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-   -   I have a 97 Honda civic DX, manual transmission and starter won't engage (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=832280)

  • May 16, 2017, 03:24 PM
    phrog man
    I have a 97 Honda civic DX, manual transmission and starter won't engage
    I have install a new battery, starter, and main relay. There is power to the solenoid, but the starter still won't engage. I can push start the car with no problem. Does anyone have any other ideas
  • May 16, 2017, 03:41 PM
    ma0641
    Can you hear the starter run? Did you test it before you installed it? Did the starter come with the Bendix drive? Make sure the ignition switch wire is connected, Black with white tracer.
  • May 17, 2017, 08:34 AM
    Stratmando
    You may also want to check ignition switch. The black w/ white tracer should show 12 volts when key is turned.
  • May 18, 2017, 04:25 PM
    phrog man
    I have tied that also, and every time I turn the switch I do get 12v. This one has me stumped.
  • May 20, 2017, 07:02 PM
    talaniman
    See if this video helps

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5W7OqjKB8I

    Or

    https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-...witch-2918837/
  • May 20, 2017, 07:44 PM
    ma0641
    Let's back up a bit. Honda has the starter solenoid on the starter. You should measure 12vdc from the battery side of the solenoid to ground with the key off or in start position 1. With the key turned to start II, you should measure 12vdc on the start wire from the key and 12vdc from the starter side of the solenoid to ground. Starter should engage the Bendix into the flywheel and engine will crank over. With stick shift, make sure the clutch safety switch is closing. In my 06 Frontier, the nylon pin in the clutch pedal broke and it appeared that the starter was bad because I rolled it down a hill and it started. So, a 5 cent part mimicked a bad starter. If you are getting 12vdc on the starter side of the solenoid, you could have a bad starter.
  • May 21, 2017, 10:52 AM
    phrog man
    I took a look at the videos and tried the suggestions, no luck. I disconnected the neutral safely switch and put a jumper in the connector same results. I think I need to go back and check all my grounds.
  • May 22, 2017, 04:40 AM
    talaniman
    Please let us know what you find. Verify your under hood fuses as well.
  • May 22, 2017, 04:44 PM
    phrog man
    I tried your suggestions, I did get the 12vdc in both positions. You could hear the solenoid knock, but the starter didn't engage. I also disconnected the neutral safety switch and put a jumper on the connector only to get the same results. The solenoid knock when the key is turned. Thank you! it was worth a try. Back to the drawing board.
  • May 22, 2017, 06:37 PM
    ma0641
    Pull the starter, not too difficult. Leave the wiring connected or reconnect and use a jumper cable to ground the starter case to the frame. What happens when you try to start the car? Does the Bendix drive go all the way out? If not, you have a starter issue. If it goes all the way, you may have the wrong starter.
  • May 23, 2017, 03:05 PM
    phrog man
    Thank You for the info, its been raining like crazy as soon as we get a break I will try this and let you know what happens.

    Thank You for the info, its been raining like crazy as soon as we get a break I will try this and let you know what happens.

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