Chip's1999TL

I did a lot of running around on Monday, went to go to work on Tuesday, I turned the key and nothing! When I replaced the transmission a month ago the dealer told me that I needed to replace the battery. I thought that was the problem and I had it checked and it was bad and was replaced last night and still nothing.

All the lights come on and everything seem to be fine except it won't start! There is no clicking coming from the starter, but there is a click that's coming from where the fuse box is under the hood.

Is this a starter problem or do I need to change that fuse? Any help would be great, I just spent $4K on a transmission and other things!

juanclopez2786

iTrader: (3)

sounds like the starter is ur problem. just to be sure check for voltage at the starter signal wire while someone turns the ignition. what u hear by the fuse box is the starter relay clicking when u turn the iginition.

Chip's1999TL

Thanks for the response, I know with my Accord the starter would at lease click or make some noise and I could beat on it and it would turn over but this one is not doing anything at all.

Is there a DIY for changing or replacing the starter? I've looked and didn't see one.

juanclopez2786

iTrader: (3)

Make sure you have the anti-theft codes for the radio and the navigation system, then write down the frequencies for the radio's preset buttons.

Disconnect the battery negative cable, then disconnect the positive cable.

Remove the ATF cooler hose from the clamp on the starter motor ('99-01 models).

Disconnect the starter cable (A) from the B terminal on the solenoid, then disconnect the BLK/WHT wire (B) from the S terminal.

Remove the two bolts (C) holding the starter, then remove the starter.



Install in the reverse order of removal. Make sure the crimped side of the ring terminal is facing out.

Connect the battery positive cable and negative cable to the battery.

Start the engine to make sure the starter works properly.

Enter the anti-theft codes for the radio and the navigation system, then enter the customer's radio station presets.

Chip's1999TL

Thanks, that's a great diagram and easy to follow instructions. I'll do this when I get home. Should I take the starter to get checked?

But I did notice that the rubber on terminal B (solenoid terminal) looked a little worn. Is it possible for that wire to be the problem or to have a short in it? If so, is it difficult to replace?

juanclopez2786

iTrader: (3)

check that wire before you replace the starter. just make sure u have some1 with u to turn the ignition while u check that wire for voltage

Chip's1999TL

Will do, thanks again

01tl4tl

battery cables only last so many years, check those out
and if you were running with a weak battery,, the alternator may have taken a hit -
so its not charging the battery

You need to drive about an hour with a new battery to get it to full charge- repeated starts pull a lot of juice and no charging

Parts stores will test both those parts for free before selling you replacement

01tl4tl

Have you tried starting it in Nuetral? to see if the safety switch is operational

Chip's1999TL

What's that? No I haven't.

01tl4tl

there is a safety switch that prevents the car from starting in a moving gear
Sometimes it fails and if it only starts in Nuetral- thats the likely problem

Note: if the car refuses to come out of park anytime- remove that little cover next to shifter and push ignition key down inside it- that releases the safety switch and allows you to move into N then start in nuetral and drive to parts store

Just noticed you are a 99, thats got the bad ignition switch
It gets replaced once under `recall` then on your own the next 2-4 times after that during the life of the car,,used same crap switch as replacement!!

call acura if not sure its ever been done- 1-800-382-2238 x5 or go run the vin at dealer
If its already been done, buy a $50 switch at parts store and install- see DIY section for help

Often the warning sign for its death is- car stops running while driving- flashing of all dash lights- then resumes running

Try wiggling the key in the ignition
If you carry several keys on the ring thats hard on the switch too

Chip's1999TL

The car would go into neutral and no luck starting it. I did get the car started yesterday after I cleaned the battery terminals and all the other wires. I let run for a while, backed down the driveway a little and I turned it off and it wouldn't start again. I got the same thing, nothing.

The ignition switch was replaced in Feb. and just two keys on the key chain.

How hard would it be to replace that (wire B solenoid terminal) in the diagram? I saw a little box that the wire went into but I didn't open the box.

I'm at my whits end with this car after spending 4K for a new tranny and other things!

Is there anything else I can check? It seems like a wiring problem. I hear a click in the fuse box under the hood, is that normal? Could the ignition fuse be the problem?

01tl4tl

letting it idle wont recharge the battery-if thats low the car cant run
Take the battery to a parts store- they will charge it up and test it for free

Have to look at the basics before digging in~

a bad fuse and it wouldnt have started and run

Chip's1999TL

Ok thanks again, will take the battery in tomorrow.

totaledTL

juanclopez2786: You provide some great info, diagrams, etc. on here. Thanks to you for posts-