Honda Car Forum

My Civic is broken down, and I'd like to get an idea of what *could* be wrong with it to decrease the likelyhood I'll get ripped off.The car won't start - it does not even attempt to turn over; just clicks when I turn the key. The check-engine light is not on, the oil has recently been changed, I had a tune-up and got a new battery about a year ago.The only thing wrong with it was the exhaust - it had started running loud about 80 miles ago (probably less).Can you give me a best and worst case scenero for what could be wrong?

It sounds like your starter is out. NOT a big deal!! Any mechanic should be able to install a new one, or if you're a mechanical genius, you should be able to purchase one from an auto parts supply store and install it yourself.Something similar happened to my VW a few years ago. No big deal! It was in and out of the shop within the same day.

If it just clicks when key is turned, the battery is probably dead despite the fact that it is a year old. Could be a bad cell in the battery.If the car will not start with a jump or a new battery, take a look at the alternator.

Well it could be a number of things with it clicking it could be a low battery or the starter solenoid that is where i would start first charge or jump battery till you know its got a good charge in it check the head lights for a bright beam then try to start then if it still clicks then move onto the starter solenoid find out if thats where the clicking is coming from if so its your solenoid get a new or remanufactured starter that will fix your car and find a friend to help offer a dinner or maybe a few drinks. GOOD LUCK AND HELP THEM SO YOU CAN LEARN SOMTHING NEW TO!!!

Worst case... the engine could be locked up. Best case and the most likely it that the contacts in the starter are bad. A lot of shops will want to replace the starter because the contacts may not be easy to find. It takes less time to replace the contacts than the starter and both contact and the plunger should run about 30 bucks compared to around $200 for a new starter..