At 112,500kms (70,000 mi) the starter must have hit a dead spot in my garage and wouldn't turn over the engine. On attempting to start, you hear the fuel pump whirl, a few other relays click on and then when you hit the "Start", you hear a simple CLICK. No lights dim, no other noise, just a big click. First, we thought it could be the battery, so after an unsuccessful boost and purchasing a new Interstate Battery (btw, they make a great 500cca battery to replace the 410cca Panasonic OEM battery for only $73CDN!) we determined it must be the starter, for what else could it be?!

We had to tow it out of the garage and around the ice & snow until we could find some exposed pavement to jump it. We finally got it going, towed it to the Acura dealership and await our fate. Here in Edmonton, they are charging a $60 Estimate Fee to determine if it is the starter or if it could be something electrical? What is this all about? This is on TOP of the estimated $500 to replace the starter. So before we went to the dealership, I thought I'd call around to five other shops (Honda, Mom & Pop Shops, Canadian Tire, Part Source, etc) and they ALL said their supplier did not have the starter for this type of engine and that they would have to order it directly from West Side Acura! So I wait, hoping it is the starter... yet when I shut off the engine at the dealership, I thought for kicks, I'd tried to start it--sure enough, it turned over no problem--twice! So what's your take? Think it's the starter for sure? ...and anyone else heard of this $60 Estimate Fee?

 

Depending upon how cold it was, the solenoid could have gotten moisture in it and didn't allow the starter to work. So when you push started it, the engine bay warmed up the solenoid and dried it. I think you wasted your time even getting it checked. A hair dryer would've solved it IMHO.

 

NO WAY! I forgot to mention that I washed & detailed the engine the DAY before yesterday! :-P Oye, okay, let me call Acura and tell them to wait for a hair dryer! Thanks bro!!!

 

On almost every car I have owned I have experienced this problem in winter-time, especially a day after a carwash. I didn't always have to push-start the car. Most of the time, a simple movement of the car(push it forward, backward, down, kick the tires) solved the issue.

Sometimes I had to tap the starter with a hammer or a wrench(but that is a different issue).

It's very rare for a starter to suddenly die(especially in a Honda). Usually the signs of failure become apparent months before the big day.

Tell Acura to shove their diagnostic-fee up their ass.

 

HA!! I just called them and told them to hold everything, I'm going down there and pick it up before they bill $560 for something I didn't need. ...but while I've got some shop time set aside for it, would it be advisable to replacing the Solenoid at least? ...to prevent anything like this from happening again?

 

I agree. I think that is anyway.

 

Nope. It is an integral part of the starter. Just having run it dried it out. Just avoid direct spraying it before a cold night. Besides, its just a bunch of magnets anyway... with some major power that goes through it. You're fine now.

 

Don't forget to check for loose connections (battery, cable to block, cable to starter. etc). Lights don't dim when cranking means the starter is not even drawing power.

 

Perfect, thanks for all the input guys. Where do I send my cheque to? ;-) This car has been well designed and built from my point of view, I want the best for it to ensure the reliability & longevity that Honda/Acura is known for.

 

Donate it to the kids next time we hold a toy drive at Christmas time.

 

Sweet! Will do, we picked up the car from the dealership! All is well! It starts fine now, just needed time to dry out... thanks guys. You guys are awesome.

 

I think there is a relay where if the magnets don't engage the starter to the flywheel, it doesn't turn over.