PLEASE HELP - difficulty starting NEW car!!!

[Parnelli]

The whole 'start phase' throws me a little, but it certainly sounds like something is at least happening.

The assumption would be that the starter motor starts as soon as you turn the key. (the noise right after you turn the key is the same noise for either start or no-start situations)

If that's true, then it's NOT the key. The key would not allow anything to happen if it were faulty. You'd turn the key and *nothing* happens....that's a bad key.

So, going with the assumption, it's really narrowed down to ignition related, or fuel related.

I'm willing to bet that you live in a city that is required by the EPA to have winter/summer formulations of fuel, and that the weather lately has been a little cooler than it typically would be this time of year.

ALOT of people are having cold engine start issues this spring due to the summer formulation of gasoline being out, and the weather being much cooler than normal. It's not a problem with the car, it's not something that can be fixed, and it's really just an annoyance for now.

I think if you keep track, it's only happening on cool days.

 

[thedeliman]

hi parnelli,

the problem is this: it's happened on two entirely different occasions. the first time this happened, it was 55-60 degrees, 11:30pm, in front of a supermarket parking lot.

the 2nd time this happened, it was in my driveway, noontime, on a 75-80 degree afternoon.

so...we'll see what they say at the dealership.

i'll keep everyone posted
=karl

 

[Thegonagle]

Originally posted by: Parnelli
The whole 'start phase' throws me a little, but it certainly sounds like something is at least happening.

The assumption would be that the starter motor starts as soon as you turn the key. (the noise right after you turn the key is the same noise for either start or no-start situations)

If that's true, then it's NOT the key. The key would not allow anything to happen if it were faulty. You'd turn the key and *nothing* happens....that's a bad key.

Parnelli,

Are you certain that's how it works on a Honda? I'm not sure, I am asking you. I can personally report that on a 2001 Nissan Maxima, the engine will crank and crank, but it will not start. Another person here reported that on his Mitsubishi Eclipse, the engine will crank, start, but then die immediately. Obviously, it is not safe to make a blanket assumption about how all coded-key systems work, since every manufacturer implements their system differently.


Turkey,

Good thought about the recall. Thedeliman should also get a notice in the mail soon if his car is affected.

 

[gunf1ghter]

The problem is, if they can't see the problem for themselves it becomes a guessing game of what the problem is. You don't want them to replace 5 components in your car. You might want to call Honda's national service number, describe the situation and see if they can help "grease the wheels" towards getting this fixed.

If the tech or service manager you have worked with is un-willing to solve the problem tell them that you are going to call Honda and complain about them. Telling them that you will rate them poorly on any satisfaction surveys can have good results also.

Out of the many many vehicles I have owned over the last 15 years I have had the absolute best service from Honda (I should add).

Although BMW is a close 2nd.

 

[thedeliman]

update #3

well, as expected, the dealer service shop said they couldn't find any problems with starting the car.

and too bad, because my car just missed the recall model years
but at least they were pretty helpful about it: they said if it happens again (which I'm sure it will), to bring it into the shop asap.

the saga continues...

thanks, guys, for all the advice!
-k