2004 Honda Accord V6 Coupe had trouble starting this morning. I took it out to this morning and when I got back to car, it would not start. It did not crank at all. The horn, lights and air conditioning still worked.

Thanks for any suggestions.

Cato

 

Does the starter turn the engine normally?

 

I am not sure what you mean. Normally, the car starts fine. After the car initially started today with a little trouble, I drove it for 15 miles. Then, when I got into the car, it did not do anything. Perhaps a click or two. The battery is fine.

Thanks for your help. I hope I answered your question.

Regards,
Cato

 

The starter is a small electrical motor that uses the battery to spin/turn the engine when you turn the key to start the engine. I am assuming that the car runs fine once it is started?

It sounds like you only hear on loud click from the engine when you attempt to start the car. That would mean that the starter (or wiring to the starter) is the likely culprit.

Check that all ends of both battery cables are clean and secure. To locate the starter, follow the positive cable to the starter and check that both connections are ok there. Also, have someone hold the key in the start position (from your description nothing should happen), and hit the starter with the handle of a screwdriver (medium force, don't dent the starter). If the starter suddenly works and your accord fires up, then you verified that the starter is the likely problem.

Let us know what you find, and we can give you more instructions on how to repair or replace the starter.

Good Luck

 

Thank you for your help. I was unable to get back to the car again to test the starter. I belong to AAA so, they towed it to our dealer for free. I will post what the problem is when I hear. If it is the starter, is that a simple thing to replace? What should I expect to pay for the part and how many hours of labor?

If it is really expensive, is this hard to replace myself. I am not familar with cars as you can tell.

I do love my car and wish I knew more.

 

The starter is simple to replace. You basically disconnect the battery cables, disconnect two cables going to the starter, unbolt the starter (2 bolts), and remove.

The starter itself is expensive, labor shouldn't be too bad. I just replaced the starter solenoid (the mechanical switch) and the two contacts, because that is what typically stops working in a starter for ~$25 in parts.