car wouldn't start this AM

[GreenGeckoUSA]

Hi all:

Hoping someone can help me (without making fun of me for knowing jack ****). I have a 98 lx with 186k miles (manual trans.) The last couple of weeks I've noticed that when I turn the key, the car "waits" a few seconds before starting. It's not the usual "below quarter tank and freezing outside" problem. There's no turning over or clicking...just silence for a couple of seconds and then it starts. So, this morning when I turned the key, it wouldn't start. All the dash lights came on, the radio came on, but the car just wouldn't start. The starter didn't click and there was no cranking. The best way to explain it is that the car acted as if the clutch wasn't engaged. (Like sometimes if you don't press the clutch down enough it won't start). Anyway, I came home for lunch and tried it - it started fine. Tried it again this evening and it wouldn't start. I know there's some kind of clutch safety switch...could this be the problem? The battery is fine and I have a full tank of gas. Any help would be appreciated.

[superbluecivicsi]

how do you know the battery is fine? you checked it with a voltage meter. go to your car and leave the lights on for about 1 minute. does it dim or die?

check battery, alternator, and starter. including all wiring.

[GreenGeckoUSA]

I had everything checked this weekend when I took it in for an oil change/winter check-up. I specifically asked them to check those things because of the symptoms I was having. Of course it didn't act up for them but they checked everything (no problems). Just to be on the safe side, I did the light test before I went to work. The lights stayed bright and the car even started afterwards. Of course, twenty minutes later when I wanted to leave, it wouldn't start. It's really frustrating!

[dorysch1]

it could be the starter or the clutch switch

[bugmike]

it sounds like the battery is at fault. take it to a parts shop and ask them to check the 'cold cranking amps'. battery may show normal volts, but have low amps. this recently happened to my 97 civics original battery and new one fixed it right up.
mike

[catsman72]

if it ever happens again call a friend and if then can come over rool your car out of the drive way. when in the street depress the clutch and put the car in first gear and tell your friend to start to push the car and when going about 3 mph pop the clutch and the car should start and if it dose not start try it a again. i promiss the car will start

[topnoss]

change battery and check starter cause sometime started are loose. wow 186k mile .change clutch system might be problem