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On my 1998 Honda Passport 4X4 3.2L V6 recently, I turn the key and all I hear is a “tick / click” sound. All dashboard lights work and while turning the key to start the lights do not dim. So I pulled out and charged up the battery for 24 hours and reinstalled it. Same situation occured, “tick/click” sound when I turn the key. Next I cleaned all battery terminals and connections, checked all fuses and relays and they were all fine. I had very recently changed the fuel filter but I doubt that was an issue because the truck ran for about two weeks afterwards. I removed and cleaned the battery cable that leads to the starter and applied dielectric grease to the solenoid connector. Finally I remember seeing a video on ETCG about tapping the starter several times and after doing that the truck started right up! It was all good until last night when we had temps off -6 degrees in NJ. So I first tried jump starting it and nada, then I tapped that starter again and started right up. I took it to Autozone to get my battery tested for voltage and load, also tested the alternator with ohmmeter and everything checked out perfect. At this point its logical to theorize the problem is the starter thats failing. Do you agree or did I miss something?
Can my starter be taken apart for cleaning and re-installed?
I suspect this no crank no start issue will happen again. I’d hate to beat that starter up like if it owes me money, lol. I appreciate any help and advise you can offer.Czr =)
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Starter is definitely the issue here. Hitting it will only get you by for so long. I would go ahead and replace it.
I believe that Passport uses a Denso starter. You can buy new contacts for the solenoid on that starter from Amazon, and then simply take the cover off the solenoid, put the new contacts in, and put it back together, and it should be good as new.
Definitely the starter, no question.
Many times when starters go, the electrical contacts (called brushes) go inside the starter. You can purchase these brushes separately and then just open the starter and replace them. You would probably need to get the brushes on the internet though.
In my experience, on the Nippon / Denso starters very rarely do the brushes wear out. Nearly 100% of the time with those starters, if you have a click, and no crank, it is the contacts in the solenoid assembly that have failed. Since you can usually manage to get the cover off the end of the solenoid without even removing the starter from the engine, that would definitely be the first place to look. Added bonus, when you get in there and see that those contacts are all worn down, it’ll cost you less than $20 for the new ones.
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