I have a 1995 Honda Accord, 2.2L 4-cylinder VTEC, manual transmission. Several times within the past month or so, I have gone to start it and nothing happens. Note that this doesn't happen every time I try to start it--it's completely random (outside, garage, hot weather, cold weather, etc).

When it won't start, the lights come on, but the starter motor doesn't operate and the solenoid doesn't click. I've replaced the battery (which indicates full power) and the alternator. All the fuses are in good shape. I tested the solenoid with a wire directly to the battery, and the solenoid was live.

After run the wire from the solenoid to the battery (or if I get a jump start), I can turn off the engine, turn it back on immediately afterward, and the engine will start fine on its own.

Any ideas as to what is going on? Dead spot in the starter? Bad wiring? As I said, it doesn't happen all the time but it is happening with more frequency now than a few weeks ago.

 

It is either the starter or the signal to the starter.

You can connect a 12V test light to the smaller lead on the starter, then ground the other end of the test light.

If you get 12V to the starter and it is not working, then it has to be the stater.

If you don't have 12V, then you will have to work backwards though that side of the system.

 

I have been able to get 12V to the starter, and after I do that, the car starts with no problem. Then a day or two later will go by, and it won't start again. I have to either jump it or send another 12V to the starter. Any other thoughts on why it would be doing this so randomly?

 

You really should verify that the starter is or is not getting 12V when you turn the key to start. That will determine the next step for diagnosing the problem.

Connect a 12V light to the small wire, and use enough wire to have the light taped to the windshield where you can see it from inside the car. Then the next time the starter does not work, you can quickly verify voltage.