Hey guys. Great forum.

I'm having an issue with my 2000 accord. ~125,000 miles. My wife started the car by remote start this morning as usual. When she went to get in she accidentally stepped on the brake before putting the key in and the car cut off. Has happened b4.. no biggie. Now when she went to start it back up (with key), it wouldn't start. I came home about an hour later and tried to start it. On the 3rd attempt, she cranked up fine. I turned it off thinking I may have some lucky charm but that was a mistake because she hasn't started back up yet.

Battery is fine. Lights stay bright and I even tried jumping it. Contacts look secure. No clicking so I'm guessing it's not the solenoid. I tried the tapping method on the starter while trying to crank but nothing happened. At this point, does that mean the starter is bad? Is there anything else it could be?

Sorry for the long read. Thanks in advance.

 

So in all cases, the failure to start was because the starter didn't spin the engine?

If so, check the small wire at the starter. It should get battery voltage when the key is turned to START. If it DOES, then verify the BIG wires are installed solidly. (Disconnect the battery so you don't short a wrench to ground.)

If that small starter signal wire doesn't get anything, then look at the interlock circuits.

Automatic transmission? Starter is interlocked with shifter so it only starts in P & N.
Manual transmission? Starter is interlocked with clutch pedal.

 

Thanks. I will check the voltage. Should be 12v, correct?
It's an automatic and I made sure she was in Park.

 

It'll be 12 or 12.5v something like that. You're not worried about 11.5 vs 12.5; you're checking whether it has anything at all.

Potential problem with the shift-interlock - I wasn't suggesting she tried to start in DRIVE, rather wondering whether that interlock circuit had a broken wire.

 

A little confused.

I did the DIY for checking the starter. I got 12.5 from the BIG wire. I didn't get anything from the small wire even when the car was turned to on.

According to the DIY, this means the starter is good?

I would appreciate a quick answer from anyone so I can get a new starter from autozone b4 they close.

Thanks a billion!!

 

The small wire should get 12V only when you turn the key in the car to start it. You will need an assistant to do this test.

 

Yeah, what PA said...

Unhook the small wire (so you don't actually run the starter).

Have someone turn the key to START (not just on) while you have a meter or test-lamp hooked up between that small wire & ground.