I have a 88 civic that will not start. I was leaving for work in the morning and I got in my car and started it up. It then died so I went to start it again and the engine turned over twice and then made a loud sound. I then replaced the starter thinking that this was the problem and it wasn't. I then had my old starter tested and it worked great. I checked the teeth on flywheel and they are fine. It almost seems like the starter is binding and that is the noise I am hearing. I you have any thoughts on what might be my problem please let me know.

Before doing anything else, answer the 3 basic diagnostic questions in the FAQ Sticky:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-trucks/automotive-repair-maintenance-troubleshooting-frequently-asked-questions-46563.html

After that, see if any of the other tests apply to your situation. I doubt that it is just be a starter issue. Determine whether standard items, such as spark plugs, rotor, distributor cap, and spark plug wires, are in need of replacement, before getting into other critical ignition components.

Before doing anything else, answer the 3 basic diagnostic questions in the FAQ Sticky:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-trucks/automotive-repair-maintenance-troubleshooting-frequently-asked-questions-46563.html

After that, see if any of the other tests apply to your situation. I doubt that it is just be a starter issue. Determine whether standard items, such as spark plugs, rotor, distributor cap, and spark plug wires, are in need of replacement, before getting into other critical ignition components.

My engine will not crank and the battery is good. So I read your suggested test but I did not see how they would apply to my situation. If you have anything else please let me know. Thanks

1. You said, "I got in my car and started it up. It then died . . ." Cars that are running and then die don't have just starter motor problems. That's why I wanted you to run the basic ignition troubleshooting tests. Humor me with the answers to the 3 basic diagnostic questions. It costs nothing and only takes several seconds to run. I may reveal something significant.

2. Did you test all under-hood and under-dash fuses with a test light or multimeter?

3. Did you check for any DTCs? A code 20 could indicate a problem with the electrical load detection circuit.

4. Did you clean cable connections going to the starter solenoid and battery?

5. Did you test for a bad ignition switch? If the switch is bad, your starter motor won't run. Jump the starter solenoid, using a jumper wire or remote starter switch from the solenoid "S" terminal to battery positive voltage, and see if the starter motor runs. If it does, replace the ignition switch.

6. Did you test for a seized engine? Was this the loud sound? Try turning the crankshaft with a large socket and breaker bar on the pulley bolt.