Hello all, recently I bought an 03 CL Type S, 6 Speed, with 173,000 miles. When I first bought the car, it started right up, though with a bit of hesitation. Seller told me it needed a new temperature sensor as it was displaying a check engine light, causing the temp gauge to behave erratically. Put coolant in the car, began driving it home. Got gas, started up. Pulled over later as I thought it was overheating, but no coolant leaks, engine pulls strong, no strange noises, runs well when on. Once home, car will not start at all, even with a brand new starter that I just put in, without being push started. But when it starts running, it runs fine, no lights dim, it doesn’t shut off, and air blows cold. When I push the clutch in and turn the key, I will just hear a single click from the starter. What can I do?

 

Plan ahead, the next time you get the car started, take it to one of your local 'auto parts' stores, that read diagnostic troubleshooting codes, for free. That will start you off as to what's stored in the car computer. When you get the codes, google them for possible explanations. In the mean time, go back over your starter replacement work and make sure all the electrical connections are tight and free of corrosion, including the battery.

 

Check your battery cables for corrosion. Possibly a bad battery.

 

Rule of thumb, if you are shopping for a car and it has any of the "trouble" lights lit; tell the seller to fix the car to your satisfaction before buying it. The only exception to this rule is if you are shopping for a car with a known bad engine and/or transmission; then again, the price for this type of vehicle should be pretty damned low.