Matt Ion <soundy@moltenimage.com> wrote in
news:f5HMg.525008$iF6.17901@pd7tw2no:

> Jim Yanik wrote:
>> "TruantSpirit" <TruantSpirit@gmail.com> wrote in
>> news:1157810410.609644.60470@d34g2000cwd.googlegro ups.com:
>>
>>
>>>I'm a soon-to-be single mom buying a used car on her own for the
>>>first time. (ulp!) Looking at a 1998 Honda Civic LX, with what owner
>>>says is "what we believe is a short
>>
>>
>> Not a "short";those usually blow fuses or start fires.
>>
>>
>>>in the wiring somewhere that causes the car
>>>to not randomly start (the reason we're getting rid of it). It will
>>>start if you jump it. I'm sure it's no big deal, we just didn't have
>>>the time to get it fixed. That's why we're selling it for cheaper
>>>then blue book. The driver's side door doesn't open with the key
>>>either which will only cost about $75 to fix we just never did."
>>>
>>>Wondering how much of a problem this might be for me if I buy this
>>>car. Any advice or info much appreciated!
>>>
>>
>>
>> The start problem might be just a main relay needing replacement or
>> resoldering.(if that's in your skillset) see.www.tegger.com
>> It happens more on hot days,and after ~15min.,the car cools and it
>> starts and runs fine after that.
>>
>> If it doesn't always crank,it may be a bad starter solenoid or worn
>> solenoid contacts.
>> Or it could be a worn ignition switch.
>> (having a lot of stuff on your keyring can wear out a ign.switch
>> faster than normal)
>>
>> How old is the battery?
>> About 4-5 yrs is what they last,less in hot climates.
>
> Yeah, it's pretty hard to give any kind of diagnosis here from the
> description, "sometimes won't start". Does that mean, it won't even
> crank over? Cranks but doesn't fire? Cranks and fires, but doesn't
> catch and run? Each of these could be an indicator for at least two
> to three particular problems, maybe more - a list of simply things
> that will prevent it from starting could be long indeed.
>
> If it will always start when jumped, I would first suspect the
> battery, which is an easy and relatively inexpensive fix (replace it,
> for probably <$100). It could also be a bad connection, either at one
> of the battery posts, or where the battery negative wire connects to
> ground - corroded terminals and dirty posts are not uncommon and can
> be easily cleaned.

I'm reminded of my 94 Integra's intermittent refusal to crank;I thought it
was the battery,so I replaced that,still same problem.I thought I had to
replace the whole starter,as the solenoid was not a separately replaceable
unit.Some Honda/Acura starters have a replaceable solenoid,the
Nippondenso's do not.Then I found a site that sold a solenoid contact &
plunger replacement kit;$30 ppd.,and that solved the problem.


>
> However, if the problem stems from the battery not being charged
> properly... now you're getting into much more complicated and
> potentially expensive repairs to the charging system.
>
> Like Jim and Elle said, there may be other problems as well - it's not
> unheard of that they may be telling you only about the most noticeable
> issues and neglecting to mention others, hoping you won't ask... and
> who knows what else they "didn't get around to", like regular
> maintenance?
>
> This one sounds like a mechanic's special - in your position, I'd give
> it a pass.
>

Yeah,ditto.


--
Jim Yanik
jyanik
at
kua.net