Car doesn't start first key turn

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Old 01-11-2017, 09:55 AM
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Car doesn't start first key turn

ok so I have a automatic 2007 Acura TL base
134,xxx
my problem that I am having is that not everytime but most times (mainly when the car is sitting for a little while) it takes me a few times to start!
I turn the key and I get radio, radar detector turns on etc gets power but the car doesn't turn on. Sometimes it'll do that for a couple more tries but then it'll eventually turn on...I was thinking ignition switch, but I heard the accessories wouldn't have turned on, I was thinking battery terminal I changed that and are tight, went to Autozone had my batter, starter and alternator check, says it's good....my thought is maybe the starter but if anyone can input if they had this problem before.. I don't want to get stuck somewheres because of this problem...thank you!
Old 01-11-2017, 10:09 AM
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How old is your battery? I never trust their tests because I've had tests come out 'good' but still have issues. Did you clean the terminals ? Check all your grounds. Worst case, if not battery, it's the starter.
Old 01-11-2017, 10:23 AM
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Check the battery cables for corrosion. Mine were corroded end-to-end and replacing them made a huge difference.
Old 01-11-2017, 11:46 AM
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Originally Posted by thoiboi
How old is your battery? I never trust their tests because I've had tests come out 'good' but still have issues. Did you clean the terminals ? Check all your grounds. Worst case, if not battery, it's the starter.
battery is a couple months old, i got a strong AGM, when i changed the positive terminal there was a little old corrosion that i cleaned, thinking that it was that but then this morning the same thing happened. ill need to check my grounds when i am on break. if all else fails ill change the starter and go from there
Old 01-11-2017, 02:46 PM
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what do ya think about it being the relay?
Old 01-11-2017, 02:48 PM
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Do you hear the fuel pump prime when you turn the key? I mean it definitely very well may be the PGM-FI relay. It' s a B**** to pop off though, but you can always pop it off, check the solder joints, re-flow as necessary, and then test it again! It's located under the steering column.
Old 01-11-2017, 05:28 PM
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Test if you have spark going through
Old 01-11-2017, 11:20 PM
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So, you put the key in, move the ignition to the ON position and everything lights up as normal? Then, you move the ignition to start, and what happens?

the starter engages and it tries to start and you hear the engine turning over...., or nothing, just dead silence when you turn the key?

if it was a connection, it usually kills everything the moment the starter pulls power .
if it was the battery , everything would be dim and you get strange beeps inside. And it would make a clicking sound when you turn the key.
Old 01-14-2017, 06:54 AM
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My 06 did that before the starter finally went at 75K miles. Since the battery is new, my vote goes to the starter.
Old 01-16-2017, 12:58 AM
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before you look for fuel, spark, ignition, etc. tell us what exactly is the symptom. is it no crank no start, or crank no start. very different problems. if no crank no start, don't waste time checking fuel, spark, pressure. Rule out battery first before anything else. must ensure battery is good, then check clean terminals and good ground. test starter voltage by simple multi meter. if you can, do a bench test on starter. I just went through the whole thing, end up just replacing starter, https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-p...-crank-953090/.


if crank, no start. there are are whole lot of stuff to check.
Old 01-24-2017, 09:16 AM
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Well my 06 with 115K mi was fine this past Sunday morning's short drive (~8 miles) and sits silent when the key was turned in the late afternoon; no click, no crank and no start with lit dash lights. The battery was a little low at about 12.25 VDC; went thru cleaning and checking the terminals which are both fine then I notice the electrolyte is a little low. Fill them back up with some distilled water and recharge the battery overnight. The battery was at 12.6 VDC this morning and the car started right up. I'll stop by Advance Auto for a stress test after work. Just something else to check during normal maintenance which I forgot to do lately and during no start trouble shooting. Wish me luck that I don't need a new battery. BTW, battery is 2.5 yo.

Last edited by MikeTC; 01-24-2017 at 09:23 AM.
Old 01-27-2017, 06:32 AM
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After much charging and testing, the battery was found to not holding its charge even thought it passes the load test. It was a PITA but Advance Auto was great in replacing it under 3 yr replacement warranty. The people there were a pleasure to deal with.




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