snugging up the terminals or boosting the car will probably start it. If
    you can't get a pair of booster cables and if it's got a manual tranny,
    just walk-start it. Key all the way to position III, push it walking
    speed (two helpers) push in clutch, put in second gear, pop clutch for
    1/2 second, engine starts.
     
    'Curly Q. Links', Aug 4, 2006
    #2
  3. wardnine

    E Meyer Guest

    Probably one of the cells in your battery died. There is enough current to
    light the low power things, but not enough to start the engine or light the
    headlights. I'll bet if you leave the radio on for a while or turn it up,
    it will die as well. You need a battery.
     
    E Meyer, Aug 6, 2006
    #3
  4. wardnine

    Kaz Kylheku Guest

    Was the ignition switch replaced in this Honda?

    It's a safety recall item. Free repair.
     
    Kaz Kylheku, Aug 7, 2006
    #4
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