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-   -   1998 Honda Accord EX starting issues (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=414982)

  • Nov 11, 2009, 09:12 AM
    jjurosic
    1998 Honda Accord EX starting issues
    Hello. I hadn't had any problems with my honda until last week. I went out to my car and it wouldn't start. On the third try I finally got it started and got home and it wouldn't start the rest of the day. I don't know much about cars, so this is what I notice and what we've done:

    When I open the car door, the dome light and lights on the door do come on and my clock is still working. When I go to start, the clock dims until I turn the key back in the off position, but after trying to start it, the lights and locks don't work.

    We replaced the battery and did the alternator test where you pull the negative and the car kept running.

    For one week the car ran fine. Exactly one week after replacing the battery, had the same problem. Now I can't get it to start at all. There is no cranking/clunking or any noises. Literally, I turn the key, and if it's not going to start the clock goes dim and it does nothing. If it happens to start, no check engine or other lights stay on indicating a problem and if it gets started it seems to run fine.

    Any insight on what it could be would be great. I am waiting for my husband to get home so we can decide where we can take it, but would like any opinions on what you think it is.
    Thanks
  • Nov 11, 2009, 09:39 AM
    TxGreaseMonkey

    . Remove and fully charge the battery. Most auto parts stores will do this for free.

    . Test all under hood and under dash fuses with a test light or multimeter:

    https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-t...tml#post252145

    This will ensure that all under hood mega power distribution fuses and the under dash alternator fuse are good--always good to check.

    . Test the alternator. Most auto parts stores will also do this for free. The alternator is likely not properly charging the battery. This link (Step 8, particularly) may help:

    https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-t...ml#post1973613

    I suspect the alternator is bad, allowing the new battery to completely discharge.
  • Nov 11, 2009, 06:47 PM
    jjurosic

    Update: took the battery to an auto parts store where they tested the battery and said it was a good battery and that it was still fully charged...
  • Nov 11, 2009, 06:49 PM
    TxGreaseMonkey
    Now that we know the battery is fine, the alternator is less suspect and probably okay.

    Did you test all fuses, yet? If they test okay, check the ignition switch for wear, pitting, or melting:

    https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-t...tml#post224652

    Does the dash light up?
  • Nov 11, 2009, 07:03 PM
    TxGreaseMonkey

    Replacement ignition switches are inexpensive for your car, $51.99 at AutoZone (Part No. LS959). It's an easy DIY job.

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