This is a 96 accord 2.2 which I am getting a slight hesitation when I start the engine ... sounds like something is lacking in power or charge to crank with normal force , but it just lasts for a second then starts right up no problem... Already has a new battery ( hesitation was there before btw) and I just had the starter and alternator checked and they are OK . . Any ideas or has anybody here had the same issue ?
Slight hesitation while starting car
- Thread starter DannyM
- Start date
I would remove, clean and reinstall each B+ and ground connections. Appearing good means nothing. Any questionable cables should be replaced. On an old vehicle, I would even make up or buy a heavy cable to connect from the grounding point on the engine block to one of the starter's mounting bolts.
If the starter is original, even though it tested ok, it may need new brushes by now.
If the starter is original, even though it tested ok, it may need new brushes by now.
Honda starters sometimes sound like a bad battery or connection before death. My sons sounded weak for a month or so, sounded really weak on its last start then left me stranded. So if it sounds like it barely started one time, leave it on and go home.
This. I’m not sure why but a dying Honda starter will sound like a weak battery. Heard/seen it so many times. Can’t think of any other brand of vehicle where this is so common.
Toyotas do it too-the ‘07 Corolla in my sig did the same thing, cranking slower & slower.
The Toyotas I've owned /worked on clicked when the starter (contacts) were dying. You could try the key multiple times and it would usually work eventually. Hondas are different, they dont click and no amount of trying will make it start. I've never taken a Honda starter apart to see what happened and if it's a different issue.
no clicking at all.. just turns over right away like usual.. except for the last week there is an initial lag or hesitation but it kicks right in.. .. also @2strokeNorthstar above mentions with Honda's there is no clicking when the starter is going bad.
I had the same problem with a 99 maxima. starter performance degraded slowly over a couple years, then one day wouldn't crank (albeit with some 200k+ miles). I swore it was the battery, but nope. replaced the starter with a brand new OEM unit and it was night/day difference in cranking power I had never heard the car crank so strong and smooth. best car i've ever owned.
my wife also had 99 Accord and it also had starter problems. I replaced with a cheap Amazon unit and it worked, but still sounded like a diseased yak. Also had issues with aftermarket alternators and distributors for same car, and random electrical gremlins that only finally went away when I replaced all these components twice.
my wife also had 99 Accord and it also had starter problems. I replaced with a cheap Amazon unit and it worked, but still sounded like a diseased yak. Also had issues with aftermarket alternators and distributors for same car, and random electrical gremlins that only finally went away when I replaced all these components twice.
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Yeah it was the starter.. it gradually got worse and then just went out.
is your Matrix a 1.8 or 2.4 ?
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2.4, battery had some corrosion on the leads that was fixed a couple months back, when I test the battery later if its ok I guess ill just wait for my starter to go lol. Unless you know of any way to check it? but even then no point replacing it if its working with just a slight inconsistency. I have noticed with my issue that it is not constant and starts ok after driving it but once its been sitting its not as good. Not sure if you got anything like that New plugs, air system seems clean and I don't have to wait for any pressure to build on the fuel lines or anything which makes me lean towards my battery. My batt and alternator are only about 3 years old but I put maybe 60k-80k km on it with a long commute I had last year.
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I don't know as it could be this or that.. like with me I thought the starter was alright but of course that is what it ended up being. Just monitor the hesitation length as best you can because remember the starter will leave you stranded needing a tow unless you can install it yourself or with a manual of course you can push start it I think.. Some cars with a bad starter you can get away with quickly turning the key back and forth and it will start but most you cannot afaik.
Your 09 probably has over 100k ? .. so you might just switch it out as a preventative anyway as long as you plan on keeping it for a while..
this company below has a good rep and they are new units.. not reman . $73 on RA or around $90 on Amazon with free return.
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=6679584&cc=1442279&pt=4152&jsn=961
I don't know as it could be this or that.. like with me I thought the starter was alright but of course that is what it ended up being. Just monitor the hesitation length as best you can because remember the starter will leave you stranded needing a tow unless you can install it yourself or with a manual of course you can push start it I think.. Some cars with a bad starter you can get away with quickly turning the key back and forth and it will start but most you cannot afaik.
Your 09 probably has over 100k ? .. so you might just switch it out as a preventative anyway as long as you plan on keeping it for a while..
this company below has a good rep and they are new units.. not reman . $73 on RA or around $90 on Amazon with free return.
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=6679584&cc=1442279&pt=4152&jsn=961
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Oh amazing thank you! ill have to look into the starter on mine see if I am capable of doing it with the tools I have. But Yeah the engine has maybe 250k the body has 330k lol so yeah shes getting up there so it might be good to just do it.
For me, it cranks initially just fine but once it ignites there's a hesitation almost like its low on power or preverbally gasping for air for just a split second before evening out. Not sure if that was your issue or your hesitation was before actually igniting.
my hesitation was right after ignition.
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ah ok well hopefully it is my starter then and hopefully it doesn't die until I can get another lol, thanks!