Honda Civic Owner's Manual page 279

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If the Engine Won't Start
Nothing Happens or the Starter
Motor Operates Very Slowly
When you turn the ignition switch to
the START (III) position, you do not
hear the normal noise of the engine
trying to start. You may hear a
clicking sound, a series of clicks, or
nothing at all.
Check these things:
Check the transmission interlock.
If you have a manual transmission,
the clutch pedal must be pushed
all the way to the floor or the
starter will not operate. With an
automatic transmission, it must be
in Park or neutral.
Turn the ignition switch to the ON
(II) position. Turn on the
headlights, and check their
brightness. If the headlights are
very dim or do not come on at all,
the battery is discharged. See
Jump Starting on page
276
Table Of Contents
Turn the ignition switch to the
START (III) position. If the
headlights do not dim, check the
condition of the fuses. If the fuses
are OK, there is probably
something wrong with the
electrical circuit for the ignition
switch or starter motor. You will
need a qualified technician to
determine the problem. See
Emergency Towing
If the headlights dim noticeably or
go out when you try to start the
engine, either the battery is
discharged or the connections are
corroded. Check the condition of
the battery and terminal connec-
tions (see page
then try jump starting the vehicle
from a booster battery (see page
277 ).
The Starter Operates Normally
277 . In this case, the starter motor's
speed sounds normal, or even faster
2008 Civic Coupe
than normal, when you turn the
ignition switch to the START (III)
position, but the engine does not run.
on page 290 .
265 ). You can
If you find nothing wrong, you will
need a qualified technician to find
the problem. See
Towing
Are you using a properly coded
key? An improperly coded key will
cause the immobilizer system
indicator in the instrument panel
to blink rapidly (see page
Are you using the proper starting
procedure? Refer to
Starting the
Engine on page 204 .
Do you have fuel? Check the fuel
gauge; the low fuel indicator may
not be working.
There may be an electrical
problem, such as no power to the
fuel pump. Check all the fuses
(see page 284 ).
Emergency
on page 290 .
77 ).