08/22/2026
1994 Accord, random no start.
Customer has been chasing a random no start.
Replaced his ECM, Fuel Pump, Main Relay, Spark plugs and wires, Ignition Switch, idle air control valve, new ignition cylinder, fuel injectors, Basically anything you can think of relating to starting and Fuel delivery.
I replaced the keys and took out the old tumblers and springs and replaced with new. (His other key was worn out severely)
The issue with his random no start wound up being a simple fix.
I disconnected the battery terminals and cut all the corrosion and rusted wires off, cleaned the terminals, and made sure everything was as clean and making good contact as possible.
Disconnected any ground I could find and cleaned and reconnected. Hooked everything back together and the vehicle hasn’t had an issue cranking since.
This particular customer was told by a mechanic shop that he had low compression on cylinder #3 and would require a new engine. He was quoted 1,800 for the engine and 1200 to put the engine in.
When i first started to diagnose his issue, i simply checked if the vehicle would start or attempt to start with starting fluid, It immediately fired right up. Absolutely nothing wrong with this engine.
Folks, dont always believe what you are told at a shop. His fix literally cost him the labor of cleaning battery terminals and checking for proper grounds.
This customer spent hundreds of dollars trying to “throw parts” at the issues. Its worth taking the time to properly diagnose the actual issue(s) verify what is working/not working properly to rule symptoms and causes out, successfully narrow down the exact issue(s).
You will save time, not look bad when you replace a part that doesn’t fix the customers problem, and gain experience knowing what to look for on the next job.
The best thing is, you save the customer money, give them peace of mind because their vehicle is back in service, plus you earn their trust and have a loyal customer forever.
Always communicate and update them during the process. Another job complete.
