car won't start
 

Hey... its been almost a year since I've posted in here. My 2000 Accord V6 won't start. The battery is fine, all the lights and stuff work. When I turn the key the engine chugs but never catches or turns on. I thougt this might be the alternator, since I heard weird noises coming from that area last night before the car completely died this morning.

Now its at a mechanic's place, and he says its not the alternator and wants to do a $45 diagnostic to find out what's wrong. Is this guy trying to jack me? Does my problem sound like it might be alternator? Does anyone know of any good mechanics in the San Diego (Mira Mesa/Miramar) area?

Thanks,
Bryan

try jumping it. my friend's celica had the same problems - lights work but didn't start. last thing we thought of was jumping it and it worked.

i haven't dealt with any shops in mira mesa/miramar but there are a lot to choose from.

Thanks... that makes sense with what info I've been getting from friends and other people. My guess is that the alternator went out (it was making funny noises the past few days) and the battery was drained. The lights work and stuff, but no start. Hopefully a new alternator and a jump will take care of it.

probably an ign.switch, there's a recall on them

Fuel Pump. I had it die on me, same exact symptoms.

let's not guess, does it crank? does the engine turn over but not start? or does it just click?

try hitting the alternator with something and try turning it on or hitting and have someone try to turn the car on at the same time, thats how u bring back the alternator back to life if it is the alternator hehe :D

Its the IGNITION SWITCH RECALL

If you havent done it, go see your HONDA DEALER

AIR, FUEL, SPARK

Unhook the fuel line before the fuel filter, turn on the key to ACC but don't crank over to prime the fuel pump, gas should spit out. On some hondas or cars in general, you'll hear a 1-2 second hum as soon as you turn the key to ACC.
No gas spitting = possible fuel pump problem.
If it spits gas try the line going out of the fuel filter, filter could possibly be clogged.

Take out a plug or use a different one, unhook a plug wire and put the plug in and aim it at something metal closely, at least 1/2 inch, i.e. hood latch/cross frame. Have someone turn the key and crank the motor over. Should spark.
No spark = bad wires/plugs. Distributor w/built in coil could be shot. Dist. Cap or Rotor button could be shot. Or if coil is separate either coil or coil wire could be bad.

Air delivery is almost never a problem with starting, unless you've had rodents or squirrels nest in your stock airbox.

I don't know about the recall but you should check with the dealer.

If it does start you can check the alternator on SOME cars by taking off the negative terminal to the battery when the car is running, if it shuts off 'tis definately the alt.

There isn't a bannana or potato in your tailpipe?

Its the recall, bad contacts... needs to be replaced.

Hope you dont have an alarm or remote start