I have a 97 accord ex 4 banger with 140k miles. Recently it has been cranking over very slowly. Not sure if it's the batttery. My father-in-law thinks it's the starter. What could be possible issues? I haven't replaced the plugs, cables in while.

Thanks for you time!
Ray

 

Your battery has a low charge and isn't putting out enough amps to crank the starter as it normally would. Do an overnite trickle charge, or replace the battery...I would also have the alternator tested.

 

I would disconnect the battery can clean all ends of both battery cables.

Most parts stores can test the battery, alternator, and starter.

 

deathraypa,

Once you have determined whether or not the battery needs to be replaced, it's a good idea to test your alternator too. The first test that you should conduct is called the voltage drop test. These tests will show the amount of voltage drop across the alternator output wire from the alternator output (B+) terminal to the battery positive post. They will also show the amount of voltage drop from the ground (-) terminal on the alternator.

You will need a voltmeter with a 0–18 volt DC scale. Test points on the alternator can be reached by either removing the air cleaner housing or below by raising the vehicle:

Before starting the test, make sure the battery is in good condition and is fully charged. Check the conditions of the battery cables.

Start the engine, let it warm up to normal operating temperatures, then turn the engine OFF.

Connect an engine tachometer, following the manufacturer's directions.

Make sure the parking brake is fully engaged.

Start the engine, then place the blower on HIGH, and turn on the high beam headlamps and interior lamps.

Bring the engine speed up to 2,400 rpm and hold it there.

To test the ground (-) circuitry, perform the following:

Touch the negative lead of the voltmeter directly to the positive battery terminal.
Touch the positive lead of the voltmeter to the B+ output terminal stud on the alternator (NOT the terminal mounting nut). The voltage should be no higher than 0.6 volts. If the voltage is higher than 0.6 volts, touch the test lead to the terminal mounting stud nut, and then to the wiring connector. If the voltage is now below 0.6 volts, look for dirty, loose or poor connections at this point. A voltage drop test may be performed at each ground (-) connection in the circuit to locate the excessive resistance.

To test the positive (+) circuitry, perform the following:

Touch the positive lead of the voltmeter directly to the negative battery terminal.
Touch the negative lead of the voltmeter to the ground terminal stud on the alternator case (NOT the terminal mounting nut). The voltage should be no higher than 0.3 volts. If the voltage is higher than 0.3 volts, touch the test lead to the terminal mounting stud nut, and then to the wiring connector. If the voltage is now below 0.3 volts, look for dirty, loose or poor connections at this point. A voltage drop test may be performed at each positive (+) connection in the circuit to locate the excessive resistance.

This test can also be performed between the alternator case and the engine. If the test voltage is higher than 0.3 volts, check for corrosion at the alternator mounting points or loose alternator mounting. (refer to this Accord Alternator diagram if necessary)

There's another test that measures your alternator's output but conduct this one first before trying the output test