I have a 1997 Honda Civic Ex 1.6L with a manual transmission. It has been running fine except air condition is not working. After driving somewhere I shut the car off. When I returned - it would not start . There is no noise or attempt to crank. I can push the car & pop the clutch to crank it. However, once I turn it off it will not start via the ignition. Battery seems to be fine.

I checked the ignition coil fuse (#9) 15 Amp in my manual and the under-hood 40 amp Ignition 1 fuse (#2) in my manual and it appears to be OK. How do I check the transmission interlock on the clutch pedal or where would I locate it? Or, am I looking in the wrong place.

Thanks- Dao

Remove and fully charge (or replace) the battery. Most auto parts stores will charge batteries for free. I 'm almost positive you need a new battery.

TXGM

I appreciate the response Tex . However, the battery seems to be fine.
I initially checked the battery posts, etc. and tried jumping it to no avail.
Headlights are strong as well as all accessories . The problem seems to be
Elsewhere.

Where do I find the transmission interlock associated with the clutch that
Keeps the starter from operating? For that matter where is the starter located?

Thanks, Dao

How old is the battery? I have a hard time believing the battery is any good. What's important is amperage, not voltage. It's easy for a battery to fool you with turning on the lights and accessories. Place it on a charger and tell me how may amps it draws, which is likely "sky high." Keep charging it until the ammeter cuts back to 1 to 2 amps. IMO, you are looking in the wrong place. I expect you will need to install a new battery.

How old is the battery? I have a hard time believing the battery is any good. What's important is amperage, not voltage. It's easy for a battery to fool you with turning on the lights and accessories. Place it on a charger and tell me how may amps it draws, which is likely "sky high." Keep charging it until the ammeter cuts back to 1 to 2 amps. IMO, you are looking in the wrong place. I expect you will need to install a new battery.

Tex:

I have found that the washer on the clutch pedal is missing. I located a diagram that shows that when the clutch is pressed down to start the car this rubber washer presses on the (clutch pedal switch A ) . How do I replace this or remove the clutch pedal in order to get to it ? Is there a temporary fix until I can get this fixed?

http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu115/RonJ_HT/picture_5078.jpg

Thanks, Dao

Brake Lights Stay On (Disintegrated Brake Switch Pedal Pad)/Engine Won't Start (Disintegrated Clutch Pedal Pad)

Honda brake switch pedal pads get brittle and disintegrate, over time. They are about the size of a LifeSaver and are often royal blue. If you see pieces laying on the driver's side floor mat, and the brake lights are on or your battery is unexpectedly dead, remove the lower dash panel and press a new pedal pad (Honda Part No. 46505-SA5-000) into the pedal arm hole. The replacement part is white and retails for $2.15. If you drive an older Honda, it's a good idea to replace it proactively, so you don't get stranded. While you are doing this, it's a good idea to also replace the clutch pedal pad--it uses the same pad.

TRICK: If the plunger on the brake light switch prevents you from being able to press in a new pedal pad, take an X-ACTO knife or box cutter and cut 3/16" or 5 mm from the pad's "cone." Have a friend depress the brake pedal, while you insert the pad. For better access, remove the driver's seat--carefully remove the seat belt connector, before lifting the seat out.

In a pinch, you could substitute a cap head bolt and nut--it's better, however, to do it right and install a pedal pad.

Brake Lights Stay On (Disintegrated Brake Switch Pedal Pad)/Engine Won't Start (Disintegrated Clutch Pedal Pad)

Honda brake switch pedal pads get brittle and disintegrate, over time. They are about the size of a LifeSaver and are often royal blue in color. If you see pieces laying on the driver's side floor mat, and the brake lights are on or your battery is unexpectedly dead, remove the lower dash panel and press a new pedal pad (Honda Part No. 46505-SA5-000) into the pedal arm hole. The replacement part is white and retails for $2.15. If you drive an older Honda, it's a good idea to replace it proactively, so you don't get stranded. While you are doing this, it's a good idea to also replace the clutch pedal pad--it uses the same pad.

TRICK: If the plunger on the brake light switch prevents you from being able to press in a new pedal pad, take an X-ACTO knife or box cutter and cut 3/16" or 5 mm from the pad's "cone." Have a friend depress the brake pedal, while you insert the pad. For better access, remove the driver's seat--carefully remove the seat belt connector, before lifting the seat out.

