imported_crx168

My problem is that my 91 civic si is not turning over. THe bigger problem is that it sometimes turns and sometimes doesn't. I've already changed my distributor thinking it might be that...but guess not, since it still doesn't turn over.

when i turn the key, from the inside, I can hear "dit dat", but just not cranking...anybody know what the highest probability of the problem is? think it's the starter, but just want to make sure before I go change it.

Please help...
Freddie

Mugen C

Could it be the Solnernoid (spelling)? Sounds like it to me!

regards,
Mugen C

imported_crx168

solenoid? hmm...how can you tell, where is that?

imported_Hybridtheory

this may sound stupid....... but did you heck your battery?

if you have a dead battery it will make that clicking noise, but wont turn over...

imported_crx168

i checked my battery, it's a fully charged battery. Note: it doesn't click from the engine area. It just goes "dit" once when i turn the key...not the "click click click" sound.

It's not my battery or my alternator, I know that for sure...

yO

I used to have that problem with my old car and it ended up being the starter.

imported_crx168

Thanks guys...for your help...I guess i should start with the starter...and go back to the process of elimination...just don't want to spend the extra money like what I did with the distributor.

Please if anyone else have any input, please let me know...
Thanks,
Freddie

yO

Ok to make sure it's not the starter, locate the solenoid. Not sure if it's accessible on your car.. If you do find it, put your keys in the on position and find a piece of metal (screwdriver) if possible and stick it between the solenoid.

The solenoid looks like two screws. Should be coming from the positive and negative of the battery. Sorry if this sounds confusing .. Any questions just ask..

By doing this test you can see if it's the starter or not. If the car struggles this way, then you know it's the starter.

1quick_hatch

hey dude try the ignition switch. You said that sometimes the key turns and sometimes it dosn't. just an idea.

OcTaNeTeDdY

I had this problem several times already.. Check your grounding... I had a loose ground from body to engine... As soon as I tightend the ground the car started... Or it's your starter...

imported_crx168

where is the ground wire?

OcTaNeTeDdY

Here is an example of a GND point... Look close to the starter there should also be a second GND point....

imported_crx168

Thanks for the Pic!!

Anyway, if it's the starter, and if I was to buy a starter...how do i change it? Where is the starter?

yO

Right beside the flywheel...

If you haven't changed one before, I wouldn't recommened doing it on your own. Unless you're good with cars.

OcTaNeTeDdY

What you can try is get a heavy gauge wire and have someone in the car turn the key onto the second click (right after the accessory position and before the start position) and have them press down on the clutch as if he was gonna start the car... You go under the hood and hold one end of the wire to the pos of the battery terminal and the other end to the pos end of the starter motor and see if the starter will crank... If it cranks and the engine starts then its a relay problem... If it craqnks and it doesn't fire then it could be a ignition problem... If it doesn't even crank then it could be your ground or starter... The starter is really easy to change you remove the 2 or 3 screws that bolts them into place and remove the pos and neg connections... To install a new one, repeat the process backwards... These are all the problems I have encountered personally in the past 3 months... My car's ignition system just sux... Go out and get a grounding kit and you'll never have grounding problems again (theoretically)... I'll try to have a pic of where the starter is located tomorrow night...

imported_crx168

Thnks y'all, looking forward for your pic