I get my emission test done. It's really loud in the testing center b\c of exhaust fans running and other cars being tested on the treadmill. I get in my car and see that a\c and radio is off so I am thinking the engine must be off. I turn the key to start the car and I hear some noise from starter. dang...the engine is on. The noise is not loud..it doesn't sound like the grinding sound from old days. it's a loud ticking sound. I thought I heard from someone that Acura are set so the starter does not fully engage if the engine is on..preventing damage to starter. is this true ? can someone confirm this ?

 

If you just cranked it for like half a second before you realized it was on then no damage done. It happens to people all the time.

 

I did that once before. 4 years on, my car is still fine. Don't worry.

 

I'm guilty as well. Damn TSX engine is too quiet sometimes.

 

Seriously, our engine is deceivingly quiet when you're inside...

 

You've got to be really stupid about it to damage the starter or the gears. The way the starter works, if the engine is turning faster than the starter, it forces the starter gear to disengage.