bad starter?
 

I have a 96 accord that will not start. I've checked from ignition, fuses, safety switch above the clutch peddle and even the starter relay seems to be working ok. It appears that ground is no reaching the starter motor. Any ideas on where to look next?

Hey man,

Have you tried replacing the starter solenoid? Sometimes this part of the starter goes out and some people will erroneously replace the entire starter assembly instead of simply replacing the solenoid. Here's the procedure for replacing said solenoid:

1. Remove the starter from the vehicle.

2. Remove the screws securing the solenoid to the starter housing.

3. Pull out the solenoid. On the Nippodenso type (see this 1995 Accord starter diagram for further clarification on which starter you have), there is a spring on the shaft and a steel ball at the end of the shaft, be sure not to lose them. On the Mitsuba type, move the solenoid away from the plane of the armature to disengage it from the solenoid lever.

To install:

3. Install the solenoid with a new gasket (if equipped). On the Mitsuba type, make certain the lever is correctly installed to, and engaged with, the lever. On the Nippodenso unit, make certain the steel ball and spring are correctly placed. All the sliding surfaces of the solenoid should be lightly greased before installation.

4. Tighten the retaining screws until snug.

5. Install the starter.

I think that it's worth a shot :)

If you can reach the starter easily with the car in park and brake on take a screw driver and connect it across the two terminals and see if it spins if so the switch maybe bad if not like you said either power or ground is bad.

Check to see if voltage is getting to the starter solenoid when you try to start the car. If there is electricity, then the problem is either with the solenoid or the starter itself. If there is a clicking sound when you try to start the engine, it is probable that it is the starter itself rather than the solenoid. You can pull the starter out and take it to a shop in town that rebuilds starters and have them bench test it and rebuild it as necessary.