Once in awhile when I get into my Accord and turn the key it makes a weird electrical griding/buzzing noise.
I think it is the solenoid.

Could there be another cause for this odd noise? Like a bad wire or blown fuse or something?

If not, how hard is it to fix a solenoid? Do they make only solenoids or do I need a whole starter?

How long do I have until it completely breaks and won't work at all? About how much money will it cost? Is someone with beginner mechanical skills able to tackle this job or do I need a pro?

Basically, what do I need to know about a car with this problem?

(contrary to my post's title, I think my car is a 2005. I don't know how to edit titles)

 

It looks like you can buy just the solenoid, but the strange thing is it's not much different price than buying the whole starter. Go figure...

The starter is under the intake manifold, but I don't remember whether you can get it out of there without removing the manifold or a lot of other stuff. I hope someone can chime in who has removed the starter from there...

 

Manifold has to come out. Attached is link to a repair video for starter.


good luck

 

It's not that bad of a job if you take your time - recently did this on the 07 Accord. It takes a bit of time but there isn't anything that is complicated.

Since I had it off, I gave the TB a good cleaning while "I was there".