Hey guys, I'm new here, but i had a problem that i was hoping you could help me with.

Two weeks ago I turned the key, the lights on the dash came up as they normally do and the car did not start. The only sound it made was a single click each time I turned the key. No grinding noise from the starter like the battery was going south. I checked the battery terminals, they were clean and the cable clamps were tight. I checked my records and the battery was only 13 months old. 15 minutes before the car had started just fine. I moved the positive and negative cables a little to see if anything was loose got in the car and it started.

I drove it to the dealer, it needed an oil and filter change any way, told them the about the problem and they said the would check it out. They recommended I get a new battery. Went to NAPA where I got the battery and the owner tested it and it was good, but he said it was still under full warranty and he would replace it, just to rule out the battery if I had any further problems.

Three days ago the car would not start. The dealer now says it's the ignition switch, but it seems fine with all the dash lights, radio, windows, ect. responding as usual, but there's that single click noise in the engine compartment every time I turn the key. I would appreciate hearing from any one who has had a similar problem, as I'm loosing confidence in the Acura dealer. BTW last week the car just rolled over 100,000 trouble free miles, until now.

Thanks in advance.

 

I'm actually having the same issue as you in addition to what I'm guessing is the starter relay buzzing when I turn the key. My TL is an 04' with 237k miles..

So far I've had the battery/starter tested which both ended up being good, swapped the starter relay, & replaced the positive battery cable. Even checked the volts going to the starter/ignition & I also have the 07-08 switchblade key mod if that makes any difference..all thats left I can think of is getting a used ign switch/key assembly off eBay & seeing if that solves the issue.

I also Googled and searched my ass off, found some threads where other people had this problem & nobody ever came up with any solutions. Keep this thread updated!

 

No starter relay buzzing, just a single click for each turn of the key. I'm glad to here you have 237k on yours TL, I could go for that, if I could just get it started.

 

Does your car start at all? Mine can take a few tries turning the key back and forth before it cranks, but I haven't been left stranded anywhere yet.
Might sound dumb, but it seems like if I turn the key fast while in ACC ON position and hold it firmly when turned all the way, I can get it to start usually on the first try.

 

its your starter.
Just went through this about 2 weeks ago

 

Sure sounds like the starter. Never hear of the switches goin bad here. Plenty of starters though

 

It's your starter im sure.. had the same problem & got my starter replaced & everything was fine.

 

Same problem, ran fine for 85000 miles, drove it to the Acura dealer and parked it while buying another Acura (2013 RDX), drove the 2006 TL home, and next start, nothing but one click. Do starters just quit without warning ?

One other issue ..... Security system wouldn't activate LED next to driver door lock or give an audible beep on the second click. Disconnected battery for a few hours, no change, now it just started working.

 

Just got hit by this lil devil today... went to start my car and click, try again click.... poped hood and with a wrench tapped on the starter and starter selonoid and tryed it again and VROOM... thats what leades me hear, replacing starter tonight.

BTW I just rolled over 233,000 miles

 

Thank you everyone for your help,
Tapping on the starter with a hammer handle while my son turned the key got it starter. I had a starter go bad on an Toyota in '89 and it made a clicking / grinding noise, my '04 TL made none, just one click and NOTHING.
I was stumped until I asked you guys.
Thanks

 

This happened to me today. I thought i was going to have to walk home. I was worried i came out my house to hit the supermarket and car was fine. When i get out the supermarket the car wont start. My dash lights were on and everythin was on fine but it wouldnt start. The only way i got it started was by turnining my key in the ignition back and forth a few times til it finally turned on. I guess i will have to be buyin a starter tomorrow. Thanks guys this really helped me

 

****UPDATE****

For anyone else having the issue I was having with the ignition relay buzzing when turning the key, its your ignition switch! $43 from the dealer and takes about 15 mins to install.

So for anyone that has starting issues & doesn't have a problem with their battery/starter like I did, check out your ignition switch under the steering column cover!

.

 

Replace the starter. Just did mine...$120 from NAPA with a 3 year warranty and it took me half hour to replace it on the side of the road where it left me stranded