pubs76

First of, let me thank to all that read this post and have any good suggestion.

I have a 04’ Acura TL, with just under 55,000 miles on it. And so far it only failed me once before this time. It was the battery and Acura replaced it under warranty. There were some normal little things that were fixed by Acura, and I’m very pleased with work.

Well, this time it’s out of the warranty, expired August 08’ and passed 50k miles. I drive it every day with multiple start/stops and never any hick ups. However, last night, after my last appointment of the day, I got to my car and it would not start. All the light, locks, windows, trunk, heaters…. all works fine. I thought it might be a battery and tried to boost is, but it not help. It is like if I was trying to start with gear still in Drive.
I checked all the fuses and all seem fine, tried second key with same result.

Has anyone had this problem before or could you suggest simple test?

Yes, I’m going to take it to mechanic and test it out, just budget is very tight right now and if there is a simple solution, I want to try it…

Thank you very much, for any help.

playa4real

iTrader: (3)

does the engine turn over when you turn the key?

starter or alternator most likely.

TeknoKing

Welcome to AZ... and hopefully your problem will disappear from the help of Azine...

Let's check the basic first....
Do you hear a clicking when you turn the key to ignition?

What feedback are you getting exactly from the car when you try to start it?

pubs76

All functions work normal, all up to car starting. I don't hear any click outside the car. Radio dims like it alwas does.
It is just as if you would shif to Drive and try to start the car. As if there was a lose wire or blown fuse. I check all the fuses and they all seem fine.

Thank you for help.

TeknoKing

You have not answers my question.

When you turn the key to ignite, to do you hear a clicking sound? Or does it feel like nothing is happening when you turn key..

pubs76

there is no click, as if started is not getting power.

playa4real

iTrader: (3)

sounds like your starter is gone

edit: well there could be several other problems, but i think it may be your starter since you are not hearing a clicking sound

chill_dog

^Agree.

pubs76

I went to check it out, and it sounds like there is little click.
Would started fail just like that? One time no problem at all, next time dead?

How hard is it to replace a starter on TL? Are there any instructions?

playa4real

iTrader: (3)

Sounds like it is your starter, but remember it may be something else.

How much of a DIY'er are you? If you're wondering, its a little more than just plug and play. There are instructions in the service manual if you have it, however you may want to confirm that it is the starter before trying to replace it.

blue96813

playa4real, I had the same problem couple month ago. I change the battery but that was not the problem so I had the dealer replace the starter. It was cover under warranty.

pubs76

I lightly taped the starter and there is a good click now, so I’m confident it is the starter.
I'm good with my hands and not afraid to take things apart, and put them back together. However, I always try to get as much info as possible to make the job easier.

I need to get a service manual, or is there one on line to download?

Thank you for help.

ssmtl2nv

iTrader: (2)

damn tl, she loves being out of warranty....

Rob RiL

iTrader: (5)

Not to sound like an idiot, but don't just lightly tap the starter. Don't smash it either though! Take a metal hammer and a light (maybe 3 inch overall distance or less) wrist pop swing. Then start the car. Well, I should say attempt to start the car but it will start if the starter was your problem.

pubs76

After taping the starter last night, it started clicking lot stronger and today on 2nd try started like there was nothing wrong.
I gues I need to change the starter.
Thank you all for good advice and support. Hope I don't have to return the favour and your cars run great, but will be glad to if needed.

Majofo

pubs.. I know you're on a tight budget so if you want to get the part we can post up a DIY on the starter. Not real difficult but the space is a little confining. I'm guessing the hammer & starter trick may work for a while until you get to it though.. just post up if you need help.