1993 Honda Civic won't start wierd noise?

Question

We have been forced to get the 10% ethanol gas (don't know if this is part of problem) but since that the car wouldn't start up easily...we were away two weeks and now it is trying to start but making a higher pitch (not squealing) sound like it is trying but it is not the usual crank noise.....and won't turn over. Any ideas?

Answer 1

Here's the deal:

If you try to start a car and you get nothing or just a "click," that's usually a dead battery.

If you try to start a car and it makes a high-pitched grinding noise or a loud moaning noise and the engine doesn't turn over, that's usually either a bad starter or a bad starter solenoid (could be a bad flywheel, but that's rare).

If you try to start a car and you can hear the engine turning over but it doesn't catch, the list of problems that could cause that are endless.

Sounds to me like the battery is fine, so if the engine really is not turning over you probably have a bad starter.  10% ethanol gas will not cause that -- heck, 10% ethanol gas helps clean out fuel injectors and helps keep gas lines from freezing in the winter.  Your best bet is to take the car to a local mom-and-pop mechanic with a good reputation that works on Hondas.  Avoid the dealership at all costs -- they charge top-dollar and often do crappy work.

Answer 2

When my daughter said the same thing about her car making noise it was the flywheel had some bad teeth, have somebody turn the motor by hand and try again. If it starts now it will be a bad flywheel.

Answer 3

it could be the starter trying to engage with the flywheel.

Answer 4

If it won't turn over and makes a high pitch sound (whizzing) after you switch on the ignition, then it sounds like your starter solenoid is faulty.

There are 2 parts to your starter, the solenoid (which pushes your starter motor gear against the flywheel) and the motor (which spins your starter gear that mates with the flywheel)

See the Honda Civic Starter video on youtube.

Your starter gear sounds like it is spinning (high pitch whizzing sound) but it is not being pushed against your flywheel to turn over your engine (bad starter solenoid).

A new starter (solenoid+motor) can cost about $60 from your local auto parts store.  Just remove 2 bolts and 2 wires that hold your starter against the transmission and replace the old with a new one and your car should start just fine.

Good luck!

Answer 5

not sure but a change in pitch during the cranking sounds a little like a blown motor