I remember a thread a while back with somebody saying that the car would not start first time all the time. (ie sometimes he would have to try twice.)

I think I figured out why.

In reading the service manual, they talk about the immobilizer that uses the chip in the key.
When the key is inserted into the car, the car is imobilized for the first 2 seconds (while it checks everything out) and then if a correct key has been inserted, the car is allowed to start.

SO, if you put the key into the ignition and turn it in one swift movement, then you could crank the car while it's still immobilized, and it won't start, unless you hold the key turned for about 2s.

I tried this in my car a couple of times today, and it appears to be true.

The manual also states that a car with an immobilizer will be slower to start than a car without an immobilizer for this exact reason.

Just though I'd share this with anyone who cared.

-=Nick=-

 

you're supposed to wait for the fuel pump in the ON position regardless. also, while the engine cranks it sometimes maps out the emissions system and takes longer than usual

 

Absolutely right.

 

OMFG !!!!! Thanks a bunch man I was just about to take the car into the dealer and tell them sometime my ignition stutters. This all makes perfect sense. Thanks a whole bunch man. BIG PROPS TO YOU.

 

2nd gen TL owners have had problems with having too many keys/metal on their keychains, causing the immobilizer to not read the chip in the key.

 

Thanks, I have been using the TL key with the multifunction plastic acura fob ONLY, still does it, and I put the key in, then buckle my belt then start it, still does not catch on first try occasionally (1 out of 10 or so starts it fumbles and requires a second try).

 

When I brought my car in, this was one of the issues I reported. They checked the immobilizer circuit. Of course, everything checked OK.

 

(rant)
What it is.. is a piece of crap!

It is very embarrassing when you show someone your car and they go to start it. The person gets in, turns the key, doesn't let the start go that long, and the car doesn't start. They look at you.. you look at them and say .. uhh.. it's designed that way!?!?
It's total crap.

 

I posted that in a couple of threads. Thanks for the information. I didn't know this. It's still kind of goofy, if you ask me... and yes, a bit embarrassing.

 

You'll get used to this. Sometimes I have to crank for 2 seconds, but I'm used to it. My prior TL was much the same. Sometimes on the second start of the day, the car wouidn't start, but if I tried again, it did. Part of being a ULEV, suffer for a second for the environment!

 

Great Post for all of us to keep in mind!!

 

This issue has cropped up only twice since I bought the car Dec 13. All other times, it started normally. Both times it happened, the engine was Not cold (car was used in the last 2 -3 hours).

 

Not sure why it is that big of a deal...is it really that unusual that a car doesn't crank over the first time if you turn the key super fast....if that is embarassing to you, I think you need thicker skin

 

It's only happened once to me - thought it might be bad gas 'cause I went to Citgo...

I guess I normally do "something" after I put the key in which takes a second or two before I start it...

 

WTF DUDE!! we're all glad you like your ****ing car, but stop throwing in your ****ty .02 cents every time someone has a legitimate comment.

ANYWAY - the same thing has happened to me 2 or 3 x. this thread made me feel better.

 

My car only has a 100 miles and on 3 separate occassions it has not started on the 1st time. Today it took a 3rd try to get it started. Not real pleased with that, but I'm going to try just letting the fuel pump prime before I crank it. It's a hassle.

 

Its 3 seconds 5 at most!