Help With Starting issues
 

Okay, I have a 2007 Sport, manual with about 160,000 miles on motor, 201,000 on car. Owned since 5,000 miles and over 12 years. Just after 200k it began to not start randomly. Turn the key, press the clutch and sometimes no response, sometimes a loud click from under the hood. Sometimes pushing the catch pedal in and out several times causes clicks, and then it starts. Replaced battery 2 months ago (Larger size), shows 12.8 volts when off, 14.4 when running. Alternator has been replaced a few years ago, and no problems running my upgraded audio system and sub for the last 5 years or so. When the starter spins it over, it always starts quickly. Pulled the clutch pedal interlock switch, cleaned it out and it seemed better for a month or so, until today.

Is there a separate starter solenoid? Is it the starter? Could it be the clutch switch? Anyone know the part number for the clutch switch-I cannot find it anywhere...

Help!!!!!

Older Honda starters needed the Start Solenoid contacts replaced after many miles. (#8 in the diagram below, which is Not Available) That is what it sounds like to me.

https://www.hondapartsnow.com/parts-...tor-denso.html

These were cheap and easy to do (at least on the '76 Accord we owned). :eek3:

Perhaps an Auto Electric shop can source them. Failing that, giving the starter to the shop for a rebuild might be the best action.
(I don't trust parts-store starters or alternators!)

From experience it sounds more like worn-out brushes or damaged braided wire from solenoid to starter. Unfortunately due to the starter location its hard to probe solenoid output terminal with test light when starter is not clicking (light on, no sound = bad brushes) [the solenoid pull-in coil is wired in SERIES with armature]
Before blaming the starter though, I will bypass the ignition starter switch 10 amp push button switch; if starter responds every time then ignition switch needs replacement

Replacing the stock battery with a 51R made a huge difference, I wish I would've done this upgrade first. Even with the new ignition button from Honda every time I started the car the dash lights looked like it was having a stroke. 330 CCA vs 500 CCA, now she starts right.