1998 Accord Automatic EX V6 188,000.00 miles

The one thing that I especially like about this car is that the motor is still running strong. I am now experiencing other parts of the car failing due to maintenance needs or age.

I have replaced the alternator, battery, and starter. All of them had been replaced very close in time of one another. The battery is the most recently replacement.

There seems to be a problem with the starter. This issue is intermittent when I turn the key to start the car. There is no sound of engagement or any indication that its doing anything. At times, I am able to make multiple attempts to turn the key and it will finally start the engine. Other times, it is required that I need help along with someone turning the key and I would tap the starter for it to start the engine. This was symptomatic before I replaced the battery and starter.

I had taken it into a repair center and they are not able to give me any ideas with the problem since each time I bring it in for service the problem is not replicated.

What could be a viable solution for this?

Be sure to fully charge the battery and have it load tested. Even new batteries can fail to start a car, if they are not fully charged prior to installation. I saw this happen twice this week. You should also perform the bypass test (Item 6, below). The "S" terminal on the solenoid needs to receive at least 12 volts. To minimize voltage drop, clean all terminals and connectors thoroughly. Inspect the battery cables for corrosion, cracks, and resistance. Clean the main ground and the bolts grounding the starter. You get the idea--go over everything.


"Car (Starter Motor) Won't Crank"

. Ensure the battery is fully charged, before diagnosing starter problems. Then, test each cell, with a hydrometer or multimeter, to ensure that it's good. This important step is often overlooked.
. Test all under hood and under dash fuses with a test light or multimeter.
. Ensure the gearshift is in Neutral or Park (automatic transmission), or the clutch pedal is depressed (manual transmission), if the starter motor does not turn at all when the ignition switch is turned to Start.


1. If the starter motor doesn't turn, but the starter solenoid (relay) "clicks" when the ignition switch is turned to Start, the problem is with the battery, starter solenoid, or starter motor connections.

2. Disconnecting the negative battery cable first, clean battery terminals and cable connections with a battery terminal brush, No. 240 abrasive cloth, or steel wool. Also, check the battery ground cable connection to the body and engine. Apply silicone dielectric grease, when finished. Examine the cables carefully for hidden corrosion or internal breaks.

3. While the negative battery cable is disconnected, clean starter motor and starter solenoid connections. Apply silicone dielectric grease, when finished. Make sure all connections are secure. When installing the starter cable, make sure that the crimped side of the ring terminal is facing out. Reconnect the negative battery terminal last.

4. If the starter motor spins but the engine is not cranking, the overrunning clutch in the starter motor is slipping and the starter motor must be replaced. Also, the ring gear on the flywheel or drive plate may be worn.

5. If the solenoid plunger cannot be heard when the switch is actuated, the battery is bad, the fusible link is burned (circuit is open), or the solenoid is defective.

6. In order to check the solenoid, put the transmission in Park and remove the push-on connector from the solenoid “S” terminal. Connect a jumper lead (12 AWG), or preferably a remote starter switch, between the positive battery terminal and the exposed “S” terminal on the solenoid. If the starter motor now operates, the solenoid is fine and the problem is with the ignition switch, neutral start switch, starter relay, or wiring. If the starter motor still does not operate, replace the solenoid.

7. If the starter motor cranks the engine slowly, ensure the battery is fully charged and all terminal connections are clean and tight. Then, check connections at the starter solenoid and battery ground. The engine will also crank slowly, if it's partially seized or has the wrong viscosity oil in it. Synthetic engine oil allows starter motors to turn the engine over easier and faster, thus promoting starting and reducing battery drain.