I have a 2005 Honda Accord Ex, 4-cyl, 2.4 l, with a manual transmission.
When I turn the key, sometimes I get a buzz under the dash and the starter doesn’t turn. The buzz lasts as long as the key is turned. After several attempts, the starter will finally spin (no buzz) and the car starts. Sometimes it starts right up the first time; sometimes it takes a bunch of attempts. Might be worse when the weather is hotter, but that may be mere coincidence
I assumed it was one of the clutch pedal switches, but I’ve tried both a new clutch interlock switch and a new pedal position switch, and the problem persists. I really have two questions:
1. What’s causing this problem?
2. Why do I need 2 safety switches on the clutch pedal?
Thanks for your time!
Matt
your starter might be faulty, but first load test the battery to make sure it has enough juice.
Thanks for the response! Coincidentally, I recently had the starting/charging system checked at AutoZone, and the battery, starter, and alternator all passed. The charge/battery light had come on a few times one day about a month ago. I didn’t connect the two things because I was convinced the starting problem was a safety switch. I’ll check the battery cables. Any other possibilities, that buzz sounds internal, like it’s coming from the clutch pedal or the base of the steering column.
Check the ignition relay. It sounds like it may be sticking sometimes.
Thanks for the suggestion. It wasn’t the relay, but that put me on the right track. The problem was an ignition electrical switch in the steering column between the ignition and the relay. Really appreciate the help!
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