I have a '90 Accord, and I can't get the car to start.

1. When I insert the key, the dash lights come on, A/C runs, Engine lights go off.
2. When I turn the key, either in P or N, with brake, I only hear a small click or double click.
3. Usually when this happens, I can get the car to start when in the Neutral position and the steering wheel cocked, but now I'm not having any luck.
4. I checked the ignition switch, but it seems fine.

Any ideas?

~ Clayton

 

When you turn the keyswitch to Start, do you hear a sharp click from under the hood (starter) or only relay clicks inside the cabin?

If silence, next step is to check for 12V on the small wire to the starter solenoid, when keyswitch is turned to Start.

If you're not getting a signal, the electrical keyswtich assy is faulty or possibly faulty starter relay on manual transmission.

good luck

 

Thanks for your reply! I was just about to check the starter solenoid, but before I did, I double checked the battery. I had bypassed the battery, because the day before I had the car at the mechanics, and they cleaned up the battery. So I thought. The outside of the terminals were spotless - the inside was terrible. That turned out to be my problem. I learned a lesson...

 

Glad it worked out. I always better to start with the simple items to check and repair.