I have a 2002 TL Type S with about 800 miles on it. Every time when I start the car, it doesn't start as smoothly as I thought it would be since it is a new car. I was wondering if anyone else encountered this problem with their car. Do you think my spark plugs are bad or defective?

 

It would be worth having checked out, I have experienced the idle going crazy for a 10+ seconds on several occasions, once it even stalled??? But I haven't had any problems starting it.

 

I noticed the same thing when I first got my TL-S. It is alot more difficult to start than my Accord was. Mine usually takes about 2-3 turns before it fires up. I think this is pretty normal. My Accord always fired up on first crank.

 

Mine starts very fast, every time, the first time. Might get it checked out - could be a half-dead crankshaft position sensor.

 

My new 2002 TLs is doing the same thing actually. It sometimes takes 4 or 5 turnovers to get her started. I thought it was normal...

 

I definately should bring it in for a service. The fact that it is acting like this is concerning. I mean, since this is a new car, it should start without hesitation.

I also experience a humming/vibration sound when I first accelerate the car. Afterwards, the sound is gone. Is it suppose to sound like this or does it need to "warm up" first??

 

My car usually turns over on the 2nd or 3rd crank....

That vibration your feeling is the ABS self test. That's normal. It should only happen right when you start the car (usually right as you start moving the first time).......

 

I think we need to make sure everyone is talking about the same thing. There's (1) the motor cranking over when you hold the key in the #3 position and (2) physically moving the key to the #3 position. If you turn your key to the start (#3) position and hold it for 3-6 cranks of the motor before it catches, that is considered normal. Especially for a high(er) compression engine like the TL-S has. I've noticed this car definitely cranks longer before catching than my last two Japanese cars. Now if you have to physically try and start the car 3-4 times (as in, you release the key and it doesn't catch so you have to do it again) then that could indicate a problem and a visit to the dealer is probably in order.

 

Mine did that too, up until 2k miles...now it's fine...I think it had to do with a break-in period or the break-in first oil change or something. Either way get it checked out with the dealer just in case...

 

Pianoman, you are correct, we should be more specific...

When I say it takes 2-4 cranks to start, I mean when I put it to position #3 and hold it, it starts within 2-4 cranks. I also think this is normal... I have never had to try to start it (turn the key to pos. #3) more then once......

 

My TL was very fast at first then a little later on it took an extra 2 turns or so to get started.....but I don't have that happening anymore. It usually took a bit longer during colder weather....so I'm gonna have to wait and see.

 

Mine usually cranks up after 2 cranks... HOWEVER, sometimes, it "hesitates" for couple sec with Oil Warning Light flash once or twice... then "gradually" goes up to normal idle.... it feels as if either the fuel pump is not pumping out enough gas to engine.....

It only happens once in a while though...

Andy Kuo

 

mine starts beautifully!

 

My TL-S starts between 1 and 3 cranks. Definitely not as smooth as my old 97 Accord V6, which consistently starts on the first crank.