KimAcuraTSX2013

Acura TSX ‘13, base. Last owner replaced one of the fog lights.

Very very difficult lately to get the car to start. No clicks when turning the key, instead it cranks, stutters, tries to start but doesn’t. After trying 5-8 times finally it does start. I try for 3-5 seconds each time and wait a little in between each try. Other than this the car runs perfectly. Can’t hear anything wrong with the engine.

Everything on the dash works. Headlights come on, with maybe a 1 second delay. Doors open.

Battery is fine, alternator is fine, starter is fine. Car is throwing no codes. Mechanic is stumped. He kept the car overnight to try to diagnose it in the morning (i told him cold starts are worse, if i get the car started then shut it off, it starts easier the second time). Mechanic claims car starts perfectly every time so i told him to leave it for 8+ hours before trying again.

Anyone has has any ideas? Thanks

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

air, fuel, spark.
it's not getting enough of one of these.

air - I would check for vacuum leaks, clogged valves, etc.
fuel - maybe injectors are fouled, maybe fuel pump is done, etc.
spark - check coilpacks and spark plugs

TexasHonda

Suggest listening for fuel pump to turn on when keyswitch is turned to On. It should turn on and run for 3 secs and go off. You may need someone to listen at the gas fill w/ gas cap removed to confirm presence or absence of pump action.

If pump sound is missing or intermittent, check the main fuel relays (2) for faults before condemning pump.

good luck

thoiboi

1. GEt a new mechanic.

2 How did you/he check those?

My guess is on battery or starter

KimAcuraTSX2013

Thank you. You were right. I don't know how he checked it originally but both mechanic and AutoZone said battery was fine. Now when he left the car overnight it wouldn't start in the morning, they had to jump it - now mechanic is saying it was in fact a weak battery - quote "I'm 100% positive". I'm in Dallas and it's been cold lately, not sure if that affects it. He's replacing for $130, 2,5 year warranty, labor included.

thoiboi

Temperature definitely affects batteries. If it was on the way out, the cold temps exacerbated the issues.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

if it was the OEM battery; you got a lot of life out of it!!
I'm In Houston and my batteries tend to only last 3-4 years.