sign of a dying starter?

**netfreak** · 09-24-2002, 07:45 PM

On a couple occasions I try to start my engine after I had shut it off and it won't start. I'm probably looking at within a minute or two of turning it off. When the key is turned to the starter position I don't hear any noise or anything, it just does nothing (except turn all my accessories on). Normally after a couple attempts it'll finally kick in. Dying starter? How much to new ones run for (on average)? Also, how hard is it installing a replacement?

**bigpoppa88** · 09-24-2002, 09:00 PM

I had the same symptoms with my starter. I decided to change it before winter arrives! Very easy to change, held on by 2 bolts Top right corner and left side, and the Positive cable to the starter (don't forget to undo the neg terminal before you start!). Go for it, easy to do and you'll save some $$$ in the process. I picked up a used one at the bone yard for 20 Canadian dollars.

**netfreak** · 09-24-2002, 09:55 PM

Cool. I might try to find one at the boneyard but the 3geez they had were pretty empty.

**Immeraufdemhund** · 09-25-2002, 04:58 AM

i had the same problem in my prelude. I could run all my stuff but the car wouldn't even turn. It turned out i my either ground or pos. connection was loose. I cleaned the booger and it worked again.

1988starter · 09-25-2002, 05:01 AM

I have a working extra I could let go cheep.

**ACCORD EX** · 09-25-2002, 05:48 AM

do you hear a clicking noise when you turn your ignition on ! ? if not it's propably your main relay ! does it happen when cold . hot or both ?
another thing , check the wire attached to the starter make sure it sticks good and not rusted !

MIKE

**Dutchboy** · 09-25-2002, 08:53 AM

I counted about 5or 6 3geez at pick part if your gonna need one from there...
i was there last week so i dont htink that they wil be gone...

BEn

**netfreak** · 09-25-2002, 09:49 AM

ACCORD EX: no clicking noise. It sat there completely silent as if I wasn't even turning the key

1988starter: If I have no luck at the boneyard, how much would you want for it?

1988starter · 09-25-2002, 10:39 AM

5 bucks plus shipping.

**smufguy** · 09-25-2002, 11:33 AM

do u know the price of the main relay from the dealer???? more than a dozen underpants.

**ACCORD EX** · 09-25-2002, 03:32 PM

no clicking noise ! ? you better check the main relay first ! because clicking has to be there ! the starter only cranks the engine ! does start by jumping ?

MIKE

**rocky2** · 09-25-2002, 04:21 PM

Wire brush surface on both ends where it makes contact,this will help with less amp draws. On trans and starter itself.

**netfreak** · 09-25-2002, 05:30 PM

Hmm well if it gets worse, I'll have a dealer replace the relay (sounds like it is the problem here).

**anchovies** · 09-25-2002, 10:09 PM

Main relay from autoparts stores is like $30. Less than that if I remembered correctly.

**netfreak** · 09-25-2002, 11:57 PM

That cheap? Oh ok that isn't so bad.

**StressSolutions** · 12-19-2005, 08:31 AM

Aha, more good information, kinda sounds like my problem too. Diagnostics + MN/December = numb fingers

**logic** · 12-19-2005, 10:11 AM

Originally Posted by anchovies

Main relay from autoparts stores is like $30. Less than that if I remembered correctly.

Why replace it when you can fix it in about 5 minutes??? (search for "Main Relay")

**Kabuki** · 12-19-2005, 10:53 AM

Originally Posted by anchovies

Main relay from autoparts stores is like $30. Less than that if I remembered correctly.

Yeah, not likely. Typically, parts like that, which are vehicle specific, are MORE than dealer list. Or they are just crap parts that you don't want in your car anyway. Oh, and the main relay doesn't have ANYTHING to do with the starter. So if the description is correct, it's NOT the mainrelay causing this problem. It's probably the starter contacts or the ignition switch.