Honda Civic Not Starting and No Clicking Noise [Troubleshooting the Issues]

Without a doubt, Honda Civics remains among the most trustworthy vehicles available. But the Honda Civic has several technical flaws, just like any other vehicle. So, why is the Honda Civic not starting, and no clicking noise?

This can be possible for various reasons. The most possible reasons are- 

• Faulty ignition switch
• Battery issues
• Engine problems.
• Starter motor issue
• Faulty clutch switch
• Malfunctioned ECU

That’s not the end. To identify the precise problem and go on with the necessary repairs, a proper diagnosis is necessary. We have discussed these problems with solutions in this article. Read on to learn more about the issues and their possible solutions.

6 Common Causes of Honda Civic Not Starting and No Clicking Noise

As we mentioned before, the followings are some probable causes of your Honda Civic’s inability to start and no clicking noise:

Cause 1: Failure of the ignition switch 

The starting motor receives its electrical signal from the ignition switch. If the ignition switch is broken, it cannot provide the required signal and cause the engine to not start at all.

Solution:

Examine the key and the ignition switch. When it comes to servicing the ignition system in your car, checking the ignition key is crucial for several reasons.

• Try flipping the ignition switch to the “ON” position by inserting the key into the ignition switch
• The ignition switch should be checked for any resistance or looseness
• While spinning, gently wiggle the key to check for a reaction
• It could be necessary to replace the ignition switch if it seems flimsy or unresponsive

For replacement, you have to follow this procedure:

• Find the ignition switch, which is usually on the steering wheel. Any electrical connectors connected to the switch must be disconnected. 
• Any mounting nuts or screws holding the ignition switch in place should be removed. 
• The old ignition switch should be carefully removed from its mounting position. Make sure the new ignition switch is properly positioned and lined up with the mounting holes before replacing the old one.

Cause 2: Drained Battery 

A battery that is dead frequently produces a clicking sound, although occasionally, it may not. You can have a silent non-start if the battery is entirely discharged or has a poor charge since it won’t supply enough power to activate the starting motor.

Solution:

Check Battery Voltage. Battery voltage is a reliable indicator of the battery’s general condition. You can tell if the battery has enough charge to start your car reliably by checking the voltage.

• The positive (red) and negative (black) probes of a multimeter should be connected to the positive and negative terminals of the battery, respectively. Then configure the multimeter to measure DC voltage.
• The multimeter’s voltage reading should be checked. 12.6 volts or the range should be around this reading on a fully charged batter. 
• It may be depleted or weak, necessitating a recharge or replacement, if the battery voltage is much below 12 volts

Cause 3: Corroded Battery Connections

The starter motor can’t receive energy if the battery terminals are loose or corroded, which makes it impossible to start the automobile. Even when the battery is working properly, bad connections might impede starting without making any clicking noises.

Solution:

Look into the battery since its wire is connected to the ignition switch. 

• Find the battery in your Honda Civic by opening the hood
• Check the battery connections for any indications of looseness, rust, or corrosion
• If there is corrosion, use a wire brush and battery terminal cleaner to clean the terminals
• Make sure the battery wires are firmly fastened

Cause 4: Problems with the Starter Motor 

Without making any clicking noises, a malfunctioning starter motor might prevent a Honda Civic from starting. It may be difficult for the starting motor to engage or start the engine if it is worn out, broken, or having electrical problems.

Solution:

It is an important part of the electric motor. Verify that the car’s battery is healthy and completely charged.

• The functioning of the starting motor might be impacted by the weak or low battery voltage. So check if the battery is healthy.
• Using a wrench or a mallet, lightly tap the starting motor. A simple tap on a trapped solenoid occasionally releases it.
• When tapping doesn’t work, while someone else tries to start the engine, test for voltage at the starting motor using a voltmeter.
• If there is electricity but the motor fails to start or produce any noise it needs to be  replaced.
• The wire harness and any mounting bolts should all be disconnected from the electrical connections that are connected to the motor. The old starting motor should be carefully removed from its mounting position.
• Place the replacement starting motor there, making sure it is firmly in place and lined up with the mounting holes. The electrical connections should be reattached and properly tightened.

Cause 5: Defective Clutch Switch

The clutch switch controls whether or not the engine may start once the clutch pedal has been fully depressed. Without making any clicking noises, the switch may malfunction and prevent the engine from starting.

Solution:

Examine the Clutch Switch. When diagnosing problems with the clutch system in a car with a manual gearbox, inspecting the clutch switch is a crucial step.

