Tried to drive my car to work yesterday and got in and the engine wouldn't even turn.

So, decided to drive the Si to work and got home that afternoon and tried jumping the battery. Didn't work--I even revved the engine of the civic while it was connected for 10 min and all I got was a fast clicking sound when trying to start it.

The battery is a DieHard Gold which is 3 years shy of its 3 year warranty. I plan on taking the battery in and having them check it to see if its the battery or not--since I can't drive the car.

Any other suggestions? What symptoms would suggest that it was the alternator? What else could potentially be wrong? Keep in mind that I don't drive this car daily anymore--probably once a week or so...

 

if it was the alternator you would still be able to jump the car, it would just be running on the battery.sounds like the battery has dry cells

 

I think it's a bad battery also.

 

Sounds like it's your starter. The solenoid is making the clicking sound but the starter motor isn't turning. To check, while trying to start the car, have someone slightly whack the starter.

 

Forgive my ignorance, but where is the starter located? Also, is the starter difficult to replace--assuming that is what it was and I wanted to try and do it myself?

I should check the cells to see if they were dry or not--I honestly didn't think to do that.

 

I guess it could be the starter but you need to check out your battery first.

 

I'll take it somewhere to check this afternoon...

 

The starter is on the driver's side of the engine block, close to the firewall. You can download the service manual online if you want a reference (see section 4).

You can try using a wooden stick to tap it slightly while someone is trying to start the car. I think if there is a problem with the battery, you should have been able to jumpstart the car. From your description, I think the problem is with one or more motor brushes on the starter. If you tap the starter, it could set the brush(es) free and the starter will turn. The manual has the details on how to overhaul starters.

 

oh yeah one thing i forgot is, turn your lights on and if they are not as bright as usual then its your battery.also if it is the starter like the op said then just roll down a hill in reverse or second gear and try to pop the clutch and roll start it if this doesnt work then its not your starter. hope this helps

 

Seriously? How does this show its not the starter?