Honda accord idle for 3 months would not start (auto, spark plugs, fuel)

[vvnreddy]

Hi All

I have 96 Honda accord that has been sitting in my garage for last three months, but would not start. I tried to jump start with the cables. No luck. Any idea what else can I do ? Would a new battery work ?

Thanks
vvnreddy

[caspian65]

Guessing you don't have a charger? If not, you can take the battery to a local auto parts store and have them test it.

[rational1]

It's possible that the battery is so drained that you can't raise the voltage enough to turn the starter. Particularly likely if it is winter where you are. This should be evident (stalling of the car used to jump, or some really impressive sparking and heating).

[ukrkoz]

reddy, what exactly are the symptoms? does it turn over? clicks only? catches but dies?

[ukrkoz]

clean battery cables and terminals. Good starting point.

[vvnreddy]

They key turns over and then I hear very slight muffling sound. I get all those better down, check engine lights on.

Planning to take the batter for charging tomorrow.

[DELL37]

Like others have said. Get the battery checked and replaced if necessary.

There really isn't a reason it shouldn't start after only 3 months unless the gas went bad. I've seen this happen a couple of times. Hopefully this isn't the case. What I would recommend you do is go over the entire car before driving it. Make sure the air in the tires is correct, all the fluids are full etc. Then take it out and drive it for a good length of time. At least an hour and try to avoid stop and go. One of the single worst things you can do to a car is let it sit for a long period of time without putting it away properly.

[n2da2nd]

While you're checking the battery, take a look at the spark plugs as well.

[ukrkoz]

muffling sound???? a mufling sound? what exactly is it? starter either turns, or it does not. If it does not, it makes clicking noise. if it does not make clicking noise, your battery is dead dead, or starter is dead dead, or main relay is dead dead. If you hear MUFFLED noise and it's coming from the rear, it's your fuel pump working.
Hondas had a lot of trouble with main relays.
Let me give you link to the Bible of all Honda problems:

Starting Problems

and this, of course:

[Archguy]

If you are getting the fast clicking sound from the starter, it normally indicates inadequate battery charge. When you jump the car with battery cables, particularly on a nearly depleted battery, it's important to have the 'donor' car running for several minutes while connected before attempting to start the 'recipient' car. I recommend a fast idle or above, say around 2000rpm. I keep the revs up on that car while cranking the dead one. Usually works, although sometimes it takes more than a couple minutes.