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Engine cranks but does not start

79K views 30 replies 15 participants last post by  yeahman  
#1 ·
On numerous occasions (maybe 10 times) since we bought our 2003 Odyssey last fall, the starter cranks, but does not start the engine. This happened to me just once and to my wife the rest of the times. She is the primary driver, so it makes sense that it would happen to her more often. It reminds me of a flooded engine, but neither of us touch the gas pedal when starting.

Usually if you wait a minute and try again, it starts right up. Today, however, it would not start after several tries. Finally, 1/2 hour later, it started. This was after sitting for 2 hours. I do not think it is weather related, because the vehicle is stored in a heated garage, and today the weather is warm.

I have seen several posts that mention turning the key to the on position for a few seconds before cranking. If this is the solution, it would be a first for a vehicle I have owned, and certainly not one that I would be happy with. I have also seen posts about having a metal object on the key ring that disrupts the chip in the key -- not our situation.

The vehicle is going to the dealer, but I am hoping someone else has already experienced and resolved this issue.
 
#2 ·
Do you hear the fuel pump? Have you tried taking the keys out of the ignition fully then put the keys back in, then does it start? I had to have the ignition switch replaced on my 02' because of the same type of problem you're describing. Have the dealer check it out and don't give up!
 
#3 ·
Does the immobilizer light on the dash flash at the time of "no start"?(the immobi light is the green warning lamp displaying an image of a key..)

Do you have any 3rd party/non-Honda accessories installed? (alarm,remote starter)

Does the "check engine" warning lamp illuminate when the car does actually start and run normally?
 
#4 ·
Thank you for responding. It is difficult to answer your questions with certainty given the intermittent and unpredictable nature of this problem. We will look for the warning lamps and try the steps you have suggested.

Here are answers to your questions as best we can tell at this point:

1. I am not sure what the fuel pump sounds like. What should we listen for?
2. We have taken the keys out fully and it still did not start
3. The immobilizer light does not come on
4. No 3rd party accessories have been installed
5. Check engine warning lamp does not illuminate

Any ideas?

BTW, my previous experience with the dealer handling a warranty issue (DVD static) was a long and difficult experience. The people on this forum correctly diagnosed that problem immediately, while it took the dealer four tries to resolve.
 
#5 ·
The fuel pump kinda sounds like a slight almost quiet hiss, whirring noise. You really have to listen for it. When you take the keys out completely, then put the keys back in and try to turn it over, does it work then? If the dash lights are not coming on, then it really might just be the ignition switch or something with the key/chip. Have you checked to see if your van is on the recall list for the switch?
 
#6 ·
It does not start when I take the keys out completely and then try again. The only thing that seems to work is to wait and try again in a minute or two. But as I mentioned in the initial post, even this did not work the last time.

Also, I am not aware of a recall list. Where is this information available? Wouldn't Honda (dealer or corporate) inform me that the ignition switch has been recalled? This is potentially a serious safety issue, especially with two small children.
 
#7 ·
Mine was not on the recall list but I had to replace mine just the same. Yours may or may not be on the list but it definatly sounds like your ignition switch. The dealer wouldn't replace it on mine until the van finally did it there at the dealership. I have an idea, make an appt with a tech for him to sit in your van while you turn the van off and on several times and I can almost guarantee, it will happen while he's there with you. The tech at my dealership finally confessed this is what they did to get it to do it. Good luck and let us know what happens....
 
#10 ·
We could not duplicate the problem at the dealer, which was no surprise since it happens only intermittently. They checked out the ignition switch and fuel pump pressure, but could not find anything wrong. American Honda says this is a "known problem" but they are unable to fix it.

I suggested they start replacing suspect parts until the problem no longer occurs, but they sent me on my way and told me check whether the immobilizer light flashes when the problem occurs, and if so, take the key out, turn it the other way and try to restart. When we reported the same problem back in December, they suggested we push the gas pedal down half way if this happens. Now, it seems like they think the immobilizer system is causing the problem, but it's anyone's guess at this point.

I checked out www.honda-pilot.org, and this hard starting is more widespread with the Honda Pilot. I wonder if the Odyssey and Pilot have the same components that are bad. Anyway, if you are having a problem, it may be worth a visit to the Pilot website.
 
