mysterious starting problem on 1989 Accord

[Jay1974]

Since mid-November I've been having a recurring problem with my otherwise dependable Honda Accord. Normally it starts after the first turn of the ignition key but every so often all I hear is a click.
The initial diagnosis was that it needed a new starter so I gave the go-ahead and the problem appeared to be solved when the new starter was installed. A month later the exact problem reared its head again!
This time, a different mechanic pinned the blame on corroded terminals and a weak battery so I had a new battery installed.
Approximately two weeks ago, I was confronted with the same problem. I had the car towed to a service station but before the mechanic did so much as lift the hood, it started right up! He ran several diagnostic tests and said everything looked to be in good order. Fine.
Last night my wife encountered the dreaded click but in sub-zero temperatures this morning, the car started right up. I talked to a service representative at the local dealership but he said it would be hard to pinpoint the problem unless it was acting up at the time I brought the car in. GRRR!
Any suggestions?
Thank you!
Jay

[Ehscrewdude]

Maybe u should try starting up the car. Stay there all day, then if it happens once, they can test it, lol... Try taking it to advance auto parts, pep boys or something and see if they have any thoughts.. could be that the dealership is missing something...

(Get a second Opinion)

[ProMan]

It's very possible that one contact points of the wiring got dirty or rusted and cause high resistance which reduces the voltage and current the starter gets. The click you heard should be the pinion got pushed out, but apparently the force that pushes it out (generated by the solinoid) is not strong enough. Since the main power can be conducted to the motor of the starter only after the pinion is fully pushed out. If the pinion is not fully out, the motor will not rotate. And the most possible cause of this is the voltage got to the solinoid is not high enough.

Couple things you can check:
1. make sure the alternator is good : measure the voltage of the battery with engine off, should be around 12v. With engine running, it should be around 14.5v.

2. when the problem happens, have someone keep the key at igniiton position, measure the voltage at the solinoid. If the battery is 12v but the solinoid is less than 12v, that's your problem.

Good luck.

[98camrycincy]

I had a similar problem on my '89 LXi Accord. It would start sometimes, and sometimes not start. I could hear a very faint clicking sound under the dash, not like the sound of a bad starter solenoid. I advise you to search around for the many posts about a "MAIN RELAY" for your Accord. It costs about $100 I think and you will have so much fun replacing it (NOT!). Good luck and hope this helps.

[mpumas]

Main relay has nothing to do with the starter. It powers fuel pump and the ECU and associated parts.
Proman might be right on with voltage to the solenoid. Could be an ignition switch. His suggested test is a good check.