Honda Car Forum

89 civic. Does weak battery might cause starter problem even
though it does turn over the engine? EVer since I replaced
a old battery, my car seems to start better than before.
But I still not sure if battery is the one having problem or
I've a bad starter.

Sure -- there might be enough power to turn over the engine, but
perhaps other components (like ignition) are starving. On a cold day
you could have starting problems.

A bad starter is usually either turning normally, not turning (open
connection somewhere), turning way too quickly (relay not engaged), or
turning too slowly (possibly mechanical problem - most of the time
electrical supply problem).
If your starter is now turning normally, your starter does not have a
problem.

Remco wrote:
> Sure -- there might be enough power to turn over the engine, but
> perhaps other components (like ignition) are starving. On a cold day
> you could have starting problems.
>
> A bad starter is usually either turning normally, not turning (open
> connection somewhere), turning way too quickly (relay not engaged),
or
> turning too slowly (possibly mechanical problem - most of the time
> electrical supply problem).
> If your starter is now turning normally, your starter does not have a
> problem.

Yes I say the problem is usually in the morning. I have to try few
time
to get starter start. Is ignition electrical or mechanical?

mmdir2002@yahoo.co.uk wrote:
> 89 civic. Does weak battery might cause starter problem even
> though it does turn over the engine? EVer since I replaced
> a old battery, my car seems to start better than before.
> But I still not sure if battery is the one having problem or
> I've a bad starter.
>
what is the problem? it won't crank or it won't run? you need to say
which before anyone can help.

When you say it takes a few times, is the starter cranking at normal
speeds each time? Or is the starter going very slowly, sometimes
stopping? Or do you just hear clicking under the hood and it 'catches'
after a few tries?

Remco wrote:
> When you say it takes a few times, is the starter cranking at normal
> speeds each time? Or is the starter going very slowly, sometimes
> stopping? Or do you just hear clicking under the hood and it
'catches'
> after a few tries?

Yes I say it's normal speed. But I don't hear clicking many
time in order to make full contect. Once it clicking, I usually got it.
no I don't think the starter going slower or stop. Once I hear a
click, I usually make a full catch. But before I make full catch,
usually I don't hear anything when I try. It sounds like there is
some problem in ignition...

jim beam wrote:
> mmdir2002@yahoo.co.uk wrote:
> > 89 civic. Does weak battery might cause starter problem even
> > though it does turn over the engine? EVer since I replaced
> > a old battery, my car seems to start better than before.
> > But I still not sure if battery is the one having problem or
> > I've a bad starter.
> >
> what is the problem? it won't crank or it won't run? you need to
say
> which before anyone can help.

i got it run all the time but I've to try few times or wait for
while...

Ok, so at all times, whenever you turn the key all the way, the car
does turn over. It never refuses to do that, right? Your starter is
most likely good in that case.

Tegger, a frequent contributor to this group has set up a very useful
faq: http://www.tegger.com/hondafaq/faq.html#stalling
The stalling faq describes things you'll want to check.

Those directions should help you get an idea of what is wrong. Come
back to the group if you are still having problems and need help.

Remco

Remco wrote:
> Ok, so at all times, whenever you turn the key all the way, the car
> does turn over. It never refuses to do that, right? Your starter is
> most likely good in that case.
>

Yes it did turn over all the time and never went to mechanic.
I just hope my starter is fine (if I can replace the starter I will
replace it whether it's good or bad)


> Tegger, a frequent contributor to this group has set up a very useful
> faq: http://www.tegger.com/hondafaq/faq.html#stalling
> The stalling faq describes things you'll want to check.
>
> Those directions should help you get an idea of what is wrong. Come
> back to the group if you are still having problems and need help.
>
> Remco



you know, ever since I got new battery a week ago, my car started
better than before. This morning it started in first try. But it is not
100% perfect. You know about main relay problem. I think the problem
in ignition and main relay. The main relay is hanging loose so I can
shake it when it refuses to start.

If it is hanging loose, I'd tighten it. It being loose might have
contributed to the problem since the relay has a little PC board inside
and they don't like to be shaken too much. If it is indeed the main
relay, you can open it up and resolder it if you are handy with a
soldering iron.