Engine will not turn over? Bad starter?

2001 HONDA CIVIC
200,000 MILES • 4 CYL
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MELINDA HEINITZ
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I'm not sure, will check in the morning.
Jan 4, 2021 at 11:41 AM (Merged)
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MELINDA HEINITZ
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I just checked, no it's not.
Jan 4, 2021 at 11:41 AM (Merged)
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94 TRANSAM
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Okay, so that fuse goes directly to the ignition switch and powers the starter circuit. All indications are that you have a shorted starter relay, solenoid or starter. This will require testing to find out which one it is. Is this something you are interested in doing with my guidance or would you prefer taking it to a shop? Or perhaps you have someone you know that can help if you don't want to do it.

Let me know, Rich
Jan 4, 2021 at 11:41 AM (Merged)
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MELINDA HEINITZ
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I have someone that can help me if you walk us through it, but it won't be until Saturday afternoon.
Jan 4, 2021 at 11:41 AM (Merged)
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MELINDA HEINITZ
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I did forget to mention that we went over railroad tracks kinda hard and it shut off my car after that.
Jan 4, 2021 at 11:41 AM (Merged)
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94 TRANSAM
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Okay great, Lets jump in.

First, here is a guide for the starter so you know what you are dealing with:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-starter-and-solenoid-works

And here is a guide to remove and replace the starter:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-starter-motor

I would suggest first you jack the car up and inspect it for safety damage as well as visible damage to the starter after the railroad trip. If you see any damage you are unsure of, take a pic and upload it here and I will try to assess it.

Next I would recommend dropping the starter and taking it to AutoZone or the like and have them test the starter its self. If it is shorted then you can replace it and you should be good to go. If not we can go to step 2.

Let me know what you find out.

Rich
Jan 4, 2021 at 11:41 AM (Merged)
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MELINDA HEINITZ
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Will do! Thank you for all your help!
Jan 4, 2021 at 11:41 AM (Merged)
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94 TRANSAM
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You are very welcome. Let me know what you find out.

Rich
Jan 4, 2021 at 11:41 AM (Merged)
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MELINDA HEINITZ
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So it ended up being that the ground wire that goes to the dashboard ended up getting caught when she hit the railroad tracks and spliced the wire a little, which blew the 40a fuse.
Jan 4, 2021 at 11:41 AM (Merged)
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94 TRANSAM
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I am glad you got it solved. We knew there was a short somewhere.

Rich
Jan 4, 2021 at 11:41 AM (Merged)