I'm about to leave for a Disney Vacation, when I put my key in my ignition in my 96 Acura 2.5 TL and I can only get to one turn. Do I have to replace the starter or the whole iginition. I got off the phone with a locksmith and he's talking $400 plus to get this fixed. HELP a brother...........

 

call acura care 1-800-382-2238 x5
there were some gen1 cars that got extended coverage on ignition switch
they had a lot of 99s fail so maybe yours too
Its worth a free call to see!
You will need the cars VIN number

 

I am stuck with the same problem and the Acura Care number isn't answering until tomorrow.

 

If engine turns but very slowly, then problem is more likely battery or bad battery connection. If good connections, and slow turn-over, the starter could be bad, but less likely.

If absolutely nothing, no sound at all from starter, the keyswitch could be the problem. Check for power to the starter solenoid drive (usually small blk/yel wire).

If you get a loud click, and no starter turnover, the solenoid is defective and will require a new or rebuilt starter also.

good luck

 

Try starting it while connected to another car via jumper cables. Remember to turn the other car off first.

~Cheers~

 

The problem was that the key would not turn all the way in the ignition switch. Wiggling the steering wheel seemed to help and then a shot of WD40 in the ignition key hole did magic. The key now turns every time without problems. VROOOOOM.

 

Does that mean the solenoid isn't replaceable without replacing the starter?

I'm currently experiencing the loud click and no starter turnover on my '97 3.2 TL but it's not happening all the time. I just had the battery checked and was told it's Ok and have cleaned and tightened the connections.

It started a few months ago and i brought it into a dealer but they couldn't repeat the problem. It started fine up until last week when it started again doing the loud click and nothing.

Just tonight i tried starting it after it hadn't been started in a few days and nothing but the loud click. I probably tried a dozen times and nothing.

I then tried the WD40 magic trick as the key was turning kinda stiff. It seems a little better now that it's lubed and it actually turned over and started. I re-started it a dozen times over and over and it started every time.

I'm not too optimistic about that being the cure but will report back when i try it again. My next step would be to replace the solenoid.

 

Yes, if you get a loud click and nothing else, the solenoid is very likely the problem. It will get steadily worse and one day will not start the car.

I'm not familiar w/ solenoid on 3.2TL, however the 2.5TL solenoid is not repairable. You will have to remove the starter to replace the solenoid, and from postings this is difficult for 3.2TL. See Starter sticky post.

good luck

 

I tried this and bam, it worked. I will keep an eye on this but thanks much for the tip.

 

it's started everytime since I "W douched" it. I even had the courage to drive it to work today.

 

What is the WD40 magic trick?

 

You spray a little into the keyhole. Our keyswitches tend to dry out and I've gotten my key stuck in there before. Nothing some pliers and elbow grease couldn't take care of. I took the entire assembly out and re-keyed it adding silicone lube and it's working great now.

~Cheers~

 

If absolutely nothing, no sound at all from starter, the keyswitch could be the problem.

I just replaced ignition switch so hopefully that'll do the trick. Thanks Texas and go90go.

I lost my 10mm socket down by beneath the rad...maybe I'll find it in the spring when it's warmer. And I have three leftover screws but that can wait till a warmer day, too.

 

I just bought the car, had that issue, bought WD-40 today the key is out. So, yeah..WD-40 it.

 

i try this and it worked great. felted the difference of turn key

 

More bad internet 'advice'. Silicone lube; yes. WD40; no. Not on electrical items. WD-40 never dries so it sucks up every bit of dust there is. Makes quite an insulator. It may get the key out but it can/will cause other problems unless you follow it up immediately with compressed air or electrical contact cleaner. Don't just spary it in the swithch and leave it there.