I just recently bought a 91 Accord 5 spd DX for $400. The car was a steal with ice cold ac and clean interior, just needed a distributer. I replaced it and the car fired right up and has run like a scolded dog for about 300 miles or so now. Yesterday when i got to work, I went to crank it up and nothing. i can hear a relay under the dash when i turn the key so i thought the starter was bad and replaced it. Still get the same result. The battery is new, alternator and distributer are all new. With the key in the "on" position, I get power into the hot wire on the starter but i dont think the signal wire is getting a signal when i turn the key. The starter signal fuse is good. Any ideas?

 

The hot wire on the starter is a big fat direct cable. I think it's supposed to have power all the time. So is it the starter signal?

Even with a new starter, you can try the caveman test. Rap on the starter with a broom handle or something like that WHILE someone holds the key to start. If that makes the starter work, it's a bad starter.

Then how about the condition of the big fat cables from the battery to the starter? Corrosion where the cable-end is crimped onto the cable itself??

 

it doesnt even sound like the solenoid is kicking at all. That is why i am wondering if there is a starter relay somewhere that i need to check. I'll fool with it this weekend tho.

 

If no power at starter solenoid.ignit switch to start position,,,,,

first off,, chk fuse # 9 , 7.5 amps under dash fuse box,,,,,,,, if ok

there is a starter relay located under dash, left side,, it has 4 wires going to it. blk/white,, blk/red, blk/green and blk..
before you test the relay , test the clutch switch, there are 2 wires,, blue/red and blk/green ,, with ignit to start and clutch depressed you should have power on both wires, if no power on blk/green but power on blue/red you got a bad clutch switch,, replace it..........
if power on both wires clutch switch is ok...

if switch is ok.......at the starter relay , key to start position, you should have ground on black wire,, power on black/white and black/red..........
if power on black/white and no power on black/red relay is no good.. IF power at blk/red , could be bad wiring from relay to starter or bad starter

try this and let us know