Two days ago my 2010 Honda Fit suddenly would not start. All signs pointed to a dead battery: lights very dim, radio clock had reset, power locks wouldn't work, zero starter or engine noise when I turned the key - dead silence.

I got out my portable battery jumper, no luck. This was a relatively new battery, less than 2 years, 151R, so I disconnected, cleaned all the terminals and tightened everything down again. Still, nothing. When trying to start sometimes the dashboard lights would come on, sometimes they wouldn't. Still absolutely zero starter or engine noise when trying to start. I thought there might be a short somewhere but I figured the battery just died on me early.

I went and got a brand new battery. Hooked it all up. Still nothing. Dashboard lights were a bit brighter, but not much. Nothing happens when I turn the key to start.

WTF is going on?

 

Now with the new battery installed, the lights and everything will come on (power windows work etc.) but when I turn to start everything instantly dies, like there was a major power short. I have to turn the key to off and back to on for the car to get power again. still won't start at all. It is definitely not the battery, and doesn't seem to be the starter either. wire problem somewhere?

 

Did you check your starter and the starter relay? Switch the relay for the horn to the starter and check for effect. Wire from red (positive) battery terminal to starter should make it crank. That just shows you the starter functions. Check fuses under dash for burn outs of fuses. Best of luck, Clay

 

I think there are also fuses under the hood on the positive battery terminal.

 

Grounding wire bolt had become loose on the frame. could barely notice it with my eye but a quick tightening of that bolt fixed the problem.

 

Do you have a photo of the wire your tightened?

 

That will do it. Loose wiring will cause weird issues starting, and even weirder issues after the car starts (if it manages to). Glad you found the issue!

 

I think he meant this bolt: