My RDX is new, 154 miles, and starts every time. However, it does seem to have to crank a bit to get her going. Is this typical with this car or should I have the dealer look at it? It has been cold here, 10-15F, but if in a warm garage, it takes a few turns before it fires up. In the cold it is even worse.

 

That definitely does not sound right. I would have it looked at. Hopefully they can replicate the problem. In the warm my car has no problem at all starting. In the cold it's not perfect but it starts the first time about 80% of the time, if not then no problem on 2nd try. Maybe the battery is not 100%.

 

I think it's typical but ask the dealer anyway if you're unsure. I traded a CRV for the RDX and they start totally differently. Took a while to get used to the RDX slower cranking but it has always started first time, every time.

 

Chipt911 I have to respectively disagree. If I bought a new car and it started the way greg808 says I'd be pissed. I have no problems with my RDX starting unless it's 0 degrees and then yes I'll have to turn the key a 2nd time. No way would I let that go without going back to the dealer to check on it.

 

Ours takes longer as well, I noticed that you have to keep the key turned a second or so longer than when I start my Nissan. I noticed it before your post, I'd say it's normal!!

 

I guess I have to clarify what I meant by a few turns. I have only had to turn the key a 2nd time once or twice, but I think that is because I thought it would start like my last car. It just seems to have to turn the engine over awhile before it starts. I will mention it to the dealer when I go there next. It might just start very differently from my previous car like was suggested.

 

I know exactly what you are talking about, Let us know what they say.

 

Mine was the same way when it was new. It didn't start like my Honda did so it took a little getting used to. I've never had a problem with starting it though so it may be just the way it is.

 

its normal, double check the water level of your battery, topping it up helped me, after 36k km's on the car now don't notice the laggy start up. Guess it needs to "BREAK IN".

 

I was at the dealer today and had them check the battery, alternator, and charging system. All were OK. I think I have gotten use to the way it starts and maybe that is all it was. Just have to hold the key turned a bit longer that use to in the old car.

 

I had the same problem with the factory battery. The Dealer said the exact thing they told you. I bought a better battery and the problem was solved.

 

I find it hard to believe it is the battery. My RDX was bought new this past summer, has very low miles, and cranks over just fine (strong battery) but hesitates or fails to start on the first try. Seems to be worst in cold weather. It really is getting to me. I almost cringe now thinking, will it start or will I look like an ass! It always starts on the second try but is embarrassing. My woman friend riding with me the other day was like, this is a new car right? How come it won’t start on the first try? GOOD QUESTION!!!!!

Granted, it seems to be minimal, like maybe 1 out of 10 starts but it is annoying!

 

A friend of mine owns a battery shop. He looked at the battery and said it was a cheap battery and a little small for the vehicle. Acura puts a cheap battery in the vehicle to keep cost down. It doesnt matter to me if you believe it or not.

 

This is true. I had a battery guy tell me the same thing with my Nissan. It's a cost saving measure.

 

I have the exact same problem. I have a 2009 RDX Tech with about 1500 K's on it now - and it's definitely a slow-starter. Coming from a Nissan Altima Coupe which, I swear, started before you even THOUGH about starting it.

I think it's a trait of Honda engines. I had a 4 cyl. Accord Coupe a few years ago which sounded the same way when it started. Slow to crank, had to hold the key for several seconds (almost like the battery was dying).

My RDX starts most often on the first try, but every once in a while it takes a good 8 to 10 second crank to get it to start. My car is parked in a heated parking garage at work all day and that's usually when I have problems starting it. Yesterday it took two tries at 5 to 8 seconds to get it started. This morning, in -25 degree weather (Celsius), started no problem. It's very flukey. I have had it to the dealer for a whole bunch of diagnostics and they can find nothing wrong with it.

It's frustrating and a tad embarassing with passengers, but I guess it's a trait of the engine.

Can compression, turbo or other components on the engine have anything to do with it?

 

I've kinda learned to deal with this annoying trait by keeping the key in a solid start crank mode UNTIL I feel the engine has started! before I think I would let off just a fraction too soon and stall or no start. Annoying but at least it's starting now (most of the time). I may look into that stronger battery. What is recommended??? Thanks!

 

The battery is quite shitty.....I have an Interstate battery in my other car and it starts the same (quite easily and yes its a Honda) in -30 degree weather and +30 degree weather

I may change the battery in the RDX next winter if it gets worse.

 

Glad it's not only mine, I had to over crank my remote car starter a bit, Just to make sure it starts. When I reduce the crank time on my remote starter, It doesn't start sometimes!!

 

I've noticed the same thing, though interestingly it seemed to turn over slowly a bit more frequently when it was new versus now (now 13 months old and 13,000 miles). Back when I first purchased it, about 3 or 4 of 10 starts, it would require about 4-5 seconds of "cranking" before it would turn over, and about 1 of 10 times, would hesitate or fail, causing me to repeat the process. Then as the car "aged," the startups were quicker and less prone to hesitate. I obviously have tried to turn off all accessories (seat heaters, blue tooth, stereo, etc) so that when I start it up, I can minimize the drain on the system.

I'll have the dealer look at it at the next maintenance, however I'm sure they'll find nothing wrong.

Glad to know that everyone's having the same problem. It's never not started, but I agree that it's a bit irritating. I find that the sound and startup quality of this car is completely different from any other Honda I've had (it doesn't have that characteristic Honda "sound" if you know what I mean).

Overall I still love this car and it does everything else as advertised without fail!

 

The "ke ke ke grmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm" lol. I agree the startup is quite sluggish but meh it starts up.

 

Ah yes, I do miss the Honda startup sound...

 

My RDX failed to start on the first try today while going out to lunch from work. Embarrassing as my co-workers could hear it not start!!! I let it crank a solid 5+ seconds which seems like an eternity! I then removed the key, paused maybe 15 seconds, put key back in and cranked again and it started. This is gonna' give me an ulcer! I will mention it to the dealer when I bring it in in the near future for an oil change. Of course, they will log my concern but will probably say "its normal". I LOVE my RDX except for this really annoying trait.

 

I had same problem before.
I change my battery to red top Optima Battery.
is start much faster now.

 

Ditto! It is annoying. I don't think putting in a better battery would have broken the bank for Acura engineers.

Oh well.