My 2004 TSX has developed an odd starting problem. It's often been slow to start, and cranks somewhat hard, but I figured that was just the weak OEM battery and the high compression engine. In the past couple of months, something new has developed. Whenever the car sits overnight, it's pretty tough to start. The engine cranks, but it feels like the battery can't supply enough power to the engine to start it. In fact, if I can't get it to start on the first or second try, I'll have to wait a while to allow the batter to "rest" -- i.e., get enough power to try again. I'm wondering if it's time for new plugs, plug wires, ignition coil, etc. The battery is new, so that should be fine. Could it be the starter itself? Suggestions on how to tackle this problem would be appreciated.

 

Anyone know what a new starter usually costs?

 

You say the battery is new, but the problems you're having exhibit the exact same systems my neighbor's pick up had (turned over OK at first, slowed down if it didn't start right away, had to wait a little while for the battery to come back). A new battery cured it. I'd suggest the first thing you do is to have the battery tested (and be sure they do it right)(a load test). I really doubt it's any of the other stuff you mention.

 

Had to tow my 04 tsx auto home because it wouldn't start. I had all the same issues with it not starting in the morning and randomly not starting after driving all day, and having to wait 10 mins to try to start it again.
My father and I replaced the starter a few days ago and it starts first time, every time, even in the morning with no trouble at all.(Even sounds like a new car now) We took the old one back and they tested it and said it was completely shot.
My suggestions is change your starter so you don't get stuck anywhere! Just a heads up if you do it yourself, you have to take the intake manifold off in order to get to the starter. And also, if you buy an after market starter, it isn't the same tecnology as the old one, so it may look a little different, but still works as good. If you buy it from Acura it cost over $400, I paid $150 from O'Reilly. Good luck to you all!

 

Starter from Acura cost over $400, from an auto shop like O'Reilly cost $150! It's older technology, but still works fine, and is lifetime guarantee!

 

Interesting. We haven't had many failed starters here (yet), even from the various trouble plagued 04's that often have tales of woe to share. But.... I guess these cars are getting old enough now that it shouldn't come as too much of a surprise the it's time for electrical components to start to fail.

 

if your starting in very cold weather check how many cold crank amps you battery has. mine in my 05 tsx has an acura battery wityh 550 and in the cold its a little rough to start so im sure more cca will do the job. id check that

 

I also had this problem. All of a sudden my car won't start. Its very similar to when your battery is dead except after you let go of the ignition you get the lights in dash and stereo back. It won't start if you keep trying. If you stop and wait a few minutes it will turn back on. I had corrosion on my battery ground and I cleaned it up. Still had the problem. Battery was tested and it was fine. Alternator was showing the correct voltage when car is off and on. I replaced the alternator and it is running fine so far . $130 rebuilt from oreilly.

 

By the way my TSX was 159,000 mi. at the odometer when this started happening. It is now 160,000 miles. I've seen a couple of other posts somewhere where the started went bad around the same mileage.