05 Acura TL, has starting problem like it's not getting enough electricity. The Car cranks twice then nothing. It will start if you try and try, but when it starts, the belt squeaks. Is the Alternator going out? I unplugged the positive cable to see if the car would die, don't know if I can tell by doing that. Anyone have same issues?

 

"It will start if you try and try, but when it starts, the belt squeaks" once then it's fine and running

 

After 3-5 tries, it starts up just fine. When I shut it off, it's back to the same problem. Loose connection or starter going bad again? I'll try to get a video and post the YouTube link.

 

^did you test the battery? It could be as simple as a bad connection, or your starter "could" be going out.? When did you replace starter, OEM?

I would start with checking the terminals, then see what year the battery was made, test the battery if possible. Then report back, and someone can help.

 

Check Battery, terminals and connections.

I doubt it's the alternator. If it was, your car likely would not continue to run after starting nor would it start without a jump.

Last resort would be the starter.

 

Taking you battery terminals off while the car is running will test your alt. If you have a multimeter check the Voltage across your battery. Also see if your battery terminal is loose, if it is AutoZone or similar stores have soft metal caps for cheap to place on top to help with that. Is it "clicking" for a decent amount of time before it starts or does it not make any noise when you turn your key to start?

 

I took the positive term off while the car was running and the engine was fine. I just replaced the battery yesterday morning hoping it would fix the issue. I am getting a stronger start now after the battery replacement. However, it seems I'm getting a bad connection somewhere cutting off when it tries to start. Gonna try to check around the starter and connections surrounding. The starter I purchased was from advanceauto the last time I replaced it.

 

And the noise doesn't sound like a belt squeak anymore, it sounds like the starter excessively being overturned when I do get it to start. This sound only happens when I am able to get the car to start up and running. No clicks or no lights flickering indicating starter or alternator issues.

 

Can anyone recommend a good multimeter to purchase? Never tried one, and never knew how to operate it.

 

Go to your battery terminals and see if any of those are loose. If they are tighten as much as possible then if you can't you will need to buy those soft metal caps i posted about. Also if you have a wire brush clean both the cables and terminals to make sure clean contact. You would only need a very cheap one unless you want to use it for future electrical type jobs. I sware by Fluke since I use them religously in the Navy. You will put the probes on the 2 terminals and read DC Voltage it with be a dotted or straight line.

 

Thanks Solder, I am going to check for voltage now. will update sooner.

 

Here's the link to the vid

 

With the car running I received a 14.25

 

With the car off, the reading was 12.95

 

I'd say starter is gone. Check the voltage at the starter and you can even jump the terminals on the starter to check. When starter out hook up booster cables, jump the terminals and you'll have the same problem, at least I say you will.

 

Doesnt seem like a battery problem. With my old Accord i had starter problems. I was told to use a wrench and hit it a few times and it would start working. Not sure if this would work on this car, or even if that method works

 

2nd attempt with car starting, listen at the end.. Has a funny noise I can't seem to make out

 

its the starter for sure.

 

Checked trigger wire and connector 11.9. The big bolt is 12 and the small bolt is 10. Are these readings good?

 

Part 1 -How to Test the Starter Motor On the Car (Step by Step)

Try doing the steps off that page they help you narrow everything down. The battery voltage at 12.9 when the car was off is good and above 14 means your alt is working. I would say starter but it won't hurt running more tests to save you money.

 

OMG! I was searching over and over again for a step by step on how to diagnose a Starter! Thanks Solder!

 

Anything to save someone money and learn something along the way. Hope you fix the issue kct01.

 

Update* volts were all good but the shaft was over extending. Replaced starter with lifetime warranty! Got the car fixed! thanks for everyone's help!