Hi Everyone. I am reaching out for some help on my 02 Accord with 135K miles. I just replaced the clutch master and slave cylinders and bled the line. I am not getting anymore air out of the line and the pedal feel is good.

What is happening is the car will not turn over. Pushing in the clutch and turning the key you can hear the starter turning, actually sounds like it is grinding, and will almost turn over but doesn't. The battery is less than 2 yrs old and before the clutch replacement there was nothing to indicate the starter was failing. Tranny is in neutral when I try starting.

Any ideas on what it could be?

 

Everyone uses different terminology when describing the starting system.

When you turn the key to start the car, the starter spins the engine. When the car fires up is when you release the key.

Is the starter spinning the engine at the normal rate. Or is the engine not firing up?

 

Good point. The noise is when you turn the key to the start position. The best way I can describe it is the sound is similar to when you turn the key to to the start position when the engine is already on. But the engine is not on. Does that make sense?

 

I would start off by disconnecting the battery. Then clean all ends of both battery cables. Use a wire brush or sand paper to clean any corrosion off of the eyelets and the bolts.

If you want to start your car, you can pop the clutch to get it started.

 

Wow, do I feel like an idiot. Thanks PA, you nailed it. I have never heard a battery issue cause that noise, but as soon as I cleaned the connections it started right up.

I am pleased the clutch is now working again. It is a bit mushy so I figure there must still be some air in the line. Will bleed again tomorrow to see if I can get it out.