I'm looking for steps to replace a starter on a 98 Accord. Pictures would be nice. I've read a couple of posts where it describes getting to the bottom bolt as very difficult, possible requireing removng the exhaust or motor mount. Can anyone confirm that?


Problem details:
Car won't start. Nothing really happening when key is turned over. Lights and everything come on. Battery is 2 months old, plus won't start with a jump. I would like to verify that it is the starter before actually pulling it out. I'd appreciate any detailed steps for doing that. Right now the only tip I have is to bang on the starter with a large screwdriver!

 

when you try to start the car do you hear any clicking?? do me a favor take a hammer and hit the starter for 2-3 times see if that makes any difference...dont' hit it too hard and dont' hit it two slow..just 2-3 medium strenght hits. i'm 90% sure that it could solve your broblem buddy.

 

Thanks. I'm going to give that a try. It's a bummer cuz the car is 30 miles from home, so I have to get a ride to it and I'd prefer to get it started and driven home before going and buying a starter. Although if the tapping gets it going, I guess its safe to say it is the starter...

 

Did the starter just go all of a sudden or were there signs?

If no signs I'd look for an electrical problem long before I replaced the starter.

 

It was sudden. The battery died on suspicious circumstances 2 months ago, and it seemed like the same situation. Stopped in at the house, went to leave and nothing. When I say nothing, all the lights and a/c, radio, etc come on, but no turnover of the engine. The previous time, it started with a jump, and a new battery did the trick. This time, again, after driving 40 miles, and stopping for about 30 minutes, got back in to leave and nothing. This time it won't start with a jump either, leading me to believe it is the starter. The car does have 147k miles. I'll be curious to see if it starts right up when I go out to fix it today. If I have a meter handy today, I'll check to see if there is voltage getting to the starter. Any other tips to troubleshoot it before actually pulling the starter out?

 

please keep us updated. i would like to know how it goes.. wish you the best man good luck.

 

Wow. 3 light taps with a hammer on the top of the starter and I hear a click. It was then able to turn over. Couple more taps and it started right up. So is that the relay inside getting stuck? Either way, I guess off to Pep Boys....

Thanks a lot for all of the tips. I was looking to rip the starter out in "hopes" that it was indeed the problem, now at least I know for sure where the problem is.

PS-It starts everytime now, so I'm wondering if I should just keep a ball ping hammer in the car with me

 

why do I love that last line so much. This aging starter may be causing lots of draw to crank, better to be safe then sorry, change her out.

 

glad to hear that you got it started nice job.....we let me tell you know you need to get a new starter because the contacts inside the starter are bad and they get stuck ( contacts are black and they are made like your brake pad material)

 

Got the starter replaced yesterday. Got a lifetime guarantee Bosch starter from Pep Boys for $109 and paid a shop $75. I had another shop quote me 2 hours for the labor, so if your going to pay to have one of these replaced, 1 hour is all it takes. Plus I had the transmission fluid replaced for $45 while it was there. 147k miles on the car, so I'm about at the point that things start breaking down unfortunately.....