In a pinch, you could substitute a cap head bolt and nut--it's better, however, to do it right and install a pedal pad.

Tex:

Since my last reply concerning my missing (clutch pedal pad) as you call it, I went our to the car to try a theory. I put the car in neutral with the key in the ignition. Then, while I depressed the clutch pedal switch with my left index finger
(I was able to get my left hand up there and feel for it) I turned the key with my right hand and the car cranked . I did this while I was sitting on the driveway next to the driver's side entrance. Can I short the Switch A to be closed all the time without harming the car?

And, do I understand you correctly that the brake pedal pad you are referring to is the same part as the part that I need on my Civic clutch pedal ? Do your "TRICK" instructions apply for the clutch pad replacement ? Is this part available at auto stores or only at Honda stores?

Thanks - Dao

Yes, it's the same part and is only available through Honda. I don't think you need the "TRICK" for the clutch pedal pad. You need to do the job right--no jerry rigging. It's a safety issue.

Yes, it's the same part and is only available through Honda. I don't think you need the "TRICK" for the clutch pedal pad. You need to do the job right--no jerry rigging. It's a safety issue.

Tex:

I went out to the car and took a look at the brake pedal pad and it is about the diameter of a nickel, made of white plastic with the cone shape protruding through the metal on the brake pedal. I assume this triggers the switch that goes to the brake light.

It is about 9 PM here so I will check with Honda in the morning to see if they have the part. Will I be able to reach-up into the area where the clutch pedal pad hole is and press the pad in with my fingers? It is very difficult to access . Or do I have to disassemble to clutch pedal ?

Thanks,-Dao & Blessings

Replacing the brake pedal pad is a chore, which requires removing the driver's seat for access. Replacing the clutch pedal pad is easier and you shouldn't have much trouble replacing it. You should be able to reach it with your fingers. Regardless, you don't need to disassemble the clutch pedal.

NOTE: I recommend that you replace the clutch pedal pad and the brake pedal pad at the same time. Both deteriorate from heat and fatigue. Failure of either one can strand you.

Replacing the brake pedal pad is a chore, which requires removing the driver's seat for access. Replacing the clutch pedal pad is easier and you shouldn't have much trouble replacing it. You should be able to reach it with your fingers. Regardless, you don't need to disassemble the clutch pedal.

NOTE: I recommend that you replace the clutch pedal pad and the brake pedal pad at the same time. Both deteriorate from heat and fatigue. Failure of either one can strand you.

Tex: I picked-up the part at the local Honda dealer and it was about $3.50 with tax. I am having difficulty in installing it though. Which is the best way to access the hole that the pad goes in? I can feel the hole through a small window in the pedal housing but I can't seem to be able to get the pad aligned correctly without dropping it. Can you give me some installing guidance? Is it better to use one's left hand or right hand?

Thanks-Dao

What you really need to do, then, is remove the driver's seat. Unfasten the four bolts securing it to the floor, disconnect the electrical connector underneath going to the seatbelt, and lift the seat out of the car. Place an old pillow on the floor and enter through the rear door. It will take you no time to get it installed. With an impact wrench, you can have the seat out in two minutes. This is why you want to replace the brake pedal pad at the same time, which is harder to do than the clutch pedal pad.

What you really need to do, then, is remove the driver's seat. Unfasten the four bolts securing it to the floor, disconnect the electrical connector underneath going to the seatbelt, and lift the seat out of the car. Place an old pillow on the floor and enter through the rear door. It will take you no time to get it installed. With an impact wrench, you can have the seat out in two minutes. This is why you want to replace the brake pedal pad at the same time, which is harder to do than the clutch pedal pad.

Tex: I finally got the pad into the pedal hole. I used a pair of surgical scissors to clamp the pad with while I held the clutch in with my head (upside down) with the scissors in one hand & a small flashlight in the other . I could not get my fingers into the tight slot . When I got the pad in position I released the clamp , pushed in the clutch further with my head and the pad snapped in . Incredible that such a small part could shut down the car .

I want to thank you for your feedback as it has been very helpful.

Thanks-Dao