• While attempting to start a manual-transmission Honda Civic, be sure the clutch pedal is firmly depressed.
• As you press the clutch pedal, pay attention to any possible clicks or resistance.
• The clutch switch may be broken and requires testing or replacement if there is no click or if the lever on the clutch feels loose.
• In order to guarantee safety and avoid electrical shock when performing the replacement, start by unplugging the negative terminal of the car’s battery.
• If the switch is mounted with clips or bolts, remove them. From its mounting place, gently take out the old clutch switch.
• Placing the replacement clutch switch in the mounting location requires your hands. Affix it with the proper mounting bolts or clips, and make sure it is properly aligned. To the new clutch switch, reattach the electrical connectors.

Cause 6: Engine Control Unit Malfunction 

The engine start-up process is controlled by the ECU, which is the vehicle’s main computer. The starting process may be interfered with by an error or malfunction in the ECU, leading to a circumstance where the engine won’t start and makes no clicking noise.

Solution:

Examine Other Factors. It is a crucial stage in the diagnosis and troubleshooting of problems with the engine and different control systems of a vehicle.

• The problem can be caused by other variables, such as a malfunctioning motor immobilizer system or an engine control unit issue if the above measures fail to repair it. 
• The ECU could need to be replaced or reprogrammed depending on the diagnosis. Use specialist software to update the ECU’s firmware if reprogramming is necessary.
•  It is advised to seek expert assistance for any ECU-related concerns due to the intricacy and significance of the ECU. 

Cause 7: Defective alternator

Ineffective voltage regulators, failed diodes, worn-out bearings, and wiring problems are all potential causes of defective alternators in Honda Civics. Bearings can degrade over time, which can result in noise and vibration. Voltage regulators that aren’t working properly might cause the battery to be overcharged or undercharged. Electrical spikes or battery depletion can occur as a result of a failed diode. The movement of electricity might be hampered by loose connections, broken cables, or corrosion.

Solution:

In such circumstances, it may be necessary to replace the alternator or, if the component is repairable, the bearings.

• The malfunctioning voltage regulator can be replaced to enable appropriate charging.
• A defective diode must frequently be replaced, or the alternator must be replaced.
• Examine the wire connections in detail, then fix or replace any broken parts.
• Regularly check the belt’s quality and tension, and make any required adjustments or replacements.

Cause 8: Faulty Spark Plug

A damaged spark plug in a Honda Civic can lead to a number of problems, such as misfires, reduced engine performance, and inefficient fuel consumption. Wear, fouling, or an incorrect gap are common reasons why spark plugs fail. Engine misfires and incomplete combustion can be caused by worn or clogged spark plugs. A poor gap might cause a weak or nonexistent spark.

Solution:

• Start by looking for wear, fouling, or damage in the spark plugs.
•  It is advised to replace the spark plug with a new one if it is worn, fouled, or broken. Make sure the replacement spark plug adheres to the manufacturer’s recommendations for the engine model and year of your Honda Civic.
• Adjust the spark plug gap to the recommended value as per the owner’s handbook for the vehicle. If required, change the gap using a gap measuring tool. For the best operation of the spark plugs, proper spacing is essential.

Prevention and Maintenance of Honda Civics

Take into account the following maintenance and preventative suggestions to maintain the general health of your vehicle’s starting system:

• Maintaining Batteries Regularly: Keep the battery terminals corrosion-free and spotless. 
• Best Driving Practices: Avoid making too many quick excursions that prevent the battery from completely charging. 
• Key and Ignition Switch Maintenance: Use caution when handling the ignition key, and don’t use too much power when twisting it. 
• Continual Maintenance: Follow the Honda Civic’s suggested maintenance plan, which includes regular service and inspections by a licensed technician.
• System for immobilizing engines: By making sure you have the proper key or key fob with a code for your car, you may maintain your engine immobilizer system in excellent operating order.

If you’re experiencing issues with your Honda Civic not starting and no clicking noise, you may also be interested in our articles on VW Bluetooth not working and Honda Fit AC not working. The VW Bluetooth not working article provides troubleshooting tips for resolving Bluetooth connectivity issues in VW vehicles, while the Honda Fit AC not working article offers insights into common problems and potential solutions for a malfunctioning AC system in a Honda Fit.

FAQs

Here are some common questions asked by people about Honda Civic.

Conclusion

It might be irritating and confusing to have a Honda Civic that won’t start and has no clicking noise. It is preferable to seek the help of a competent technician who can correctly diagnose and fix the issue. Since sometimes these works can get complicated if you are not professional enough.

You may reduce the likelihood of your Honda Civic problems by adhering to the recommendations and practicing preventative maintenance we have discussed. Keep in mind that a reliable start comes from a well-maintained starting system, ensuring your Honda Civic is prepared to go whenever you need it.