Yesterday, it was hot here (about 90) and I drove my '01 CL about 10 minutes, shut it off for 2 hours and then when I went to start it, it just turned over repeatedly with no sound of actually starting. Battery and starter turning over strong, no gas smell. I tried at least 10 times and had pulled out my AAA card and was about to call when I decided 1 more try. It started immediately just like it always has for 9 years and has been starting fine since. It remined me of my older cars years ago that was subject to vapor lock. Maybe it did not recognize my key (would it still turn over if that was the case?) I was using the original key. Any ideas? I hate to take it in and have a repair shop rip me off.

 

load test the battery and they alternator. sounds like a failing battery.

 

OP said turning over but he meant engine was cranking. Turning over=engine starting. Sounds strange but i wouldn't really worry about it unless it happens again.

 

doenst hurt to get a free battery test.

 

if it wouldnt recognize the key, then the green key symbol would flash when you try to start the car. but yes it would still turn over since the immobilizer only retards the fuel.

 

Could be any number of things. It's cranking, so battery is probably fine. You can test load your alternator by disconnecting the battery while it's running. If it dies - your charging system needs to be checked out - if it doesn't, I'd be more suspicious of a fuel related issue.

How long since you did spark plugs?

 

Thanks for all of your input- car is still starting immediately as it always has. Battery was tested at last oil change- I had asked my mechanic to just check the water in it and he tested it anyway. Spark plugs are original- should I be changing them now?- only have 69K. I was thinking it could be fuel or spark related since it was cranking strong with not a hint of turning over in 10+ attempts and then just started right up. Weird.

 

Its the main relay.... 20 dollar DIY if you resolder the connections.... 60 to 70 bucks of you buy a new one at honda/acura... did mine last year and havent had a problem since... its from the "dry" solder points in the relay... you can actually see the bad ones if you really look... I just resoldered all of them to be sure.... its 104 here and mine is still starting fine... hollat at scottman... he just had the same problem too... now he's all good!

Later, Rick/ Sith

 

It will happen all summer off and on... trust me....

 

Relay would certainly be another culprit. These were notorious for corroding away on the EF and EG civics and DC integras. Probably score one at the junkyard for next to nothing - but never know what you're getting either.

 

Who me?

OP, everything you need to know is in this thread...just bumped it

https://acurazine.com/forums/2g-cl-problems-fixes-70/car-wont-f-%40king-start-daily-driver-488087/

 

Thanks All for the input. I live close to SF Bay so it is rarely very hot here and the car is garaged at night and at work during the day. Perhaps I'll park it in the sun outside my house next hot sunny day so I won't get stranded if it acts up.

 

LOL... See, I just mentioned you and you appear!