My car wouldn't start today after it was parked at the park for an hour or so. From the first impression, it looks like my battery is causing the problem. I have had to jump start the car last week for leaving my dome lights on by accident. Today, nothing was left on. Here are the symptoms:

- Has power to the radio, dashboard, windows
- When switch key to the start position and holding it there, car attempts to start but the dashboard and everything begins to flash on and off very rapidly, i heard the engine trying to spin for a sec before it stops trying, but the dashboard still flashing in the same speed. It also made sounds that sounded like sparkling on every flash on the dash.
- car able to lock and unlock
- after a few tries, the BRAKES are locked (I can't step it down for more than an inch)
- Steering wheel is locked (It is not like a normal resistance when the car is stopped, it is like meant to be locked because there is metal contacts inside the turn of the steering wheel to make the wheels lock)

Any bright ideas??

My car is still at the park at the moment.

 

Sounds like your battery doesn't have enough juice to crank the motor. Do you still have the stock battery?

 

Yes. It's still the stock battery. 2006 TSX

 

How many miles?

 

Time for battery change. Did you buy or lease the TSX new? If so, since it is a 2006, did you first get it around october or november of 2005?

Battery is likely more than 3 years old. Time to get new one.

Also, where in the country do you live? I have heard that hot southern climates take a bigger toll on battery. (Although, most every part in country gets hot in summer and also i dont know why cold climates also dont take toll on battery.)

 

I bought the car new in March 2006 and I live in Toronto Canada. AFter waiting for half an hour or so, I managed to start the car again. But that start sounded like a hassel to the car as it cranked up slowly. The few starts after that hassel start were normal. I think it's time to change to battery anyway.

 

You're describing the exact symptoms when the car doesn't have enough power to start the engine. It's pretty scary seeing the dashboard flash and shake. I have a 6MT, so I just pushed my car and toe-started it.

You probably pressed the brakes too much and built up pressure.

The batteries of the TSX are notorious for being pieces of crap. I have a 06 tsx, and I'm still on the original battery only because I live in a place where it is always warm. If I were in a snowy state, my battery would probably be worse off.

 

I also own a 06 tsx with the original battery. I do alot of highway driving so my battery gets a excellent charge. (short distance driving with a/c, radio, lights, etc on shortens battery life)

 

I just took it in for Service B anyway today. They took a look and replaced the battery for me for free since it's under warranty. Damn! I just got another notorious battery.

But anyhow it was free so I ll wait another 3 years for this to happen again.

 

Original battery in my '05 running 2 amps (300 + 500W) in trunk. Still reading 'blue' in the indicator window. I did add a 0 gauge cable, neg(-) grounded, to the battery-to increase the return flow.
Part of what is suggested for the 'big three' upgrade/DIY. Maybe it has helped; dunno.