I have a 1990 Honda Accord 2.2L LX. It was doing fine, until last Monday when it suddenly would not start. I have searched online, and a lot of posts mention the battery or the starter. But the symptom is a bit weird.

When I turn on the key, it will lose power, i.e. everything is shut off - all lights, beeps will be gone. This happens right away with no cranking. Just one click. Then if I wait for five minutes or so, or if I open the door and close it back, the power will come back on. So the battery seems fine, the headlight is as usual brightness.

I also tried to jump it at first, because I thought it was the battery, but it did the same thing. Is this a starter problem? Please help.

 

It sounds like a starter but do be 100 percent sure,that your battery is not going dead.I have seen cars do this with a failing battery.If you want,you can take the starter and battery to get it load tested at a rebuild shop or auto parts store to check for you.

 

Would a dying battery still do the same thing if I try to jump start the battery? Could this be other problem like the relay, or wires/connector to the starter? The part where the power was all lost really baffles me. As if turning the key blows a fuse or something alike.

 

Clean the battery ends....make sure they are both tight on the battery.....heck take the battery to a parts store and have it tested.

Next if that does not solve it. Do you have a test light or better yet a volt meter? If so, check the voltage of the battery using the volt meter - setting a base line. Then check the voltage from the Neg (-) post of the battery and the Large cable at the starter, what is the difference between this and the baseline?

Then, check the voltage on the small wire to the starter when someone is trying to start the car....what is the difference in this reading vs the first/baseline?

 

That was it. I clean-up the battery ends and retighten the clamps, and all is well now. Thank you!!

 

Our pleasure......and "Thank you" for coming back with an answer. Too many times we never know the end of the story.