Mezzo

Hello everyone,

As far as I can see, there are some threats that seem to somewhat cover part of my problem but I haven't found one yet that actually matched mine.

Spec: Acura TL 04; 150 000 miles; manual transmission;I have a new battery (just installed before the summer 2019); I had the starter replaced in 2017

Problem: cranks fine, though seems to gasp for something...somewhat a sluggish start (I've attached recordings of a few cold starts)

Here is a bit of history:
The starting problem always seems to concern the very first start in the morning (cold start); runs fine when driving and starts up fine along the day. Sometimes, it may show a mild version of it after sitting 8hr.
Had it checked out by a mechanic; however, he didn't even think that it has an unusual start (he did have it for two days overnight and started in it the morning). I had him change the oil (it was time).
No change on the starting front. Mechanic recommended changing the spark plugs, which I had him do...didn't change a thing on the starting front though it does run much smoother now.
Also - and I'm not sure, if that even matters - it seems as if the engine light needs a bit longer to disappear when I turn the key and wait.
I'm not driving very much anymore (can walk to work now), and the car has been sitting for a couple months over the summer. It has never been an issue in the past or this past Winter, however, I used to have a garage until last Fall.

I don't want to nor can I afford to keep changing things that don't need to be changed in the hopes that one of them may turn out to be the fix of the problem. I currently don't feel that this mechanic is really having any idea of what 's going on and I also don't want to go somewhere else and encounter only random guesses.

I'd appreciate any advice and input, or possible things that I maybe able to do first (e.g. Seafoam and so forth?).

Thank you very much in advance!

thoiboi

You may have a parasitic draw that's causing your battery to be weak overnight so that in the morning, you have problems starting. Do you have a battery tender or charger you can try to attach to keep it up to rule that out?

Could be a 'new' battery with bad cells inside as well. I wouldn't rule the battery out just yet. Once you figure out it's a parasitic draw, you can start crossing out what could be CAUSING it (HFL, A/C Relay are common culprits)

Mezzo

Oh wow, what an interesting thought. So these bad cells can start to cause trouble after a few months...the problem only started 6 weeks ago. Also, the mechanic said that the battery is fine? However, I'll try to hook up a battery maintainer that I should still have somewhere. Thank you for the tip!

Mezzo

UPDATE: thoiboi, I followed your suggestion and hooked up my battery maintainer right after my reply yesterday. This morning, it showed a fully charged batter. However, I don't hear a change when I started the car (see attachment "Oct8-coldstartwfullychargedbattery").

Any advice would be appreciated!

thoiboi

I'm just trying to think of the 3 components that are needed to run: Air, Fuel, Spark. It could be dirty fuel injectors perhaps? are you using premium fuel when you fill up?

Mezzo

Yes, I do. However, I don't have a garage anymore and the area is very dusty (train rail running by), lots of leaves and sfuff from trees and so forth. Could that have an impact. Anything that I could clean?

Thank so much for your continued help!

thoiboi

You can check your air filter and replace as necessary, it'd have to be pretty clogged up to prevent starting but it's a start


I'm trying to get through the simple/free diagnostics before just saying "yeah take it to another shop"

Mezzo

What would be other simple/free diagnostics? Do you think it could have something to do with the fuel filter?
I'm wondering, why the very first start is sluggish and any other following one is just fine.

WDPanda

I would check for a vacuum leak. Also check the pcv, one bolt.

Mezzo

Thank you for the suggestion, WDPanda. I'm afraid, checking for a vacuum leak is out of my realm...unless you have some suggestions. However, I saw a video on Youtube showing how easy changing the pcv valve is: Would you recommend that? It doesn't say, if the noise to listen for should occur or if it does, that it needs replacement.

Thank you for your help!!!

Mezzo

UPDATE: I've changed the pcv. While it was good it didn't change anything...I've attached a cold start audio from today, Oct. 13.
Can't do the vacuum leak check...Any more suggestions?

If not, I guess I'll have to bring it to the dealership tomorrow...

BukvaMan

Leaky Fuel Injector. Had a similar issue ..... how is the second start ? Is it only like that when it sat for a while ?

Mezzo

An immediate second start may result in a similar gasp though much shorter, if at all. I also tried turning the ignition on II a couple times before starting and is also seems to result in a somewhat "shorter" version of the gasp.

Thank you though for the possible diagnosis...I'll bring it to the dealership garage tonight, so they can start it in the morning. Hopefully, they will find out what it is and maybe come up with a similar diagnosis...that would be reassuring.

csmeance

put the car key in position 2 (one before start, all lights on but motor off) before starting the car and wait for the fuel gauge to stop moving! Once it does stop, turn the key forward to 3rd position to start car. You prime the fuel pump with the key in 2nd position. If that resolves your issue, it's probably a failing fuel pump/pressure regulator.

Mezzo

So here is the update: I finally ended up getting my car to the dealership garage and here is what they came up with: the technician was only able to hear a little bit of noise from the starter. The starter is aftermarket but doesn't show any signs of any issue.

I don't know what to feel right now. On one side, I'm glad about the news - since it means that I only had to spend $ 78.- for the check/advice. However, I'm also feeling a bit uneasy, because I keep wondering, if the car will start. Oh well, I guess at that point I'll keep praying to God that there won't be an issue coming up.

Thank you all for your advice and input...it is greatly appreciated!

WDPanda

It doesn't really sound that bad in that last audio clip. Seems like a slight delay but that is expected of aftermarket starters.

Mezzo

WDPanda, Thank you for the reassurance. It's just that the delay increases at times (sometimes worse than in the Oct8 audio I posted) and do I have to expect that it won't work at some point soon, even though the starter is just 2yrs old and only began to show this within the last two months.

I'm wondering, if there is anything that could be done other than exchanging the starter with an oem, AND, could I go to the garage who changed the starter and have them do something (I didn't even know, that they put in an aftermarket one)?

Thank you!

WDPanda

Starters will usually give you a lot more trouble before it fails on you. Also, you have a manual so you can push start it, worst case. You can't expect the mechanic to eat up the labor on an aftermarket starter after 2 years. I would just drive it as is and not worry too much about it.

Mezzo

Thank you, WDPanda, I truly appreciate your input!

Mezzo

OK, I think I have to give an update on my original problem that has not really been solved. Because, by the grace of God I kept browsing and researching the issue and was pointed to a known problem of Acura TLs: the HandsFree Link (HFL) bleeding power . I thought it's worth a shot and unhooked it. It's been a week now and thank God, no delay or any other problems whatsoever, even after not driving the car and having freezing temperatures. I believe, it was drawing the power needed for the starter solenoid and bleeding the battery.

Anyway, just thought it might be of interest and maybe help someone else with a similar problem.

Thank you all for your help!