limited1

I have a 3.2TL Acura 2000 and recently it wouldn't start. Key turns, clicks but doesn't fire. I hear little hissing sound in the back, think it's the fuel pump, but at times it fails to start. Sometimes it takes 10-20 tries. Have to turn the key multiple times. Online found an issue with the main relay and soldered again the weak points, like everyone recommended but didn't work. Brand new battery and new Main Relay but problems persist. Can you please help...

ErickUa5

Sounds to me like the starter has a dead spot.
Try tapping it with a hammer a few times that usually gets it going but eventually it needs to be replaced.

When you try to start it do the lights on the dash go dim or stay on ?

limited1

This car doesn't crank or anything it just clicks. When it gets the sweet spot it would like start cranking for second and starts immediately that is why I didn't suspect the starter. Checking now. Can you tell me how that is possible just clicks and misses when key turned all the way to the right.

limited1

Most of the lights go off. When the key is in position 2 check engine quickly comes on and goes off immediately, but battery, oil, TCS (which I had for some time), brake, srs stay on and when I turn the key to star the car it clicks and doesn't do anything and it is supposed to crank and start, instead the ABS light comes on orange and when I release the key, ABS turns off. Usually when the car starts all lights dim. That is what it does when it wants to start.

ErickUa5

Check both wires going to the starter, that they are not loose or unplugged.
Its definitely the starter.
Did you try the tapping on it ?

3.2TLc

Yeah, check all the battery & starter's wiring connections and grounds.
If ya get the car running, take it to the nearest auto parts store to have the electrical charging & starting systems load tested. Sounds like the starter is going bad as ErickUa5 said.

limited1

I tried to tap on it, but that didn't seem like it did much. I will have a friend try to turn the key while I try again. Will keep you posted.

ErickUa5

That was going to be my next suggestion. Let us know

d4atls

meh, IDK sounds like ignition switch has bad contacts to me......

ErickUa5

^ To test against that you can put 12v + wire directly from the battery onto the solenoid of the starter.