2006 Acura TL - Engine Start Problems
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1st Gear
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 1
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2006 Acura TL - Engine Start Problems
I'm glad this forum is available because I need help diagnosing an issue that cannot yet be reproduced.
Problem Description:
Yesterday morning when I attempted to start the car, it did not start the first time I turned the key. The second time it did start just fine and normal. I thought nothing of this and went to work.
Going to lunch, the same thing happened.
After lunch, the car would not start until about 30 minutes and 50 tries.
When the car did not start, all of the electronic systems started fine when the key went to position II (radio, lights, ac, etc.). The engine or ignition made no noise on the failed attempts.
After the 50th try got the car started, I took it to my local Honda dealer who was unable to cause the issue to repeat during the few hours they had the car. They told me it is probably the starter and that is would cost $560-$630 in parts and labor to replace. The technician told me he would like to be able to reproduce the problem before committing to replacing the starter. They asked me to leave the car with them overnight so the starter could cool down which they say is normally when the problems will occur. I couldn't do that, so I took the car home. The car easily started on both attempts this morning, so cooling off doesn't seem to have helped recreate the problem.
I have two questions:
1. What are the possibilities here? Is this a starter problem or could this be the signal from the key turn to the starter not making it? Anything else?
2. Is the $560-$630 price for the starter replacement within expected ranges for a dealership? The Acura dealership a few towns over told me $475 would do it. Is that reasonable? Both prices seemed high to me.
Thanks!
Problem Description:
Yesterday morning when I attempted to start the car, it did not start the first time I turned the key. The second time it did start just fine and normal. I thought nothing of this and went to work.
Going to lunch, the same thing happened.
After lunch, the car would not start until about 30 minutes and 50 tries.
When the car did not start, all of the electronic systems started fine when the key went to position II (radio, lights, ac, etc.). The engine or ignition made no noise on the failed attempts.
After the 50th try got the car started, I took it to my local Honda dealer who was unable to cause the issue to repeat during the few hours they had the car. They told me it is probably the starter and that is would cost $560-$630 in parts and labor to replace. The technician told me he would like to be able to reproduce the problem before committing to replacing the starter. They asked me to leave the car with them overnight so the starter could cool down which they say is normally when the problems will occur. I couldn't do that, so I took the car home. The car easily started on both attempts this morning, so cooling off doesn't seem to have helped recreate the problem.
I have two questions:
1. What are the possibilities here? Is this a starter problem or could this be the signal from the key turn to the starter not making it? Anything else?
2. Is the $560-$630 price for the starter replacement within expected ranges for a dealership? The Acura dealership a few towns over told me $475 would do it. Is that reasonable? Both prices seemed high to me.
Thanks!
Racer
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 360
Likes: 71
From: Ohio
Two things it could be here (well, two likely things)
1. Starter. If the problem happens again (where it doesn't turn over at all), pop your hood, and tap on the starter with a mallet or screwdriver (something heavy). The starter is located on the front right side of the motor... its a large cylinder that protrudes parallel with the front bumper.
After banging on the starter, see if the car starts. If it does, chances are thats your problem. Cost to fix: No where near $600. No where near. Not even close. You can get a new starter for $231. Install is less than an hour. Shouldn't be that much over $300 if a shop does it. Much less if you do it yourself (this job is pretty easy, actually).
2. Ignition switch. Fairly easy to replace and cost is low(er). However, its much rarer that these go out on these cars.
My money is on the starter first.
1. Starter. If the problem happens again (where it doesn't turn over at all), pop your hood, and tap on the starter with a mallet or screwdriver (something heavy). The starter is located on the front right side of the motor... its a large cylinder that protrudes parallel with the front bumper.
After banging on the starter, see if the car starts. If it does, chances are thats your problem. Cost to fix: No where near $600. No where near. Not even close. You can get a new starter for $231. Install is less than an hour. Shouldn't be that much over $300 if a shop does it. Much less if you do it yourself (this job is pretty easy, actually).
2. Ignition switch. Fairly easy to replace and cost is low(er). However, its much rarer that these go out on these cars.
My money is on the starter first.
Intermediate
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 44
Likes: 20
From: New Jersey
Two things it could be here (well, two likely things)
1. Starter. If the problem happens again (where it doesn't turn over at all), pop your hood, and tap on the starter with a mallet or screwdriver (something heavy). The starter is located on the front right side of the motor... its a large cylinder that protrudes parallel with the front bumper.
After banging on the starter, see if the car starts. If it does, chances are thats your problem. Cost to fix: No where near $600. No where near. Not even close. You can get a new starter for $231. Install is less than an hour. Shouldn't be that much over $300 if a shop does it. Much less if you do it yourself (this job is pretty easy, actually).
2. Ignition switch. Fairly easy to replace and cost is low(er). However, its much rarer that these go out on these cars.
My money is on the starter first.
1. Starter. If the problem happens again (where it doesn't turn over at all), pop your hood, and tap on the starter with a mallet or screwdriver (something heavy). The starter is located on the front right side of the motor... its a large cylinder that protrudes parallel with the front bumper.
After banging on the starter, see if the car starts. If it does, chances are thats your problem. Cost to fix: No where near $600. No where near. Not even close. You can get a new starter for $231. Install is less than an hour. Shouldn't be that much over $300 if a shop does it. Much less if you do it yourself (this job is pretty easy, actually).
2. Ignition switch. Fairly easy to replace and cost is low(er). However, its much rarer that these go out on these cars.
My money is on the starter first.
Chances are it's the starter, but next time when you have the problem turn the lights on and try to start. Lights should stay bright as should all accessories, but no starter action. You can try and hit the starter, but that only is a band aid for a very short time. Usually when the starter dies it dies quickly, so you don't want to depend on long term fixes. Naturally if you have a multimeter just check volts at the battery terminals and also cable heads.
Might want to check RockAuto as they also have new, not remanufactured starters:
TYC Part # 117728 $82.79 plus shipping (Lifetime Warranty)
USA INDUSTRIES Part # 619160 $98.99
REMY Part # 95564 $138.79 (Lifetime Warranty)
ACDELCO Part # 3361670A $119.79
You can also use RockAuto discount code for 5% reduction.
Might want to check RockAuto as they also have new, not remanufactured starters:
TYC Part # 117728 $82.79 plus shipping (Lifetime Warranty)
USA INDUSTRIES Part # 619160 $98.99
REMY Part # 95564 $138.79 (Lifetime Warranty)
ACDELCO Part # 3361670A $119.79
You can also use RockAuto discount code for 5% reduction.
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Mike Bertram
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