Honda Civic Doesn't Want to Start

[HondaVA]

OK, I've got a 96 Honda Civic that runs pretty good despite its age and advanced mileage. However, this morning I came out and the thing didn't want to start. Thinking I'd accidentally left the lights on I hooked up the jumper cables and the thing started right away.

After a 50-mile drive to work I figured the battery would be recharged, so I turned off the car and then tried to turn it back on -- but nothing! The lights, radio, et al seem to work. I haven't tried to jump it again (will do that when it is time to go home).

Any thoughts on what the problem might be before I start writing checks to the repair shop? Any ideas are welcome.

[floored4door]

The battery might be dead. Not taking charge or your alternator has had it. You can go to checker or vato zone to have the charging system checked.

Also if it is manual you can push start it if you don't feel like jumping it.

[HondaVA]

Thanks for the ideas -- the battery "seems" to be charged. If it were an alternator problem, wouldn't it just die on me at stop lights, etc? I recall having that happen when I had an alternator go on a Toyota Tercel many years ago.

Unfortunately, it is an automatic, so pushing isn't an option.

[Tyler]

No if the alt was bad it would not just die.

[STIBungy]

Are the lights pretty dim? The battery could be too weak for the starter but have enough voltage to power the lights still.

[95GSRB18C]

most likely the battery. if not, the only other option is the alternator.

[HondaPower]

vato zone is the best,