Honda Civic Not Starting: Causes & How to Fix

It can be quite frustrating when you try to move your Honda Civic, and it just won’t start no matter how hard you try. Worse is when you are running out of time for a meeting or an emergency.

There are countless possible reasons why a Honda Civic vehicle won’t start. In this article, we’d be looking at the most common possibilities, how you can tell what the problem is, and tips for fixing the problem on your own – if that’s possible.

Honda Civic Not Starting: Engine Reaction

There are two ways your engine will act when the car doesn’t start. In the first scenario, the engine doesn’t turn over when you turn the key in the ignition. By turn over, we mean that the engine doesn’t make any noise. You only just hear a clicking sound or no sound at all.

The second scenario is that the engine rolls and makes some noise when you turn the key in the ignition. However, no matter how hard you try, the car doesn’t start. The first scenario is a lot easier to diagnose. In the next section, we will discuss the possible causes of the problems and how to fix them.

Honda Civic Not Starting (Engine Not Cranking): Causes and Fixes

We painted two scenarios above. When the engine doesn’t make any noise, it means that it is not cranking. In this section, we will tell you the reasons why this is so and how to solve the problem.

Disconnected battery cables

While this isn’t the most common problem, it is the easiest to solve. When your engine doesn’t crank, you should check to see that the battery cables are properly connected. Ensure that they are fixed properly and making adequate contact with the car battery. If you notice some corrosion around the battery cables, clean the area up.

Dead battery

Another reason why your Honda Civic is not starting is that the battery is not charged. If the battery doesn’t carry enough power, the car wouldn’t start. It is important to note that your battery’s cranking amps decrease with age. If the battery has lasted a few years, it could be that its capacity to start your car has diminished.

When you notice that your battery is low on power, take it to a charging point. It is also important to check your car’s alternator. If it is malfunctioning, then the battery will continue to lose charge. On the other hand, if the battery is charged and the cables are in place, then you should look elsewhere.

Faulty starter

If your Honda Civic engine refuses to crank, the starter could be the problem. Usually, this is the last thing to check after the battery and its cables. It is impossible to start your car without the starter.

Starters hardly give any warning before packing up. If the starter is bad, then you might need to get a new one. However, you can try a simple trick if you are stuck in the middle of nowhere. Use a hammer to beat your starter. This may get you one last start.

Honda Civic Not Starting (Engine Cranking): Causes and Fixes

When the engine is cranking but not starting, it could be a serious headache. This is because it is far more difficult to diagnose the problem in this case. Certain conditions must be available before your engine can run. They are fuel, air, and spark. If one of these is absent, the engine may crank yet it won’t start.

Usually, the easiest way to diagnose the issue when the engine cranks and doesn’t start is using a scanner. The scanner will show you any trouble codes regarding which part of the engine isn’t functioning properly. What if you don’t have access to a scanner? Here are some possible causes of the engine not starting and how to fix them:

Fuel-related issues

This is one of the most common reasons why your Honda Civic engine will crank and not start. Without fuel, your engine cannot run. It could be that there is no fuel in the engine at all. Another possible cause is that the engine is not receiving as much fuel as it needs to function.

Some of the reasons why the engine is not getting the required amount of fuel include:

• Bad fuel injector
• Bad fuel pump
• Damaged or worn-out fuel filter

If your car has run out of fuel, try to get some fuel into the engine then check it again. For the other fuel-related issues, you may need the help of a professional to help you out.

Faulty ignition system

When you have ignition issues, your car wouldn’t spark even if everything else is in place. Don’t forget that your engine needs some spark to start running. Without this spark, it wouldn’t start.

If you use a scanner to check the engine, you will get a misfire code. There are several reasons why your ignition is having issues. Some of them include:

• Computer or electrical issues
• Bad coil packs
• Bad spark plugs
• Worn plug wires

These are just a few reasons. Reach out to your mechanic to help you diagnose the issue properly and get it sorted quickly.

Bad engine timing

Timing is the ability of your engine to fire up the spark plugs at the required time. If the plugs fire up at the wrong time, then something is wrong. Usually, the camshaft and crankshaft are no longer in sync and that’s why your Honda Civic isn’t starting. You need your mechanic to fix this problem else the car wouldn’t start.

Armed security system

Many modern cars have a security system to protect them from theft. Sometimes, the security system may malfunction which will result in the car not starting. It could also be that you have forgotten to disengage it before starting the car. Check the security system to see if there is a warning. Sort this out and try starting the car again.

Wrap-up

Now, you’ve learned some of the things that could cause your Honda Civic to fail to start. Follow the tips in this article to check for the possible causes of the problem and attempt fixing things on your own. But if the problem is a serious one, you’d have to visit your mechanic.