Some minor starter problems in older cars -- Hondas included -- can be fixed by physically tapping on the component in question. A stuck starter can often be jarred into working condition with a gentle hammer tap. In order to do this, of course, you've got to locate the starter. Fortunately, the starter is not difficult to find. The 1997 Honda Accord was available with a choice of 2.2-liter four-cylinder or 2.7-liter V-6 engines; the procedure for finding the starter is the same for all Accords, regardless of the engine installed.
Locate and identify the positive battery cable under the vehicle's hood. The positive cable is marked with red plastic, or a "+" symbol at the battery terminal.
Follow the positive battery cable through the engine compartment, paying close attention as it joins the wiring harness.
Note that the positive battery cable terminates at the starter motor (the starter), which is attached to the lower part of the engine block, close to the transmission.
