Questions and Answers

Acura Integra LS No Start Q. Hi. I have two questions about problems I've encountered with my car. First off, I have a 1990 Acura Integra LS with 135,000 miles. Engine is a 1.8 liter DOHC fuel injected 4 cylinder mated to a 5-speed transmission. I had just bought the car two weeks ago from a relative of mine.

Prior to receiving the car, it had been sitting in the garage for eight months without any occasional start ups/warm ups. When I received the car, it started up fine with the exception of the battery needed to be replaced. I have not used the car since because of transfer of ownership, insurance shopping etc. During this whole time I would start up the car every day to warm it up and inspect it for any future problems before they arise.

Then one day, I tried starting the car up but to my surprise, the car wouldn't kick over. All of the dashboard lights, warning chimes and passive restraint systems seems to work okay but the starter doesn't seem to respond. I'm thinking that it would have to do something with the safety starting switch that is hooked up to the clutch pedal (the safety feature in most manual transmission cars where the clutch needs to be engage prior to starting the engine) but I'm having a heck of a time locating it.

I have checked all the fuses under the kick panel and under the hood but every one seems okay. I tried cleaning the battery terminals (even though the battery is new) and cables but that didn't help any. One thing that got me scratching my head till it bled was that now the battery is dead and I tried jumping the battery with my other car but it won't hold or take any charge!!! What gives!?

Also, another problem I encountered or was already there is that my transmission is making a rattling noise while the engine is running. When I hold the clutch in, the noise stops. At idle and in neutral, when I rev the engine, the noise doesn't get any louder or quieter but when in gear and I let the clutch go (normal driving) the noise gets louder. I'm suspecting a worn or loose pressure plate. Any advice? Your reply is greatly appreciated.

A. The no start and the battery drain may be related. If we fix one, we'll see if the other goes away.

First thing to do is to check for power at the black/white wire on the starter solenoid. If you have power there when the key is in the START position, then the starter is bad.

If there isn't any power there, then we have to start at the battery and work forward. Now I'm assuming you have checked all the fuses with a test light or ohmmeter and that they are all good.

Mounted on the clutch pedal under the dash is the Clutch Interlock switch. With the key in the START position there should be power at the black/red wire. Also check the black wire for good ground. If you have power and ground, unplug the connector and jump the terminals in the connector. Start the car and if it starts, replace the Clutch Interlock switch. If there is no power there, then check the black/white wire at the ignition switch and starter relay for power. No power out of either one will indicate a bad component or a wiring problem between components.