i have a 2002 honda accord dx and when i try to turn it on it just clicks, no crank/turnover just one clicking sound when you try to turn the car on. This started on Thursday 3/21/24. After looking underneath the hood to listen out where the clicking sound is coming from, it’s coming from the starter.

at first I didn’t have any check engine lights on but based on the videos I took it seems like at some point in time it did come on but then eventually it when off. The 1st day which was Thursday no check engine light but yesterday it seems the light came on and if I recall correctly it’s a possibility it came on prior to me changing the ignition switch and after I changed it I no longer had a check engine light. i checked the battery, tapped on the starter a couple of times, I also tapped on all of the relays under neath the dash, changed the starter relay, tried jumping the car and made sure the fuel pump is engaging (which it is) and none of that has worked. Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

I have the same exact issue with my 2002 Accord EX, 4 Cyl, Automatic - no crank and battery drains off with few attempts of Ignition to start. Got a new battery and fully charged, removed the starter motor and got it checked in parts- all good but doesn't help. I am yet to change the ignition switch, but looks a bit challenging for me based on the videos I saw. Please let me know how yours goes and if I have the same issue. I will do the same. Thanks.

 

Do you have facebook? I'm in a couple of mechanic groups and I made a few posts similar to these and I'm getting a lot of help and tips. If you add me (Patrick Livingstone) and send me a message I can add you to the group so you can see what they're saying.

But so far this is what I did but no luck maybe you can try and see what works:

Checked voltage on battery (was low and was dropping when someone tried to turn engine on for me), took it out and got it fully charged
New starter relay
New starter
Prior to putting in a new starter, tapped on it while attempting to turn on engine (didn't work)
new ignition switch
Tapped on relays (prior to and after putting in new relay) while attempting to turn on engine
checked fuses (driver/passenger side, underneath dash, and under hood)
made sure fuel pump is engaging
and tried jumping the car before and after all of this

 

I will join and send you a message. I read some blogs and saw the videos. I think you pretty much changed everything except transmission range switch (or neutral safety switch) and wiring, Instead of park, put the transmission in neutral and try. The other thing I am thinking of doing, may be if you want you can try it too, is to touch the starter solenoid (the small flat connector on the starter) with battery positive terminal for few seconds, instead of starting with the ignition key while keeping the key in the ON position and the transmission in Park or Neutral. This should bypass the whole relay/fuses/ignition switch etc. as long as Battery/Starter are okay and engine is not blocking the starter from doing its job.

 

There were many people on fb with the same name as you, so couldn't figure out which one is you. Anyways, I put my starter back in after getting it checked in a second store. Cheked the voltage on the wire that connects to starter solenoid while trying to start the car in both park & neutral- no voltage. I would have expected 12V. So probably something wrong in the starting circuit somewhere. I also tried connecting the solenoid directly to the battery positive terminal. I hear a thud, so it's getting energized, but couldn't turn the engine. May be two separate issues going on. I am thinking of towing it to a repair shop.

 

FINAL UPDATE: I ended up towing my car to my local mechanic. Now they said it was indeed the starter and keep in mind I changed the starter already, brand new (Duralast Gold Starter from Advance Auto). Also, keep in mind I tested the starter before leaving the store and it passed the test. They said that the brand I used was no good and that they used a new "J&N Starter" (definitely looks like a new starter too). Is there really a difference in brands when it comes to car parts? I was confused as to why the new starter I put in didn't do the job, but hey I won't complain my baby is back up and running. I appreciate your communication boss helped a lot and sparked some ideas.

 

Hey guys,
Just a reminder to Always take your battery and alternator to AutoZone/O'Reilly's to check if they are any good at no cost (You can always take out the battery and alternator in case you are unable to drive your car there). And of course check your fuses/relays. Another thing to keep in mind is your key may need a chip programmed in it for the anti-theft system. Check your battery terminals (Wires) and then you can check your starter, spark plugs, coils, wires, distributor, etc... But basically always check the smaller cheaper stuff as it can save you money... Weird that it was a starter issue after replacing the starter tho...