What should I do now? /bump

 

I agree w/ your friend. A replacement starter is indicated. You are getting a good start signal.

good luck

 

I'm on the fence. If I read this right, the OP has 12v on the small wire when the key is in the "on" position - Which it should not be.

If the starter cut relay in the dash fuse box is "stuck closed"????? OP- can you pull the relay and do some testing?

 

I replaced the starter and the random whirring stopped. When trying to start the car, it just clicked rapidly. I might have installed the starter bad as it got dark. I'm going to remove and install it again tomorrow morning. If it isn't that, can I get any tips on what to do?

 

Defective battery cables or connections retricting current flow to starter. Check all connections carefully at battery and starter. Careful to remove negative battery cable while working on positive starter and battery connections. Connect negative battery connection as last step.

good luck

 

you were right, because I worked in the dark, I didn't realize the cable from the battery to the starter wasn't inside the slot. I fixed the problem and now my car is working again. Thank you Texas honda and everyone else for helping. Do I make a new thread for a different problem, the brake light randomly comes on. the srs light is also on but it's been like that for years.

also I noticed the hard plastic on the starter was a bit cracked. the plastic was near where I improperly connected the wire. will this cause future problems? Should I replace the starter asap?

 

Thanks for followup report.

Yes, start a new thread.

good luck

 

I also want to say is that AutoZone and O'reilly tested the starter and their machines both showed that it was fine. Just a heads up to anyone that gets their starter checked and assumes it's something else in the car and not the starter. I'm not saying to automatically assume it's the starter, but don't assume it's not if it shows it's working on the computers in AutoZone and Oreilly