As the title states, I turn the key, it clicks once and that's it. Stereo, lights etc all work. Tried jumping it to no avail. The battery is fairly new. I've had problems starting it in the past, but also ended up getting it going.

My research has led me to check the starter, relay and ground wires. I've read the starter is under the battery tray, relay under the steering wheel. Not sure about the ground wires?

Does this sound correct? Am I missing anything?

 

Very likely the starter or battery. Ground cables are the ones attached to the negative terminal. There should be one going from engine block to chassis as well.

 

Tap on the starter and try starting it. If it starts, then that is your problem. Just use a hammer or wrench or whatever. Doesn't even have to be that hard.

If it is the starter, I'd try removing it and taking it apart, cleaning and reinstalling. Many times starters are just dirty inside from what I've heard.


Usually one click--no start, is a starter. Many clicks, no start- battery.

 

Can you access the starter to tap it without removing the battery, tray, etc?

 

I'm pretty sure you can, it's right on top.

Also, check your ground cable from the battery to the trans. Sometimes they fray out.

 

You can use a jump starter cable as a temporary ground cable from battery to starter to try to rule out a bad ground cable.

 

starter is front near top of transmission, cannot miss it. play whack a starter with it and see if it starts. if so, replace it with OEM starter

 

Did you end up fixing it. Let us all know for future reference.

 

I have a 2011 Acura TSX. I believe I have a bad starter. If I do have a bad starter should I be able to tap on the starter and my car start? Will I be able to locate the starter and could anyone tell me about how much it will cost to replace the starter?