The car just wouldn't start (1997 Civic EX) so I went through the following troubleshooting steps?

When I turn the key to the start position:
1)there is a humming sound from the fuel pump
2)No clicking sound from starter

I have checked the following fuses visually and by contnuity tests by ohmmeter:
1)7.5A Starter Signal Fuse (under dash)
2)40A Ignition Fuse (under hood)
3)80A Battery Fuse (under hood)

I suspected the starter to the culprit, so I ran some tests:
1)Constant 12V reading from battery (negative) terminal to the Starter
2)With the smaller wire (starter switch) disconnected from starter, voltage reading is 0V , but the voltage reading goes to 8-9V when the key is in the start position. So, it seems that the starter has power and is getting a voltage signal from the ignition switch.

I brought the starter to Autozone, and had them bench test it for a second opinon on the starter. The starter was good according to their test procedure.

I then decided to jump 12V from the battery terminal to the starter solenoid switch. The car started.

So,the problem then is caused by the voltage difference. It takes a 12V source to the solenoid switch to engage the starter. However, when the key is in the Start position, the starter switch only gets 8-9V.

I was then curious as to what the voltage reading is at the solenoid switch when I remove the 7.5A fuse. So, I removed the fuse and then turned the key to the Start position. The voltage reading is 12V. What? How did that happen without the fuse?

With 12V going to the starter solenoid switch, the starter should now engage and start the car. And sure enough it did.

The car starts without the 7.5A fuse... And yes, I checked the fuse again, and it is good, and Yes, it is the correct fuse.

Yes, the car is working, but this is not normal. There may be some other electrical problems that I don't know of.



(Please note that I am unable to change the title of this message thread.. The current title was for the initial problem, but I am unable to change the title after finding out the actual problem)