I have a 1988 honda accord lx. put new battery in and the alternator seems fine, but the car wont start. Lights come on, but it seems the battery is slowly dying. Any suggestions? It sounds like it is trying to turn over, but does not, after several trys, It sounds like the battery is dying?

I would start with fuel filter.

Check the starter motor. Many times they go on there own with no sign, and having someone crank it while using something to tap it often helps it turn over.

COULD BE LOOSE ALTERNATOR BELT.TRY ADJUSTING ALTENATOR BELT SEE IF HELPS PROBLEM.IF ALTERNATOR NOT CHARGING BATTERY THE ECM CANT WORK NONE OF ENGINE CONTROL SYSTEMS.IF ALTERNATOR DRIVE BELT TENSION CORRECT REMOVE ALTERNATOR TAKE TO ANY AUTO PARTS STORES THEY WILL CHECK IT OUT SEE ITS WORKING OR YOU CAN TAKE DIGITAL OR ANALOG VOLT METER TO CHECK ALTERNATOR OUT PUT AT BATTERY WITH ENGINE RUNNING SHOULD HAVE 13.5 - 14.5 VOLTS IF ALTERNATOR IE CHARGING THE BATTERY.

Make sure that the Shifter is in neutral or park. If that doesn't help, check the fuse and relay indicated for you started in the fues panel.

have you checked fuses ? has it a immobilizer ? have you try jump starting it with another car with jump leads ?

replace main relay

did you check all the fuses and the main fuse under the bonnet try to give thr starter a few taps with hammer not hard if starts then it is brushes in starter ,does light come on on dash if you put key in on position

Hi
Try to jump start the car.
Put the jump leads on and leave it for 10 mins
that will charge the battery up
then try and start.
Also check the starter motor.

probably your charging system isnt charging the battery most likley you need a new alternator

i just had the same problem on my 88 honda accord lx had to replace ignition switch