After searching about 29 threads on starter and ignition problems I thought i would list my own problem and suggest making it a sticky!

My example:

I have a 97 3.2 tl with almost 200k it runs GREAT and i have kept up on most preventive mait.etc

About 2 months ago I pulled in to get gas and when I went to turn off the engine the car kept trying to turn over. I couldnt get it to turn off so i drove home and the problem went away.

I had it serviced at a honda dealership where they replaced my ecu valve etc and I also had the timing belt changed becuase of the millege.

Sense then the only problem I have had has seemed like a starter problem. Randomly the car will take about 3 tries to turn over the first two tries I will just here a clik and nothing happens, seems I have plenty of power in everything else lights, console etc.

Today I bought a new Battery to see if it would make a difrence and it still is doing the same, some days starts up right away others 3 tries.


It seems this is the typical situation for most which is why I think this would make a good sticky becuase for the later part of my experiance I would guess that it is defenetly the starter, or because of the gas station it could be the ignition, but I have also read the same situation for bad ignition swithces and Bad disturbutors. Is there anyone out there that has had enough experiance to give us noobs a easy way of finding out which problem it most likely is ?



Thanks for all the help

Trav

 

Ok, here's the deal: (we'll definitely sticky this again)

IF it clicks.. your starter is getting the power it needs...

So.. you need to replace the contacts in the starter.. the copper has worn off.

If there is no click, it is electrical (batteries or somewhere between the starter and battery)

 

BTW, we DO have a starter thread in "Problems and Fixes"

 

hehe just noticed you changed your avatar

 

I don't remember seeing that in the other thread but that seems like the best explination yet.

 

I asked the electrical shop where I got mine repaired all about it. For the 3.2 TL's at least, its a Nippon-Denso starter.. very reliable, the copper on the starter hammer simply wears off. Simple wear and tear. It just needs to be fixed and you're back to brand new. No need to replace the entire starter at all.

 

Thanks Ken I noticed it was sticky in the other forum after searching this one DOH.


so is the cost about the same to replace the whole starter as it is just to replace the copper heads ?


Thanks for all the help.

 

Its FAR FAR cheaper to remove (a little expensive, about 80 for labor) and get the contacts fixed (about 45 at an electrical shop)

 

For 3.2's, you have to take down the Driver's Axle to get to the Starter. In the Repair Manual, the whole suspension has to be taken out, including the exhaust.

Is this correct? has somebody done the 3.2?

 

not sure about the exhaust but the axle, yes. I had mine removed by a local garage because Acura didn't "Rebuild" their starters. Would have cost $600. for the starter alone, plus a good $250 for labor. Got mine "rebuilt" for $380.00 out the door. Started right up.

 

Just the driver's side axle. Even then, I've been told by a mechanic that it doesnt HAVE to be removed.

 

...Could be true, but you know mechanics...they'll squeeze every last cent they can out of you. What a relief to have my car start on the 1st turn of the key.

 

Had the starter replaced for a total of 530$ at a local honda dealership they wanted to charge me 700 but I fought the good fight and ended up getting lucky