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-   -   1990 Honda Civic Not Starting (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=592726)

  • Aug 14, 2011, 11:46 AM
    cmyaj
    1990 Honda Civic Not Starting
    After driving a few days ago, I returned to the car only to have it not start (seems rather familiar, looking over some of the threads here). The dash lights/radio/dome light all come on, & I can hear a single click (the main relay?) when the key turns to the start position, but the engine doesn't crank at all. I replaced the starter (confirmed it was dead & tested the replacement to confirm it was good), but the problem is the same. I had no idea about checking the error lights, & will do that as soon as I get the car home; in the meantime, anybody have any ideas?

    Specs: Early model 1990 Civic DX, 1.5; 150000 +/- miles; recently (within the past few years) replaced the distributor, ignition, main relay, alternator & battery; starter was replaced about five years ago.

    Any & all help is appreciated - thank in advance!
  • Aug 14, 2011, 11:58 AM
    TxGreaseMonkey

    Remove and fully charge (or replace) the battery. Most auto parts stores will test and charge batteries for free.
  • Aug 14, 2011, 12:11 PM
    cmyaj
    Even though the battery's under a year old?
  • Aug 14, 2011, 12:19 PM
    TxGreaseMonkey

    Yes, you need to establish a "baseline" of what you know is good. It's always the first thing to do when you have electrical problems. Next, check all under hood and under dash fuses with a test light or multimeter. The alternator may have been bad, even though is was recently replaced--happens all the time, especially on rebuilts.
  • Aug 14, 2011, 01:34 PM
    odinn7
    Do all that but you'll also want to check the battery connections for corrosion and the wires to the starter.

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