Starting problems?

[skate1968]

I'm having problems intermittently -- especially in the cold. Early in the morning I'll get absolutely nothing when i first turn the key. I'll take the key out and try again -- nothing. Again -- nothing. Then i'll do it again and but i'll hear the engine try to start -- brrm -- then nothing. Then i'll try again and maybe I'll hear another brmmm, before it dies again. Then i'll try it once again -- brmmmm brmmmm! It starts right up.

This started out as small strange problem -- kind of odd. It's been getting consistently worse. Until today it never happened more than once per day -- the morning. It didn't worry me too much at first.

I just replaced the old battery with a new one.

Advice would be appreciated.

 

[The_Jeff]

Bum cable or starter (solenoid), handy to know what car you have.

 

[ChiTDI]

When you "get nothing", is the starter and the engine turning over or not?
How old is the battery?
How clean are the terminals?
What type of vehicle?

 

[skate1968]

Sorry, it's a 91 honda civic, D15b engine. I use thicker oil (which i know can be a strain in cold weather).

As i said before, it's a brand new battery. My mechanic, who's wonderful, put it in.

When i say 'get nothing,' that means that i don't hear anything -- nothing -- not 'turning' or anything. And to be honest i'm not exactly sure what 'turning' refers to. I believe that 'turning' is when i hear the start to pistons start to move -- meaning i hear the enine 'start to start.'

So....

1. I turn the key and it does nothing -- no turning.

2. I take the key out. Put it in again. I turn the key and it does nothing -- no turning.

3. I take the key out. Put it in again. It starts to turn, 'brr.' Then it does nothing.

4. I take the key out. Put it in again. It starts to turn, 'brr.' Then it does nothing.

5. I take the key out. Put it in again. It fires right up and it's running fine.

It only happens when the engine is cold.

EDIT to Add: And thanks to the both of you for reading.

 

[The_Jeff]

Probably either the starter is dragging (internally) or its connection is arced over, both of which will require looking under the car for a poke-around.

 

[ChiTDI]

The battery powers the starter which turns the flywheel. The "turning" is just that. Starter spinning the flywheel and the crankshaft turning over making the pistons go up and down as you said.
"Nothing" as you said, is clear and intermittently leads me to electrical. If the battery is new, connected and the grounds are clean, you're starter, solenoid, and wiring are next in line. Check them out.
If they're sound, the ignititon switch is where I'd look next.

 

[StevieC]

Originally Posted By: skate1968
Sorry, it's a 91 honda civic, D15b engine. I use thicker oil (which i know can be a strain in cold weather).

As i said before, it's a brand new battery. My mechanic, who's wonderful, put it in.

When i say 'get nothing,' that means that i don't hear anything -- nothing -- not 'turning' or anything. And to be honest i'm not exactly sure what 'turning' refers to. I believe that 'turning' is when i hear the start to pistons start to move -- meaning i hear the enine 'start to start.'

So....

1. I turn the key and it does nothing -- no turning.

2. I take the key out. Put it in again. I turn the key and it does nothing -- no turning.

3. I take the key out. Put it in again. It starts to turn, 'brr.' Then it does nothing.

4. I take the key out. Put it in again. It starts to turn, 'brr.' Then it does nothing.

5. I take the key out. Put it in again. It fires right up and it's running fine.

It only happens when the engine is cold.

EDIT to Add: And thanks to the both of you for reading.


It's the starter. Japanese starters use gear reduction, but when the two copper heads have groves worn in them over time from starting it will cause the problem you describe. Some starters can be rebuilt using a kit, and some have to be replaced. They did sell a rebuilt kit for your starter at one time. (My dad is a mechanic). Go see your mechanic!

 

[skate1968]

Thanks much to all who replied!!