I have a 2004 Tl and it won't start or rather starts randomly. If it does start it will fire up without a problem for a day or two and then with out warning it won't start. I did drive it down to O'Reilys and they checked the battery, alternator, and starter. All of which according to them are in great working condition!! The nearest Acura dealer for me is nearly 10 hrs away so any help would be appreciated.

 

Describe what happens when it "doesn't" start. Clicking, nothing, turns over but doesn't start, etc?

Turn the key, let the fuel pump prime up, then give the key a swift turn.

 

By nothing I mean
-no clicking or noises really
-all lights on the dash work
-the headlights don't dim when turning the key
-I turn the key the dash lights and radio turn off but no sounds

I will try what you recommend and get back with you. Thanks for the tip.

 

Are you automatic or manual? If auto make sure car knows your in park or will not start. sometimes that switch can get wonky

 

^this makes the most sense

 

yes it is an automatic. Any ideas on how to check to see if that's the problem without replacing anything? Oh also in case I didn't state this before the check engine light doesn't come on as an indicator or something being wrong.

 

starter, with no clicking the starter solenoid isnt engaging. You can look at the switch for making sure its in park. Try switching it to neutral and start it (it is allowed to start in neutral). If it still doesnt want to start, its definately the starter.

 

Rev,
starters are becoming problematic on our older 3G TLs. Do a search and you'll see what I mean. Not hard to replace. One good recent DIY:

https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...eplace+starter

From what I've read on Azine, dying starters can exhibit that "work-or-doesn't-work" mentality you're talking about. If it doesn't start, try banging on the starter (there are threads in here to do that as well). If it then starts, you have your answer, i.e. quickly dying starter (also can get you home in a jam).

 

I've had this as well. Not in my TL but with other MT and AT cars. On an old clunker, I had to jiggle the shifter in Park to get home before I fixed it. On a 2001 Audi A4 with MT, a frickin' 50-cent wire to the clutch sensor broke. Car didn't think clutch was pushed in so it wouldn't turn over.

 

Does the car get power with the key in?
If so, does the car crank when you turn the key? If it exhibits the problems you stated where it works every other day, then it's more then likely your starter.

It cranks and just won't start? What were the symptons prior to these problems? Most cars will show a sign of something going out before it goes out.

We need more info!

 

Update: I tried to start the car in nuetral - nothing. The car doesn't crank at all. If it is working then it fires right up with out hesitation. I found a starter at OReily's and will try that. Thanks for the help and I will keep you posted.

 

Sounds like a starter.

 

Thanks to all! I replaced the starter and all is well with the world. I am still confused as to why O'Reily's equipment said that my starter was good and it wasn't. Either way the car is purring away. Thanks again for the help.

 

I'm new here so bear with me if I don't get this posted in quite the right location.

I have an 04 TL and just had the tranny rebuilt at 225,000 miles. This morning the car would not start. When I turned the key on the green light on the gear selector by D came on for a few seconds, went out, and then the red light by P came on. The radio and all dashboard lights came on. After a half dozen or so attempts the car started. I stopped it and try to start it again and it did the same thing.

Seems to me that some interlock failed. Any ideas? I sure would appreciate some insight into this. Thanks.

 

I had to replace my starter 2 weeks ago

 

Nearest dealer is 10 hrs away?...you must be living in middle of no where.