2013 Honda Civic Starting Issue

[Bassmaster96]

So, girlfriend's car started this thing where you have to turn the key multiple times sometimes to get it to crank. It started out just doing it every now and then but now has gotten more frequent. I changed out the ignition switch and it did not fix the issue. It really doesn't seem like a battery or starter to me, although I am reconsidering the starter now. It just seems like a connection issue or something. When you turn the key you can hear it click around the fuse box area and then it won't do anything when holding it in the crank position. If you turn the key back off and immediately crank it again, it will either do the same thing again or will start just fine. Sometimes it takes 3 or 4 tries at this point to start. It also over the last few days has started to crank a little harder like it has low voltage instead of just clicking and not starting if that makes sense. Anyone have any ideas? I've spent all sorts of time on it and really don't have a solid fix yet. I'd think battery cable, and it could be, but they seem to be tight and everything

[Al from Canada]

How old is the battery?

[Lowerider58]

Possibly a bad starter solenoid.

[lakefolk]

So, girlfriend's car started this thing where you have to turn the key multiple times sometimes to get it to crank. It started out just doing it every now and then but now has gotten more frequent. I changed out the ignition switch and it did not fix the issue. It really doesn't seem like a battery or starter to me, although I am reconsidering the starter now. It just seems like a connection issue or something. When you turn the key you can hear it click around the fuse box area and then it won't do anything when holding it in the crank position. If you turn the key back off and immediately crank it again, it will either do the same thing again or will start just fine. Sometimes it takes 3 or 4 tries at this point to start. It also over the last few days has started to crank a little harder like it has low voltage instead of just clicking and not starting if that makes sense. Anyone have any ideas? I've spent all sorts of time on it and really don't have a solid fix yet. I'd think battery cable, and it could be, but they seem to be tight and everything

find the EXACT location of this clicking...........

[billnorman1]

From the sound of things there may be a starter relay in the fuse box. They are standardized, and can handle about 30 amps. Turn on the headlights, if they dim when you hit start, the battery or cables are suspect. Batteries do go bad too, and it's a relatively cheap easy fix.
The relay is about $17.00 for an O E M.
https://www.amazon.com/Genuine-Honda...4aAnhdEALw_wcB

[Big Al]

Possibly a bad starter solenoid.

Agree, First place to start

[Graembo]

I had those same symptoms last year on a 2012, ended up needing to replace the starter.

[jkainoa]

Had the same thing happen on a 2007 civic sedan. Finally left me stranded and I had to have it towed. It was the starter. Not an easy thing to change out on a 2007, but I also have big hands.

[mactlman]

there is a starter relay to the right of the glovebox on some hondas. also have issues when car gets really hot inside with a weak relay

[Bassmaster96]

How old is the battery?

A little over a year old

[Bassmaster96]

Appreciate all of the responses. I have tried the headlight thing before and they did not dim. I'll start with the relay and hope that is it. Really hoping it isn't the starter. How bad of a job is it to do the starter on a 13? Anyone ever done it?

[fly by night]

As stated may be the solenoid. Also when it goes into that mode tap on the starter while someone is attempting to start it. If that causes it to crank=bad starter or connections loose on starter or solenoid. If this doesn't work have the battery load tested. Good Luck!

[Charles Prestridge]

2007 model, starter is on back side of engine against firewall.

Drop section of exhaust manifold and it is not too bad to replace.

I drive car up on ramps and changed it from beneath car.

[bilgerat]

Some years ago I replaced the starter on a 2007 Honda CR-V we used to own with the 4 cylinder. I don't remember all the details but I do remember having to remove the intake manifold to access the starter. I'm sure there's plenty of YouTube videos on it. You may want to watch a few to decide if you're comfortable with it.

[BigDaddyBassNJ]

Crank position sensor, use Honda part only

[mactlman]

Some years ago I replaced the starter on a 2007 Honda CR-V we used to own with the 4 cylinder. I don't remember all the details but I do remember having to remove the intake manifold to access the starter. I'm sure there's plenty of YouTube videos on it. You may want to watch a few to decide if you're comfortable with it.

2.4 you have to take the intake Plenum off, but he should have a 1.8 engine likely

[basscat21]

Hopefully you civic is this clean......but up here it would be a rust mess....and that exhaust removal would be a fire wrench!

[Fireball]

Bad smart key.

[Dixie-Raven]

Appreciate all of the responses. I have tried the headlight thing before and they did not dim. I'll start with the relay and hope that is it. Really hoping it isn't the starter. How bad of a job is it to do the starter on a 13? Anyone ever done it?

I did one on a 2014 and it's a real PIA!!! Wedged between oil pan, tranny and axel!

[Bassmaster96]

Well replaced the relay and that wasn't it. Tried a few other things mentioned here and that didn't seem to be it either. The click appears to be coming from the starter. So my guess now is that it's either the starter or a wire going to the starter.