Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Car wont start! (not the SVT)

Hey whats up guys, this isnt about my SVT so if you dont wanna help or this isnt allowed, i compelety understand ...I just bought a 1990 civic DX to use as my winter car so my SVT can sleep this winter ....The problem im having is that when i let the honda sit for awhile and its cold it will not start....The first time this happened was yesterday and i thought it was the starter...So i took the starter off, took the plug wires out, took the plugs out, took the battery out, and then cleaned everything and put everything back together and then it staretd....The battery is good and the alternator is good....i just went out now to start it and its doin the same thing again....When i turn the key theres a "click" and it isnt turning over....ive also tried jumping it and it will still "click"...what on earth could it be ??? Thanks in advance!!!

2 things:

1: Get a block heater
2: Always have a booster pack with you

It won't be your plugs or plug wires so quit looking there.

Battery is a posibility, but more likely the starter or battery/starter cables.

You need a voltmeter to better pin it down. When it won't start, put a voltmeter across the battery terminals and confirm that you have about 12.5 volts. If not, have a good look at the battery. If you do have good voltage, check to see if you have good power to the starter. Don't forget to check the battery ground cable, both ends.

Had a 96 Civic, and it only didn't start for me twice during the time I owned it. Both times it was the ignition coil (or whatever it's called--you get the idea).

A bad battery can cause it to not even work with a jump start. Bad wiring, engine ground. If you get it running, check voltage at battery , 14-15 volts.

make sure there's still water in the cells. wipe down the top of the battery, pop the vent caps, and make sure the water comes up to the top of the plates.