YACT: Help Diagnosing Car Starting Issue

[novon]

Gotta '95 Acura Integra that hasn't been starting right. Randomly, I'll turn the key, and the dashboard lights will come on, but the ignition won't make a sound. Other times it will start right up. Usually it take 5-10 tries until it starts.

I've had this problem for a while, but it's more frequent now. Doesn't seem to be affected by hot or cold weather.

Any idea how I can figure out what it is? I've heard it could be the starter, relay, battery, etc.

Thanks

-novon

 

[radioouman]

Loose battery cable. <-- First and easiest to check.
Loose contacts on the starter <-- Make sure that wires on the starter are tight.
Bad starter <-- Dead spot on the starter motor. Might tap on it with a hammer when it doesn't start to see if that makes it work. If so, replace starter.
Bad neutral safety switch <-- If the switch doesn't detect that you are in Park, your starter won't turn. Jiggle your gear shift when it doesn't start to see if that fixes it. If so, replace the switch.

 

[OrganizedChaos]

i say starter, starter solenoid, or starter solenoid relay depending on how it works on your vehicle.

 

[Heisenberg]

Originally posted by: radioouman
Loose battery cable. <-- First and easiest to check.
Loose contacts on the starter <-- Make sure that wires on the starter are tight.
Bad starter <-- Dead spot on the starter motor. Might tap on it with a hammer when it doesn't start to see if that makes it work. If so, replace starter.
Bad neutral safety switch <-- If the switch doesn't detect that you are in Park, your starter won't turn. Jiggle your gear shift when it doesn't start to see if that fixes it. If so, replace the switch.

That pretty much covers it. Could also be a flaky relay in there somewhere.

 

[novon]

thanks

 

[psteng19]

Originally posted by: radioouman
Loose battery cable. <-- First and easiest to check.
Loose contacts on the starter <-- Make sure that wires on the starter are tight.
Bad starter <-- Dead spot on the starter motor. Might tap on it with a hammer when it doesn't start to see if that makes it work. If so, replace starter.
Bad neutral safety switch <-- If the switch doesn't detect that you are in Park, your starter won't turn. Jiggle your gear shift when it doesn't start to see if that fixes it. If so, replace the switch.

You forgot moisture in the wires.
Is it raining when you have trouble starting the car and good weather when you can start it on the first try?