Got a 2000 Honda Accord, 4CLY, Automatic. 120K miles.
The starter turns over the engine and briefly engages the flywheel. The flywheel disengages shortly before the car can be started while the starter continues to run. Occasionally, the flywheel may quickly disengage and reengage.
Is this a problem w/ the starter?
Thank you!
Yes, get a new starter.
I noticed the engine was still turning while the flywheel is not engaged. (lacking the kakakaka flywheel sound). How's that possible? I thought the starter turns the flywheel, which turns everything else. If the flywheel was not engaged , how can the rest of the engine continue to turn?
The engine stopped turning when the key is removed from the crank position.
thx
The Bendix in the starter is supposed to engage the flywheel when the key is in the start position, the retract (disengages when the key returns to the run position.) If the drive gear on the starter is not sliding correctly to engage or disengage the ring gear, you need a new starter. There could also be a problem with the circuit itself such as when you turn the key to start, and are only getting partial or intermittent power to the starter. Then I would suspect the ignition switch has a problem.
I was able get the car started by pumping the gas while cranking it.
The problem disappeared after the successful start. I also waited
24hr before starting again and it has not occurred.
Not sure if it's related, but I washed the car before the issue
occurred. I noticed some condensation on one of the head lights the
next day. However, I'm very sure water didn't get near the main
engine or spark plug wires.
I'm in very dry California.