Expert: Skip Bollinger - 9/28/2007

Question
On my 93 Honda Civic, I left the headlights on all day one day and drained the battery, I got a jump that day and it was all good. After that, it slowly started not wanting to start. One day it just quit starting, it would turn slower and slower until it stopped. At that point I started getting jumps and using a battery charger to crank it. Now, it doesn't matter if you sit there for an hour with jumper cables or the charger, it doesn't even turn over. So now I am at thepoint of pushing it and popping the clutch. I took it to the auto parts store and had them test the altenator, they said it was good and so was the battery. I went and bought a brand new battery and still, nothing. What else could it be, and what should I do??? Please help.

Answer
Crystal,
  Please look at my profile, I'm a Parts Professional, NOT a Tech but will offer these thoughts for you to ponder.
  Let's look at what you have done... You have had the alternator tested and replaced the battery and still nothing. When these parts store test components on the car, they test the system, NOT the individual components. The components MUST be removed from the system for a VALID TEST. I say this because there could be corrosion in the wiring or a burned wire or other problems.
  It seems as the charging system is working but the starter MAY be the problem. I'd get under the car with a good flashlight and look at the connection from the battery to see if you see any "green" corrosion. I'd also look at the bolts that attach the starter to the engine block to see if there is any excessive oil seepage from the rear main seal. Next:
  Take it to a place (parts store if they have a way to check starter AMPERAGE DRAW--- free) or a shop and they will probably charge you $25.00 to hook up the machine. Your starter should not draw any more than about 250 amps. IF it does, the starter is gone.
  I hope this isn't too confusing. I hope this helps. Thank you for your question and good luck...
Skip