[Rk1031]

I’ve got a 2005 TSX that just started making some horrible sounds when trying to start. Last week the starter failed so I bought a brand new duralast starter motor, got it installed and it started up just fine. Drove it a couple more days and no issues at all. It started right up this morning, and then sat for a few hours, and when I went to start it up, it sounded awful, almost like the timing was off making a knocking sound and then would make a quick spitting sound. Tried it again and same issue, but then it turned over and ran just fine all the way home with no issues. Even got on the gas quick and didn’t seem like the fuel was restricted or any cylinders were misfiring. I’ve tried letting the fuel pump get primed before starting and didn’t change anything, tried putting in a different fuel pump relay and still nada, and the CEL light stays off so it’s not throwing any codes. I’ve checked the battery voltage when off and while cranking and no issues there. It almost seems like the starter isn’t fully engaging? It’s just puzzling that it sounds like complete sh*t while cranking but then once it fires up it acts completely normal.

I’ve also had the issue of rpm’s slightly bouncing when it’s in park or at a stop light, not sure if there’s any correlation but I figured any details may help.

If anyone has any info that could point me in the right direction would be greatly appreciated!!

 

[Litespeed08]

I've seen it once before where a starter wasn't sufficiently snugged up against the flywheel when installed. It started making noises when starting and did not always engage. A few teeth were broken causing starting issues that only got worse. It became obvious only when it was removed and inspected.

You can verify if it's the starter by using a mechanic's stethoscope on the starter while having someone try to start the car.

 

[merlinj79]

Does sound like maybe starter. Make sure it's on tight. And the starter electrical connectors, battery terminals, and the three engine ground straps.

If that's all good, probably want to remove it and check the solenoid and flywheel teeth.

 

[jamesssjohnnn]

you are talking abt I’ve got a 2005 TSX that just started making some horrible sounds , for this you need to search on google

 

[Rk1031]

Update: Got a new starter and returned out the old (new) one and it’s been just fine. Seemed to be a faulty starter and would only make noises when trying to start after the engine was warm, but had no issues starting when it was cold.

 

[merlinj79]

Glad to hear. Maybe a bad solenoid that was grinding instead of fully engaging.

But if the same thing happened with two different starters, I'd still check the large wires and ground straps.

 

[Rk1031]

Glad to hear. Maybe a bad solenoid that was grinding instead of fully engaging. But if the same thing happened with two different starters, I'd still check the large wires and ground straps.

Not the same with the two. (And I’ve tested with a voltage meter). The first one that died was the original factory starter and it was just completely dead and wouldn’t turn with any convincing. The second was an Auto Zone Duralast starter and I failed to do prior research and just went with whatever was available. Apparently they have a small percentage of duds that come out of the box and I happened to get one of them. Thankfully they warranty it and was able to swap it out for no cost and the new one has had no issues. Not to say that it’s an easy swap given the placement, but this one seems to be good. The last one they sold me would only act up once the engine had been ran and at normal temp, but on cold starts it would be no issue. If anyone else has to replace their starter I would definitely pay more and go OEM. Unless you wanna take the risk of replacing multiple times 😂 And I’m not dogging autozone by any means, but if I had more time on my hands to get it fixed then I would have waited longer and ordered something better.

 

[Donnell]

OEM starter heard 👌🏾

 

[merlinj79]

Yeah I've learned to stick with OEM on this car... works fine, lasts a long time.