My 1996 TL has had this problem since I got it in 1997....When I turn the key to start the car, the engine turns but does not start. If I then let off the key and hit it again, it starts beautifully every time. The acura service folks told me, "That's just the way the 5 cylinder engines are." I have a hard time buying into that line of logic.
Is there any ancecdotal info out there that will give me some insight into how I might go about resolving this problem. I love this little car and it has been solid from day one. The starter issue just happens to drive me nuts!

 

Sounds like the starter is doing its job so it may be the fuel or spark

If you turn the key on and wait does the fuel system prime?
If so, try letting it prime before hitting the key.

 

I have a 96 TL 2.5 and mine is doing some of the same things. I have to sometimes put my car in Neutral and start it. I had the ignition switch replaced about a year ago. I have 220,000 on the car. So I won't complain.

 

I had this problem on my 96 Acura tl 3.2 with 255xxx. Thought it was my fuel pump but end up being my Main Relay that controls the fuel pump and i think the ECU.

It's a $70 part, but cost me $320 cause I thought it was the fuel pump.

Here some info hope this helps

http://techauto.awardspace.com/acurarelay.html

 

how did you find out that the relay was bad? It look seems to be a difficult diagnostic. Did a shop help you figure that out?

 

If you'll notice when no-start occurs, if key is in ON position are the Alt & Check Engine lights On? If a blank panel, the keyswitch may be opening and disabling power to the ignition, disabling starting. Easy fix to replace keyswitch contacts. I've done this on my 2.5TL.

If Alt & CEL come on OK, the Main Fuel Relay is likely. Diagnosis should be to turn keyswitch to On, and listen for two soft clicks from under the dash and 2-secs of fuel pump running before cutting off. If only silence, you have a faulty main fuel relay, or less likely a faulty fuel pump. W/ a bad fuel pump you should still hear the two soft clicks of Main Fuel Relay from under the LH side of the dash.

good luck

 

My Mechanic told me it was a bad relay. It's not that hard to diagnose if you know where to start. I didn't that's where i messed up. I told my mechanic it was the fuel pump, so that's what he preceeded to fix and yes the shop help me

$148-labor
$100- tow
$72 - parts

 

TexasHonda, how do you replace the contacts? Do you just use same procedure to R/R the ignition assembly to get at it? Is there a part number for the contacts?

 

You replace the keyswitch assy which contains new switch contacts. Remove steering column cover, remove bolts (security bolts w/ punch) retaining ignition switch, and replace switch.

good luck