I live near Charleston SC, recently on cold days my 2000 Accord with V6 will not crank or start. When I turn the key, its just a bump. When the temp gets above 70 outside it runs fine. Guy at parts store says its the block heater, that every two minute it runs and I could here a humming sound coming from the car. Now with it below 30, no humming. Can I bypass this block heater altogether as it doesn't get that cold that often here. Thanks for all the help.

 

I am not familiar with a block heater like you describe. The ones I have seen that Honda uses are just plugged into an electrical outlet like a diesel uses. They have a heating element that is screwed into the block in replacement of a freeze plug/core plug. The noise you describe may be a bad or low on charge battery and the bump noise you mention could be the starter. I would start with checking the batter cables for corrosion and load test the battery.

 

The battery was installed around the first of the year and no corrosion on post. I've tried jumping it, but no luck.

 

With the headlights on could you have someone Crank it over and note if the lights dim.

 

If you've "tried jumping it, but no luck," look to your starter.


Also: parts guy comments??
So do you plug the car into an electrical socket, like Kris asked ?
That's how block heaters are powered - usually installed in places like No. Dakota and Canada.

 

If the headlights dim during Cranking the engine then the stater solenoid is getting power. and should bring the OP down to battery, starter and cables as issues with the stater being the most common problem to fit the symptoms.

 

I have tried jumping the engine, motor not turning over. I tried jumping the solenoid but same thing. I replaced main rely, still with no luck. Had a mechanic stop by today and the darn thing cranked right up without us doing anything. its cranking fine now, and have no idea what to do until next time.

 

I have looked all around the radiator and front end to find the plug for the block heater. Cant find that, but did find some kind of sensor mounted on the outside of radiator on the bottom noise clip. It has two wires going to it but I cant trace them.

 

I don't see any mention of the headlights dimming while you cranked it over which would have helped narrow down your issue. The Sensor on the Rad is not a block heater. If you have one it should be in the side of engine unless Honda has something I haven't seen before. When I worked at a Honda dealer the new car prep guy used to install one if a customer purchased one when buying a new Honda.