So my car has been doing this every once in a while, I take it into Acura and they replace the battery under warranty, same thing happens a few days later. I take it back and they said without being able to reproduce the problem they can't fix anything. I called Acura of America to see if they can do anything seeing I have video proof of what is happening, now I'm waiting on a client relations to give me a call back. Anyway here is the video. *edit* By the way, I'm still under the 50k/4yr warranty.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8m5ob7GZOQ

 

Could be the starter, the solenoid, wiring, corroding cable, etc. Tell them to take a multi-meter to the stuff and actually test something out, rather than just swap parts.

I have no idea what it is without being there, but good luck.

I can tell you that I have never had to put a starter on a Honda car in my life... and I went over 400K on mine and have many others in the family that I get to wrench on.

 

My car had the same problem like a week ago. first it was just doing hard start ups but it started up after some struggle... then the other day it was my starter that was clicking so we hit that a couple of times till it went away or settle back again. then my battery died right afterwards. and i had corrosion on one of the terminals. Had it jumped. checked out it at autozone and they said my Battery is still good...but needed a recharge. alternator is also good. So maybe get your battery tested.

Good Luck

 

Acura replaced the battery last week and the terminals look clean, any other ideas? Thanks

 

hrm.. holding your key in that position for that long can't be good

*of course i'm just assuming, i really have no idea*

 

As found out by many members, don't rely on looks. Pop them off, clean them, re-tighten them.

 

Dirty cable connections can cause an undercharged battery.

 

Exactly ... sand/wire brush all 4 surfaces.

 

Any update? I found out today that my car have the similar problem like the OP and I though it was a starter. I already call my friend and tomorrow he will come to diagnostic the problem.

 

Looks like a starter problem. Sometimes you can tap on the main starter housing and get acouple more starts out of it.

I swapped mine 3 weeks ago, my car is a 05 with 45k miles. Easy job 2 bolts and 200 bucks later my car is fine.

 

I've been in contact with Acura customer relations, hopefully I'll get some answers. Once they figure out what it is I'll post here! So far my car has only done this once this week.

 

your kinda shooting in the dark without being able to test it while the problem in happening... if you can get at the starter while its doing it, put a test light on the light wire at the solenoid while your cranking it.. If it lights then its starter problems... if it doesnt.. your looking at the switch side of the circuit... could be the relay / neutral safety switch... good luck

 

Well it's obviously not the battery or the terminals as your dash is lighting up. If it was intermittent and now its not starting at all it is most likely the starter (Prelude did the same thing, I thought it was my immobilizer or aftermarket alarm but it wasn't) . Strange that it would die this early, I had to replace the starter on my 99 prelude and 96 accord last year (oddly they died couple months apart)

 

yup it was the starter, I bought the part and got it fixed a with a friend. Just to know if you go to the dealer they will rape you to the oblivion. I called 2 dealer and the average quote is $550-$600. Just do it yourself like kzooTL was saying, its easy 2 bolt.

 

Well the thing is I'm under factory warranty so I shouldn't have to pay to get a new starter.

 

thats not too good. i would think try to reprogram the key and the remote starter to see if that works

 

I have a similar problem. My car makes a loud click when I try to start it. Any ideas? It will start sometimes, but most of the time it won't. I already cleaned the terminals and switched the battery, so that can't be it. I doubt it's the starter motor because it clicks and the car has turned on a few times. What do you guys think?

 

to both the op and the post above its the starter my first gen was doin that exact samething like three days ago wasnt battery cause my dash would light up but no turn over took it to my mechanic he told me it was the starter $230 later it turns on perfectly

 

Add me to the list.....

First experienced the issue on Saturday. Called AAA, they came out cleaned/tested the battery and said it was fine. Tried a few other things and no luck. Said its most likely the starter and that I would have to get it towed to the mechanic. Had it towed over this morning and i'm waiting on a call back to confirm the damages/repair costs...

Will keep you guys posted.... I'm hoping this wont run me more then ~$250ish....

 

It's starting to happen more frequently, hopefully it will do it when I'm at the dealership.

 

Just got the call back and my mechanic confirmed its a faulty starter. Total cost of repair is $490 out the door for a brand new equipment. And that's with a AAA discount.

I could have probably shopped around and gotten it cheaper elsewhere, but its a hassle trying to tow this car from place to place.

 

It finally did it while I was at the Acura dealership, the tech confirmed it was the starter motor, the car would make a click and not start up. They're replacing it under warranty!

 

it wouldn't be good.. if his car started..

The reason why it's not good is the starter motor produces a good 1-2hp to crank your flywheel to get the engine running. If the engine is already running, the gears grind against the flywheel.. if you're lucky, only the starter takes the beating.. but more than likely you'll eventually end up chipping gears off the flywheel.

Anyways.. glad you got it taken care of under warranty OP. I had starter issues this past year, I took it apart, cleaned the armature and had good starts for a few months.. then it died again. Decided to shell out a whopping $100 and replaced it.. good as new.. and kept the core.

 

Sorry you got the shaft man. Coulda fixed it yourself for the price of the starter ($120) as long as you have 10mm, 13mm and 17mm sockets. Oh well, if it happens again we can talk you through the maintenance. Peace