Hello all,

I have a 2008 acura TL and was driving normal and not in any weird way but got this "check starting system" problem. Car wouldn't crank at all and alll the dash lights will be on while the key is in ignition and turned all the way. This problem has been lingering for a while (+1.5 years) but in the beginning it would come up..car wouldn't start then I would shift to neutral and it would start no problem. This problem would go away for a few months then come back for that day and only that start up...but as of a few days ago the problem is coming up way more often and putting it in neutral did nothing. I would try turning the car on a few more times then I would wait 30 seconds, and it would start. I would run some errands and come back to the car and it would start like nothing happened. Obviously, the problem is going to get worse but I would like some opinions on how to fix this problem. One culprit would probably be the starter? thanks for the inputs!

 

Get the stored codes and post them here.
It sounds like it might be a bad neutral safety switch.

A bad starter would not throw a code before failing: my TL did not, and no AZ members had codes showing when their TL starters failed.

 

Here's some additional information. Take a look at pg. 255 Owner's Manual.

Starting The Engine (Cars with Automatic Transmission)
If there is a problem with the starting system, you will see a
‘‘CHECK STARTING SYSTEM’’ message on the multi-information
display when the ignition switch is turned to the ON (II) position. You
will also see this message when the auto control mode of the starting
system has a problem.

If this message is on, the ignition switch has to be held in the START
(III) position manually until the engine starts. The ignition switch
can be held in that position up to 15 seconds.
Even though you may be able to start the engine manually without
the auto control mode of the starting system, have your vehicle inspected
by a dealer.