View Full Version : 97 civic ex starter whins but don't start and it won't push start either
jaygaffney
Nov 1, 2010, 05:48 AM
smoothy
Nov 1, 2010, 05:59 AM
I assume its an automatic... because except in very rare cases you should not attempt to push or tow start an automatic transmission vehicle. And the rare cases I know of do not include Hondas. In most cases attempting to tow or push start an automatic will result in damage to the transmission.
Sounds like a defective or sticking starter bendix. You MIGHT be able to free it up if its sticking... but you are better off replacing the starter because its likely to happen again if you don't. And odds are you won't be at home when it does.
jaygaffney
Nov 1, 2010, 06:07 AM
It's a stick but should'n it still push start if the starter is going out
smoothy
Nov 1, 2010, 06:32 AM
Yes you should be able to.. with a stickshift. You need the right speed and the right choice of gear.
Too low a gear the tires want to slide... too high a gear and the engine doesn't turn fast enough. Usually second gear is the best choice. Have the ignition on... get a good push, then put it in gear and pop the clutch... it will usually fire right up. Easier with two or more people... but I've done it alone numerous times.
TxGreaseMonkey
Nov 1, 2010, 07:39 AM
1. Replace starter--the overrunning clutch is shot.
2. Perform tests in the link below, to help determine why the engine won't start:
https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-trucks/faq-how-troubleshoot-repair-maintain-hondas-selected-other-vehicles-46563-2.html#post229012
jaygaffney
Nov 2, 2010, 07:11 PM
OK the starter is working but the engine is turning over slow and it sounds like it has no compression. Would a blown head gasket cause all this
TxGreaseMonkey
Nov 2, 2010, 07:13 PM
Yes.
jaygaffney
Nov 2, 2010, 07:22 PM
OK then would it just die while driving it my wife was just shifting from 1 to 2nd gear then heard air then it dieed
TxGreaseMonkey
Nov 3, 2010, 07:26 AM
It could die just like you described. Has the engine ever overheated?
jaygaffney
Nov 3, 2010, 04:28 PM
Not since we bought it the guy we bought it from said he replaced it but it not really sure it did smoke a little but I have not seen any signs of water in the oil that's why I'm so lost
jaygaffney
Nov 3, 2010, 04:32 PM
But the plug wires 2 to 4 are a little rusty and number 1 is not and I put my hand over each spark plug hole all pushed and sucked but number one so I don't know I can't afford to take it to a shop