#12 ·
I suggested they start replacing suspect parts until the problem no longer occurs,
That might work, but unfortunatly too many components are involved in the starting procedure and would require a great deal of time, and again, the key word is "might"..

This does seem to be more of a problem concerning Pilot's than other Honda models( I am also a Pilot.org member). I have had just a couple of similiar complaints that could not be duplicated.. Honda is aware of the issue and your right ...its anyones guess..

Honda is basically telling you to follow certain procedure and to notice if you notice anything out of the ordinary.. They can't fix it.. I can't fix it, simply, they want and need your help in determining what is causing the problem..

Many of you may think that I participate in this forum to teach you all I know about your Odyssey's.. But, what you may not realize is that many of you actually teach me as well :).. unfortunatly, Me or Honda has got the "no start" thingy figured out yet..
 
#13 ·
I hope you have this problem figured out by now, but I had a similar problem on my 2002. After about 700 miles of ownership, one morning it would crank, but not start. After making sure it was in park and after a few more tries, it finally started. It started without any problem from then on, but I couldn't stop wondering what caused the problem. While at a gas stop a few weeks later, I popped the hood and just started looking for anything suspicious and found that the main battery power connection was very loose; not even finger tight! This is not the biggest cable on the positive (red) terminal but the smaller one that connects to the same battery terminal over a stud with a 10mm nut. This cable carries all electrical power to the engine and accessories, and it was just touching the battery connection. I was amazed that we had not experieince much worse symptoms. After tightening the nut we have enjoyed totally reliable operation for 7500 miles so far.
 
#15 ·
Engine Won't Start

Our EXL is a 2003 and has less than 5K miles. The other day the engine wouldn't start but you can hear it crank. I towed it to a dealer and they changed out the immobilizer. They just told me the immobilizer is not recognizing the chip in the key and they're going to work on it. I mentioned the ignition switch problems posted in this thread and it sounded plausible to the service manager. I doubt that I'm going to see our van for at least three more days. They can't seem to figure it out. I am mad as hell! A brand new $%&!! van that's supposed to be the most popular in the US. I urge anyone with a similar problem call Honda America and lodge a complaint: 800-999-1009. Honda and their dealers won't acknowledge any widespread problems unless people start to call in. How can they charge MSRP+ with all these complaints.

Oh yeah, for those of you experiencing intermittent failures, so did we at first. We just attributed to weather and the newness. Pray that your engine doesn't fail at the most inopportune time. Best of luck.
 
#16 ·
This morning my wife just called and the van will not start. This is the second time in a week. The first time all the electrical worked and the van would make a clicking/ticking sound when trying to start. Today my wife says it makes no noise at all, but the electrical is working and the immoblizer icon was not flashing.

I'm not sure what to do! We leave for vacation on Friday, and this seems to be a major problem. Is it the immoblizer, starter or battery?

I'm not even sure we can get it into the dealer at this late stage.

Any thoughts?
 
#17 ·
It still sounds like the ignition switch. Have the dealer pay for the tow (under warranty) and have them check this area specifically. Especially if you're going on vacation so soon, this must be part must be replaced for peace of mind. Let us know how it goes.
 
#18 ·
Well, since this morning - AAA came by and jumped started the Ody and it started right up. His passing comment to my wife was the battery "didn't have enough juice to start the vehicle."

So now I'm trying to get it into a dealership to find out why the battery isn't charging. Isn't the two possibilties (1) defective battery, or (2) alternator?
 
#19 ·
Did the air bag light come on too? That's usually what happens when the battery goes out on these new fangled computer cars. Not that it would discharge but the indicator light would come on and stay on until the new battery is installed. It could also be the green alternator harness plug that I had to replace on my van. I had to replace both the plug and the ignition switch, both covered under warrenty (read free including the rental car). Have the dealer check both on your van too. One of the ways to get the van to do this in the tech's presence is to start the van, turn it off, start the van, turn it off, etc. This was the ONLY way the one tech finally admitted that I talked to privately. I hope this helps and you get the van fixed before your trip. :)
 
#20 · (Edited)
Blackwolf, and all ...

Here's a relatively short status report ...

