97 Civic starter spinning but not starting engine?

Asked by gdubhub Aug 30, 2013 at 05:55 PM about the 1997 Honda Civic LX

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I have a 97 civic - timing belt just replaced.  Radiator went out and replaced and I had to have the head gasket replaced.  Also has a new starter and new plugs.  it was working fine and then sat for a week and then it wouldn't crank up.  The starter seems to be spinning but not turning over the car.  It did this at first and then I was able to start it and it ran for a few days.  After it ran for a few days I was starting it and mid start let go of the ignition and it stopped trying to start.  After that, it wouldn't start up - it just seems that the starter is spinning and not turning over the engine.  Any ideas on what to check?

2 Answers
615

Shane answered 10 years ago

try jumping it from the starter itself. its easy just run a wire from where the black/white wire plugs into the starter and then to where the battery wire runs to the starter. if that doesnt work and it still just spins the solenoid is bad or stuck. Have someone in the car and holding the key in the start position and tap the starter solenoid with a small hammer. if you need better directions let me know

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