My Wagovan Sometimes Does not Even Crank to Start! Help!!!!

ReaccionReaccion Senior Wagonist
in Electronics, Fueling & Air Conditioning
Problem: Hello guys! Something is happening with my 1989 Honda Civic Wagon Wagovan. My wagon does NOT start sometimes. I mean, the wagon does NOT even crank. It is like if the ignition switch would not be working properly. I changed the ignition switch but the problem continues. I get a positve cable from the battery and with the ignition switch on, I jump the starter and the wagon starts right up. Also, when the problem occurs, there is a clicking noise coming from under the steering wheel around where the fuse box is around. I am thinking that it could be a blown relay or remote starter cable. Please let me know your suggestions!!


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Solution: I found the problem. There was an remote starter alarm installed by the wagon's previous owner. This alarm is still installed on the wagon but is not functional. There was a relay for the remote starter between the starter and the starter switch. I just eliminated this relay and I was good to go! :)

Comments

  • danzdanz Wagonist
    it could be the starter is on the way out, and the noise you hear is the solenoid clicking.
  • ReaccionReaccion Senior Wagonist
    danz wrote:
    it could be the starter is on the way out, and the noise you hear is the solenoid clicking.

    the clicking noise is under the steering wheel... The starter works just fine right after jumping it....
  • JDMWago666JDMWago666 Senior Wagonist
    Could be your ignition switch. Easy to take install.
  • HaydzHaydz Moderator
    On initial read, it sounds like the starter solenoid. A clicking under the dash however, suggests a form of relay... I'm not sure about the ignition specifics and if there is a relay between that and the solenoid.
  • ReaccionReaccion Senior Wagonist
    JDMWago666 wrote:
    Could be your ignition switch. Easy to take install.

    Yes, I replaced that already.... But the problem is still the same....
  • ReaccionReaccion Senior Wagonist
    Haydz wrote:
    On initial read, it sounds like the starter solenoid. A clicking under the dash however, suggests a form of relay... I'm not sure about the ignition specifics and if there is a relay between that and the solenoid.

    Yes, I am guessing that there should be a relay or something that is going bad....
  • ReaccionReaccion Senior Wagonist
    Is the starter relay the same as the main relay???
  • jb2wheelsjb2wheels Wagonist
    Automatic or manual?

    Check the idiot switch on the clutch pedal if it's a manual.
  • ReaccionReaccion Senior Wagonist
    jb2wheels wrote:
    Automatic or manual?

    Check the idiot switch on the clutch pedal if it's a manual.


    LOL... This is automatic...
  • jb2wheelsjb2wheels Wagonist
    Oh - well, maybe the thing has a park switch or neutral switch on the shifter?

    When I bought my wagon, the PO had run some wires from under the hood (battery & starter) through the door jamb to a switch sitting on the dash to start the car because "the ignition switch was bad". Turns out, the little plastic button om the clutch pedal that works the switch was gone (just like when the brake lights stay on all the time.)

    I'm rambling - take a look at your wiring diagram and see where the circuit get's interrupted.

    good luck - I hope it's an easy fix
  • ReaccionReaccion Senior Wagonist
    jb2wheels wrote:
    Oh - well, maybe the thing has a park switch or neutral switch on the shifter?

    When I bought my wagon, the PO had run some wires from under the hood (battery & starter) through the door jamb to a switch sitting on the dash to start the car because "the ignition switch was bad". Turns out, the little plastic button om the clutch pedal that works the switch was gone (just like when the brake lights stay on all the time.)

    I'm rambling - take a look at your wiring diagram and see where the circuit get's interrupted.

    good luck - I hope it's an easy fix


    Thanks man... I checked the wiring diagram circuit between the ignition switch and the starter and I found the problem. There was an remote starter alarm installed by the wagon's previous owner. This alarm is still installed on the wagon but is not functional. There was a relay for the remote starter between the starter and the starter switch. I just eliminated this relay and I was good to go! :)
  • efnaroundefnaround Banned
    It's your starter taking a crap. Hit it a few times with a hammer, wrench or something with a little weight behind it. Dont hit it extremely hard but give it a few good solid taps and it will free it up inside and start. It may crank slow but it will start it a few times until you can get a new one on. The clicking is the main fuse relay under the dash, it makes that noise when the starter starts to go.

    Happened on my hatch a few months back, same noise you're getting
    Happens on my wagon I bought a week ago same noise etc. Hitting the starter gets it to crank. So this is something I've seen more then once.

    If it turns out to be your main fuse relay which I doubt let me know I have a few extra I'd let go which I know work.
  • efnaroundefnaround Banned
    This is where the main fuse relay that is making the noise you are talking about is located. It's a PITA to get out. However I'm 100% positive all you need is a new starter. Check your pos battery cable running to it as well and the other connections, make sure they're good.

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  • ReaccionReaccion Senior Wagonist
    efnaround wrote:
    This is where the main fuse relay that is making the noise you are talking about is located. It's a PITA to get out. However I'm 100% positive all you need is a new starter. Check your pos battery cable running to it as well and the other connections, make sure they're good.

    3.gif
    efnaround wrote:
    It's your starter taking a crap. Hit it a few times with a hammer, wrench or something with a little weight behind it. Dont hit it extremely hard but give it a few good solid taps and it will free it up inside and start. It may crank slow but it will start it a few times until you can get a new one on. The clicking is the main fuse relay under the dash, it makes that noise when the starter starts to go.

    Happened on my hatch a few months back, same noise you're getting
    Happens on my wagon I bought a week ago same noise etc. Hitting the starter gets it to crank. So this is something I've seen more then once.

    If it turns out to be your main fuse relay which I doubt let me know I have a few extra I'd let go which I know work.

    Thank you. However, I found the problem. There was an remote starter alarm installed by the wagon's previous owner. This alarm is still installed on the wagon but is not functional. There was a relay for the remote starter between the starter and the starter switch. I just eliminated this relay and I was good to go!
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