How do you verify that known rat visitor chewed starter wires of Civic DX2000. Engine will not turn over. Other electrical OK?

Answer 1

Pop the hood and actually look at the starter. It is on the transmission side of your car. Mine is the passenger side sort of midline and low in the engine compartment. It has some lare wire connected to it and another one that is plugged in. They go into a loom (black plastic stuff that is taped up) then inspect each segment at a time looking for any readily visible sins of wear or chewing. Rats like to have physical contact with its surroundings. It is most likely under the dash. if this is the case. you will need a small mirror and some flashlights. You can get a small mirror for automotive use from a ladies makeup case or from the local auto parts place. Just follow the wires from the starter to where they go into the car and then find that point inside the car. When you are at the starter, check to see if the connections are tight and if not, tighten them up or push them back on. Then try to start it with the clutch pushed all the way in if 5 spped or with the car all the way in park if an automatic. There is a switch connected to the clutch that will not allow the starter to engage without it being pushed in. Just follow the cluthch pedal to where the switch is and trace that wire looking for damage. Pop the hood and actually look at the starter. It is on the transmission side of your car. Mine is the passenger side sort of midline and low in the engine compartment. It has some lare wire connected to it and another one that is plugged in. They go into a loom (black plastic stuff that is taped up) then inspect each segment at a time looking for any readily visible sins of wear or chewing. Rats like to have physical contact with its surroundings. It is most likely under the dash. if this is the case. you will need a small mirror and some flashlights. You can get a small mirror for automotive use from a ladies makeup case or from the local auto parts place. Just follow the wires from the starter to where they go into the car and then find that point inside the car. When you are at the starter, check to see if the connections are tight and if not, tighten them up or push them back on. Then try to start it with the clutch pushed all the way in if 5 spped or with the car all the way in park if an automatic. There is a switch connected to the clutch that will not allow the starter to engage without it being pushed in. Just follow the cluthch pedal to where the switch is and trace that wire looking for damage.