So I just bought this 98 accord lx auto. The previous owner took good care of it. I drove it yesterday with no problems. Today I drive it 20 miles turn it off and then it wont start. All I get is the clicking from the solenoid. Put jumper cables on and still the same thing.... So I decide to replace the starter and solenoid thinking this would solve my problem..... Same thing. Can anyone help me please?

Battery is new and the cable ends look new. Could the negative cable be loose?

 

Do your brake lights work?

What happens if you try to start the car and shake the gear selector?

Do you have a volt meter?

 

yes i have a volt meter. i have not checked the brake lights. i have tried starting with the gear selector in neutral.

 

With the volt meter, check the voltage at the starter on the "big" cable. Then with the help of someone, check the voltage on the "small" wire when they turn the key to start.

Check the voltage of the battery at rest, and when trying to start. They do go bad, testing the voltage is not a true test but will give a small hint.

Check the ground and positive cables to be sure all ends are clean and tight.

 

the cable ends are pristine condition. im going to check the other end of the ground that attaches to the car. i did try to jump start the car also but same thing. gotta be something simple yes? i just can't find it.

 

I hoping YES.

Check the other ends, also please check the voltage AT the starter. A battery with a dead cell...........?

 

So it turns out it was the positive cable. Where the cable end was spliced was corroded. Replaced the cable and fired right up.

 

THANK YOU for coming back with the answer....

Glad it was something simple.