Hello everyone. I have been having problems with my TL for a couple of months. It will randomly not start and I can hear what sounds like an electrical "arc" sound/buzzing coming from the steering column area but no crank. After trying a few minutes it eventually starts. It did that maybe once or twice a month. Now it will not crank at all, and the "buzz" is gone, but I can hear clicks coming from the relay under the dash and under the hood. I replaced the ignition switch just now but no change. I was going to just buy a new starter but wanted some info from experienced people first. Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated as I can not take my car to a shop. Thanks in advance for any help!!!!!!!

 

Not exactly the issue I had, but you should certainly check power to the starter before replacing it. I ran a new power cable to the starter and everything worked fine. Eventually ended up replacing the starter due to a stripped lug, which I felt would eventually cause a problem with my new power cable.

 

If no work has been done to the car recently, I would suggest to check the battery terminals for corrosion, this is something that creeps up very slowly (intermittent difficulty starting) and then reaches a tipping point (no starting).

If that looks good, the next items of business would be to check the condition of the battery (other parts of the car that activate when you turn the key to start require less amperage than the starter) which can be done at any auto parts store, and the starter; although the starter will most likely just completely die.

Does the car start if you get a jump?

 

Thanks for the replies! I checked battery cables and battery first (my go to troubleshoot for almost anything) But maybe a short somewhere so I'll try jumping it. Havent checked power to starter although I do believe I hear a very faint noise from it when trying to start. I tried banging on it but it may still be stuck

 

in that case, I would refer to the starter circuit troubleshooting in the service manual. page 4-5.

 

The starter was fried, but I installed a new starter but still no crank. I am going to test all of the relays tonight. I got a printout from my local Acura dealer so I think I know where the relay is, it's just a pain getting it out as it's held in place in a little hardshell with almost no space to grab. I'll update again