I bought a 95 V6 Accord a month ago and it has this awkward "no start" issue. 90% of the time the car starts no problem. Sometimes I go out and it won't start at all. When you turn the key to start it, the motor does nothing. The dash lights come on, but the starter does not engage. It's left me stranded at work once and at a gas station one other time. Two days ago it did this in my driveway, came back out about an hr later and it started right up.

- New starter
- New battery
- battery charges 14v while it's running and shows 12v when not running

I'm so lost as to what this could be. The car is 100% stock and has around 110,000 miles. Any ideas on what this could be?

 

Most likely a starter solenoid issue, but could also be bad battery or poor battery wire connection (check battery at auto parts store and clean connections thoroughly and tighten), or possibly a failing ignition switch assy (dash lights when key is turned to On suggest otherwise).

Suggest checking for 12V on starter signal wire (blk/wht wire) at the starter. If 12V is missing when keyswitch is turned to Start position, then either ignition switch assy or faulty AT gear position switch (try N position).

If 12V is present, the starter solenoid is faulty. Replacing starter is usual fix. Some starters are repairable, but I think your's is not.

good luck

 

All connections and grounds coming from the battery are good. I was just told to check the voltage to the cam and crank position sensor. I thought if these two went bad, they DIED. None of the intermittent stuff.

 

Stop by a parts store and have them read your OBD2 codes (or use your reader if you have one). That would tell you if the PCM detected any problems with a sensor. While you are there, have them test the battery, alternator, and starter.

A bad sensor will not cut out the starter circuit, so I would rule out the simple stuff first. I would disconnect the battery and clean all ends of both battery cables (after checking for codes) using a wire brush or sand paper. I know you already did this, but this is more for other people reading this post.

I would wire a 12V test light from the small wire going to the starter to ground. I would have that light routed to a spot where you could easily see it from the driver's seat. That light should only turn on when the car starts. When the car doesn't start, then let us know if that light turned on.