1. Vehicle jumped started by AAA
2. Wife takes vehicle to local dealership (bought out of state)
3. Tech test battery with handheld device and NO TROUBLE FOUND
4. Tech tells me over the phone it is because we left the doors open, read lights on!
5. Debated issue
6. Wife goes out to van and opens all doors, lights on - 3 min. later LIGHTS OFF!
7. Goes tells the Tech, he says nothing else we can do. Battery is fine, vehicle ok. If you want us to trouble shoot leave the vehicle for several days.
8. Wife leaves and vehicle will not start!!! :mad:
9. Goes back in and tells Tech, and turns and leaves
10 Service Mgr comes out and talks to wife. Checks battery - DEAD CELL
11. Big arguement between Srv. Mgr and us - "Battery is not OEM, who change it?" Battery is Dephi not Honda.
12. Selling dealership says that is how it came, service mgr stating no other 2003 has a delphi battery. After half and hour they put in a new battery and send wife home.
13. Serv. Mgr just called me to let me know unless he hears different from Honda Corp. is going to charge me for battery. Based on the fact the the one in the 2mo. vehicle is NOT genuine Honda.

Update:
___________________

Service Manager just called and apologized over and over, seems Honda has begun putting Delphi in Odysseys out of Alabama plant. Says he can't speak about Delphi, but the new Honda one he put in is going to last a long, long time.

So we're off to Disney World!
 
#21 ·
Typical Honda customer service. You don't want to know how many times I took mine back for things to be done in the first three months. :mad: Glad to hear things worked out for you! :) Have a fun vacation!!
 
#22 ·
Chad,

Your best bet is to have the dealer change out the ignition switch. We had the identical problem and they traced it to an electrical short in the ignition switch. It only took them 12 days to find that out! I was livid and had them pay for the towing and the use of a rental car (compact car, of course). Tell the dealer you are going on vacation and see if they would foot the bill for a minivan rental. If the dealer refuses, call Honda directly. Good luck.
 
#23 ·
ChadK said:
Blackwolf, and all ...

Here's a relatively short status report ...

1. Vehicle jumped started by AAA
2. Wife takes vehicle to local dealership (bought out of state)
3. Tech test battery with handheld device and NO TROUBLE FOUND
4. Tech tells me over the phone it is because we left the doors open, read lights on!
5. Debated issue
6. Wife goes out to van and opens all doors, lights on - 3 min. later LIGHTS OFF!
7. Goes tells the Tech, he says nothing else we can do. Battery is fine, vehicle ok. If you want us to trouble shoot leave the vehicle for several days.
8. Wife leaves and vehicle will not start!!! :mad:
9. Goes back in and tells Tech, and turns and leaves
10 Service Mgr comes out and talks to wife. Checks battery - DEAD CELL
11. Big arguement between Srv. Mgr and us - "Battery is not OEM, who change it?" Battery is Dephi not Honda.
12. Selling dealership says that is how it came, service mgr stating no other 2003 has a delphi battery. After half and hour they put in a new battery and send wife home.
13. Serv. Mgr just called me to let me know unless he hears different from Honda Corp. is going to charge me for battery. Based on the fact the the one in the 2mo. vehicle is NOT genuine Honda.

Update:
___________________

Service Manager just called and apologized over and over, seems Honda has begun putting Delphi in Odysseys out of Alabama plant. Says he can't speak about Delphi, but the new Honda one he put in is going to last a long, long time.

So we're off to Disney World!
My 2002 has a Delphi and it was built in Canada.
 
#25 ·
My '02, also made in Canada, also came with a Delphi battery as OEM.

Remember, most of the services sales people are there becuse of their sales ability, not knowledge of the vehicles. My recent conversations with two different Honda dealers' service departments left me convinced the service writers couldn't tell ATF from cat urine without help from someone more knowledgable.
 
#26 ·
ChadK said:
Blackwolf, and all ...

Service Manager just called and apologized over and over, seems Honda has begun putting Delphi in Odysseys out of Alabama plant. Says he can't speak about Delphi, but the new Honda one he put in is going to last a long, long time.

So we're off to Disney World!
If they did a load test the first time around they would have figured the battery was not holding the charge. Takes 2 min. to do the test. Anyway, enjoy and drive safe!