Sigh..... and the story goes (2005 LX V6 auto 43k)

During the past few days, I noticed that if I left the radio on (and my laptop charging) and the key in the ignition for an extended period of time (hour and a half or so), the car would turn over slowly (as if the battery was dying). Never had this problem before. Any time it would turn over slow like that, I made sure to drive it for at least 20 minutes to try and charge the battery a little. No big deal, just get the battery replaced.

Before I had a chance to get the battery replaced I needed an oil change. Knowing that Honda usually tests the battery, I was curious to see how it rated (cca on the printout). Well of course they didn't attach the printout, but did check the box that the battery was ok. I have no clue if they actually tested it, or just checked the box and moved on. I do know they were short handed (Saturday) and it took an hour and 15 minutes for me to just get an oil change (so much for the 30 minute express service).

Well, yesterday morning on the way to get the battery replaced I noticed that my power windows were acting weird. They all worked, but I lost the one touch feature for the driver's window. As soon as you would let go of the switch, the window would stop no matter how hard you pushed or pulled. I shut the car off and pulled the key out, restarted and everything worked fine. Strange....

I get the battery replaced and everything seems ok. I had to re-enter my radio code and set the clock, no problem. Car seems to turn over fine and all is well.

Later on that night I'm listening to the radio with the car off and I go to start my car and all I hear is a couple clicks like the battery is dead. Great. I try cranking it again and this time it turns over just like it should but won't fire. I try a couple more times and the stupid thing keeps cranking but won't start. This is far from a slow crank. I wait a little longer and still no luck. Finally I turn the key all the way back and pull it out and re-insert it. Turn the key and it fires right up just like new. What in the world would cause that?

I tried a few more times last night to re-create the problem, but I had no luck. Any ideas?

I found these, but don't know much about them

TSB #07012005 -- ENGINE WON'T START AT ALL; ENGINE INTERMITTENTLY STARTS. CHECK IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM STATUS WITH THE HDS. HONDA. SERVICENEWS. *TT (NHTSA ID #10018015, JULY 01 2005)

TSB #05162005 -- ENGINE-CRANKS WON'T START, IMMOBILIZER LIGHT FLASHES. *SC (NHTSA ID #10016295, MAY 16 2005)

I'm not 100% positive, but I really don't think I saw my immobilizer light flash.

Maybe you have something interfering with the signal. Try taking your key off the keyring or using another key.

The key is by itself, no keyring. I'll try another key though... thanks

Are you under 36k miles, and is your car less than 3 years old?

2005 LX V6 auto 43k

It sounds like you're putting a lot of stress on the battery. I would say leaving things to charge for an extended period of time while the car off has really taxed the battery which is why it needed to be replaced so soon. Have you had the alternator tested recently?

I have not had the alternator tested. The battery seems to charge just fine. I'm not as much worried about the battery life than I am why it would turn over and not start. Battery life out here is reduced with the desert heat. Thanks mwmcginn for answering that....... I really wish I was under warranty.

I've had this happen once, but it was definately a slow crank due to the crappy battery honda put in there. Check your terminals and make sure everything is hooked up securely and there isn't anything touching them that could cause any issues. Other than that, I wouldn't know what would cause this.

Thanks, I checked the terminals this morning. Before the battery change they were slightly corroded. They were cleaned during the battery change and look good now. Nope, definitely not a slow crank for me. thanks

the diagnostic list:

Diagnostic Procedure:
Check for PGM-FI DTCs.

Check the fuel pressure.

Check for a plugged or damaged fuel line.

Check for a plugged fuel filter.

Check the throttle body.

Check for low engine compression.

Check for a damaged or broken timing belt.

Also check for:
- Fuel level in tank



Other things I found;

Thanks princess! I checked my vin and sadly, they are not within the range. Oh and mine is a 4 door v6. I will take a look to make sure they didn't put the mitsuba relay in by mistake. Thanks again. IF it does it again, I'll be sure to watch for the immobilizer light.

just because you are not in the VIN list doesn't outright mean the TSB doesn't apply to you. I had a fuel problem on my '02 that was supposed to be fixed in 1999 but mine was exhibiting the same symptoms so the TSB applied & it was fixed.

You say the terminals/connectors were cleaned during battery replacement? Is this something you did or did some random guy just tell you it was done? I wouldn't trust such a statement, if so.

With a Honda vehicle, particularly one that's only two years old, it's rather unlikely that this issue is anything of serious consequence. I'd bet it's simple battery connector corrosion that was poorly cleaned-- Or flat out not cleaned at all.

Head to an auto parts store and pick up a battery cleaner such as this:

http://img.alibaba.com/photo/51156336/Battery_Cleaner.summ.jpg

Cheap, simple... It should be a part of everyone's standard auto tool kit.

Pull off your battery terminals (negative first), and use the female end of the battery cleaner to brush off each terminal until it's nice and clean (usually somewhat shiny). Then pull off the end cap of the cleaner and brush clean each terminal connector. Blow off the metal shavings/dust and wipe all elements off with a clean, dry rag. Reconnect (negative last), making sure each connector is nice and tight, firmly affixed to each terminal. Apply anti-corrosion treatment to the positive terminal.

Then you'll of course have to perform several standard battery reconnect procedures, as outlined here:

http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/showthread.php?t=6186

Complete all of these things and THEN see if problems persist. Bet they won't-- Provided your new battery has been properly charged.

I saw this on Honda's July 07 newsletter. It applies to the Oddysey (I know that's spelled wrong) but it fits your problem. Maybe they're somehow related?

Engine Cranks but Doesn’t
Start; Blown No. 1 (15 A)
Fuse
Currently Applies To: ’99–04 Odysseys
Got a vehicle with an engine that cranks but doesn’t
start? If the BLK/YEL wire in the electrical harness
that’s under the left power sliding door sill trim is
damaged, you could wind up with this problem. You’ll
also have a blown No. 1 (15 A) fuse in the underdash
fuse box. The BLK/YEL wire supplies power to
the fuel pump.
To make things right, first check for a blown No. 1
fuse. If the fuse is blown, pull the left power sliding
door sill trim and check the BLK/YEL wire for
damage. If the wire is damaged, repair the harness
and install a piece of corrugated plastic tubing to
protect it. Reinstall the door sill trim with new
retaining clips, then replace the blown fuse. If the
fuse was OK or the BLK/YEL wire wasn’t damaged,
then continue with normal troubleshooting

benjamming
just because you are not in the VIN list doesn't outright mean the TSB doesn't apply to you. I had a fuel problem on my '02 that was supposed to be fixed in 1999 but mine was exhibiting the same symptoms so the TSB applied & it was fixed.

Thanks, two of the tsb's are something I can check for myself (fuses or relays). So I'll take a look.


GeoLogic
You say the terminals/connectors were cleaned during battery replacement? Is this something you did or did some random guy just tell you it was done? I wouldn't trust such a statement, if so.

Before I had the battery changed, I noticed some corrosion on the terminals. Nothing severe, but it was there. After they battery was replaced, both terminals looked clean (I popped the hood and checked myself). I didn't take the cables off to inspect them, so I can only tell from the outside. Thanks for the cleaning tip. My biggest concern right now though is why it cranked over so well, but wouldn't fire up. It's started just fine every time since that incident. In a way, I just wish it would do it again so I could trouble shoot it a little better.

Shalynne, if I had a blown fuse, I would THINK it would do it 100% of the time, not just random. I'll check anyway. Maybe somethings loose. Thanks