"Eric" <say.no RemoveThis @spam.now> wrote
> Michael Pardee wrote:
>>
>> The battery disconnection trick is something that should not be done on
>> any car with a computer; the voltage from even a good alternator can
>> become wildly unstable and damage electronics.
>>
>> Elle cautions her web page
>> http://home.earthlink.net/~honda.lioness/id13.html is a work in progress,
>> but it is certainly complete enough to give you the advice you need.
>>
>
> Thanks for the link Mike. I hadn't seen Elle's page before. I disagree
> with one of the statements though.
>
>> Your Honda's engine will not turn over.
>> You put the key in the ignition, rotate it, and all you hear are clicking
>> noises. The car does not start. These are strong indications that the
>> battery system has failed.
>
> In my experience, more often than not, when a Honda's starter clicks the
> starter contact needs to be replaced. This is an inexpensive part that
> can
> be installed into the starter typically with the starter still in the
> vehicle with the Nippon Denso (ND) starters. If I remember correctly,
> Honda
> sold these in a kit for about $15-18 and they can often be purchased from
> an
> electric motor rebuilder for less but without the extra components of the
> kit.
>
> Elle, please feel free to use this advice on your site. If you're
> interested, I can probably get some part numbers for the contact.
Eric, that the source of clicking noises in a non-startup situation may be
failed starter (solenoid?) contacts did occur to me when I wrote up this
site (writing as an amateur and certainly not someone of your experience).
But I thought a dead (or near dead) battery also caused clicking noises. So,
someone (Eric, anyone?) please feel free to describe the sounds a car makes
with a dead (or near dead, such that the car won't even turn over) battery.
It's been a while since I had a dead battery, and I've never had to replace
the starter contacts. On the other hand, I know plenty have posted here with
a problem which turned out to be the starter contacts.
That site is done for now, and for the original poster, I think the basic
checks described there are definitely worth performing to ascertain whether
the alternator/charging system is the problem.
Comments to improve this site's accuracy are welcome.
Eric, yes, I would like to have the part number info, though I may edit or
supplement it per what SLhonda and Majestic show in their online drawings at
their parts sites. I think it's very helpful to send readers to at least one
reliable part source. Plus for me, drawings help my understanding of any car
problem.
>> Stay informed about: 89 accord sei