ChrisB wrote:
> I have a slightly puzzling problem. My 1997 Civic won't crank. I turn
> the key, hear the click from under the hood and I get NOTHING.
>
> At first, I thought the starter was going bad, because I could get it to
> crank after several tries, then it stopped. Well, I changed the starter
> today, and NOTHING. When I turn the key I hear the click from under the
> hood, the fuel pump whirring, but I don't even get a crank out of the
> engine.
>
> It shouldn't be the battery, because it reads at 12.6 volts AND was
> purchased in September 2008. Also, I don't get the classic lights go
> out issue when I turn the key. It doesn't appear to be the clutch
> safety switch because I get a different behavior when the clutch is
> pressed in versus the clutch being all the way out. All connections at
> the battery are solid, and the battery to chassis and engine to chassis
> have nice clean connections.
>
> I am worried it may be ECU related which will suck


There are two simple possibilities: a bad connection/corroded
battery cable that lets some but not enough amperage through, and a very
weak battery. I think 12.6 volts is actually kind of low, although maybe
not if you've been draining it with the accessories while trying to
start it.