1996 Accord LX 5spd Manual transmission ~150k miles

I was returning from a friend's place, unlocked the car, and put in the keys, pressed clutch, tried to start - all pretty quickly, within a second or two (its freezing/windy outside!).

The dashboard lights came on, as they should, and as the starter was about to kick in, everything went off. No more dashboard lights or cabin light. Central locking works but lights dont.

The car just got new muffler and wheel bearing, and was running real smooth. Had driven it twice earlier in the day. The fuel is almost on empty but it should not affect the battery, which was just fine (though 4 yrs old).

I guess I blew some fuse.

Any suggestions, where to look, and what did I do wrong that I blew the fuse? The car is still at friend's place. I will get a fuse from autozone and try to fix myself else get it towed to a mechanic.

I have to drive it from NY to AZ in two weeks! I was thinking of getting spark plugs etc checked this weekend, but now I am worried.

Please help!

Also:

1. no sound, no oil pump, no dashboard ... they were all fine, but went out in an instant.

2. Ignition switch has been a problem on 97-02 models, this was manufactured in 95.

I will check the fuses first, then take it to mechanic for ignition switch.

 

1st. check battery voltage. should be around 12v.
2nd. check fuse box under hood and i think there should be another under the steering wheel or on the side panel... check every single fuse: take it out and look through it and see if there's a fine metal strip crossing from side to side. if it looks broken, then it actually is... it shouldn't be anything else since the car cant start nor turn any light on. check battery poles to make sure they are well tightened... let me know how everything unfolds...

 

KevinAccord

the battery clamp was corroded ..

and i checked everything else before coming to battery!

thanks a ton!!

btw, should i get a cooling system flushed out as a local valvoline suggested? I always say no to them, cause they try to get something else done too other than just check what I ask them...

 

The coolant should be changed every 2 years or 24K miles as specified in the shop manual.

There are corrosion inhibitors in the coolant that prevent buildup in the system. Any shop can handle this, so you can call around to get different quotes on the work.

Its not to bad of a DIY project. We can give you some pointers if you are interested.

 

was that it?

 

yupps ... sometimes even the simplest things could go wrong ...

 

glad you solved your problem and hopefully we'll keep seeing you around!