kbh

2004 AT with 189k miles. My car wouldn't start this morning. Instrument panel lights came on as usual but after turning the key I only heard some clicking. I installed a brand-new Optima yellow top battery but this did not solve the problem. I think my next issue will be to replace the starter. I do not mind paying for a remanufactured OEM unit, but I was wondering if there was any experience with the aftermarket brands. My only real problem with ordering an OEM unit is that it will take about a week to get here.

Video of my starting issue. Could it just be the ignition switch?

http://vid227.photobucket.com/albums...ps2ff19f4f.mp4

NBP04TL4ME

I couldn't get you link to work but you can read this - https://acurazine.com/forums/1g-tsx-problems-fixes-128/car-wont-start-please-help-me-914367/.

As mentioned in that thread, you can try whacking the starter with a tire iron or a hammer a few times to see if that will help you short term.

kbh

Sorry, reposting the video link here

http://vid227.photobucket.com/albums...ps2ff19f4f.mp4

TexasHonda

Video suggests starter solenoid problem. Suggest checking for 12V signal at the starter solenoid small wire. If 12V missing, then ignition switch is indicated. If 12V present, then starter solenoid is the problem and new starter req'd.

good luck

kbh

Texas, I have just finished removing the intake manifold (and lost a little skin in the process). The manual states to run a wire from the battery positive post to the S terminal as you suggest. It says some sort of piston is supposed to move if the starter is working. Can I use some speaker wire for this?

TexasHonda

Yes, speaker wire will work. Connection should be breakable in case of a short circuit.

good luck

mdkxtreme

Are you still on the original starter? If so, I'm surprised it lasted this long. I'd say replace it any ways since you did the work to get the intake manifold off. Also, starters are one of those items that the dealership can get in pretty quick. I bought my new starter from the dealership and even though they didn't have it in stock, they got it delivered from their freight in the next day for me. Try calling them up and see how fast they can get it. The difference here is you're picking it up from the dealership, as opposed to the dealership getting it to their store, then ship it to your home.

kbh

My local dealer wanted over $600 for a refurbed starter; ridiculous. I ordered from Bernardi for $239 + shipping. It will be here next week.

Driving my 02 Odyssey in the meantime....

Yeah I guess I was lucky it lasted this long.

kbh

Well I installed the new starter along with a new battery and the result is.....

exactly the same.

From reading other posts, I think my ignition switch is okay because the dash lights up normally when I insert the key and turn to position II. I checked fuses 22 and 23 and they were fine, though I could pre-emptively replace those. All the wires looked okay to me when I did the intake manifold disassembly, though I suppose it is entirely possible there is a damaged wire somewhere under all the conduit. My car is parked outside and this problem arose after returning from a one-week trip and there was heavy rain while I was away. I stupidly did not test the voltage between the main power line and the wire to the solenoid (did not have an assistant to turn the key for me). I will disassemble everything again and test that. If these don't work, I guess I will have to tow it to the dealer.

What are the symptoms of a damaged ECU?

TexasHonda

Damaged ECU is unlikely. Suggest checking for start signal (12V) from the ignition switch at the starter connector.

Also inspect the battery wire terminations carefully. There are reports of corrosion under the insulation causing start problems.

good luck

mdkxtreme

Alright, if this was me, I would work from where the obvious problem is and inspect the components closest to it. Since you replaced the battery, try inspecting the battery cables and see if there are poor connections somewhere.

kbh

I removed the battery terminal connections again. I had previously cleaned just the outer surfaces with spray on CRC Battery terminal cleaner. On inspecting the inner surface of the negative terminal, there was a fine greenish encrustment. I cleaned this off with a wire brush until the inner surface of the copper ring was bright and shiny again. I installed a battery post shim to enable a tight connection.

Success!! The car starts again and the new starter makes the process noticeable faster and easier. The sound of the starter is also much more pleasant- the old one was getting a little wheezy sounding; the new one just hums.

NBP04TL4ME

Congrats!

mdkxtreme

Hah, sometimes the solution is all too simple. Glad you got it up and running

kbh

Yeah I spent close to $450 to get a new battery and OEM starter when all I really needed was already in my garage....

The suddenness of the failure was what puzzled me. It wasn't like my car's electrical system had been gradually flaking out. In 11 years of ownership, my TSX had never left me stranded until now. In fact, the car had started just fine less then ten minutes before the events of the first post (was dropping off my son at the bus stop and was trying to start the car to get back home).

A heads up to those that live in humid climates to clean your battery connections regularly!