2003 CRV Intermittent Start Problem

[JRSpann]

My 2003 CRV has developed a problem over the past few weeks. Turn the key, and sometimes it starts fine, sometimes it turns over very slowly, takes a couple of tries before it will catch. This morning it finally refused to turn over at all, exactly like a dead battery. I checked the battery posts, no corrosion. Battery reads 12.34v. I hooked up a jumper, and it started right up. Took it in for a battery load test, and it tests good.

What else is a likely suspect? Starter? Solenoid? Ignition switch?

Thanks

[Susarod001]

I am having the exact problem with my 07 crv. Did you ever figure out what was wrong? My dealership thought it was the relay and changed it, but it is doing it again today.

[JRSpann]

Originally Posted by Susarod001

I am having the exact problem with my 07 crv. Did you ever figure out what was wrong? My dealership thought it was the relay and changed it, but it is doing it again today.

Mine turned out to be a faulty starter. I had to load the car on a trailer and haul it 40 miles to a dealer, where they diagnosed and repaired the problem for a paltry $750. Of course I had already looked at starter prices on the web, but after reading about the job in a Chilton manual I elected to let the dealer do it. Of course the dealer told me that aftermarket starters usually fail after a couple of months, so I should be glad I took it to him.

[MikeCStig]

That sounds like a charging issue. The most likely culprit would be the alternator. Has the battery warning light come on while you're driving? Are the headlights dim? What happens if after you've been driving for a while you shut the engine off and start it right back up again?
Unless there's something in the the car staying on after you shut the engine off, like some little interior light, digital clock, or something, my first instinct would be to check the alternator and all the terminals on it that lead to the battery.

[Susarod001]

The dealer has tested the alternator and say it's not that. The problem is completely random. I can drive for a long time and turn it off to fuel up and then go to start it and it won't start. As soon as I get a jump, it starts again. The lights don't dim and there is nothing obvious to me that is staying on and draining the battery.

[jrsick]

A faulty fan relay will cause random battery discharges. This relay is supposed to shut off when you turn the key off. When it starts to fail, this relay will drain the battery after you have turned off the ignition. Air conditioner relay can have similar symptoms. I recommend that you change out both relays and see if the problem goes away. These relays are only $8 each, but will cost $100 to have a shop replace them. Good part about having a shop do it is that they can test the relays for failure. Be sure to go to an auto electrical specialist if you are going to have a mechanic take a look.