Engine cranks but does not start

ZACKARZO

MEMBER
2005 ACURA RL
165,436 MILES

Bought the run and drive. I am guessing one the guys used a booster to start the car, after that day the car won't start at all.
You can hear it feels like it wants to start but then nothing

Work done on the car:

Replaced engine computer.
Reprogrammed the key more than once.

The guy at one shop told me some of the coils don't get spark.
Another guy told me it can be the anti theft.
Oh by the way, no codes on the Emc.

Love the car but can't get her started. Any help?

8 Replies

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,797 POSTS

Good evening,

Did you check for spark at the plugs?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-an-ignition-system

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

Did or can you hear the fuel pump run when you turn on the key?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

I would also check the compression to be sure the engine timing is correct.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-engine-compression

Roy

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Friday, April 10th, 2020 AT 5:45 PM

JUDSYK

MEMBER
4 POSTS
2005 ACURA RL
6 CYL
AWD
AUTOMATIC
36,000 MILES

Car won't start but turns over. Had it jump started. Drove to dealership and they said there is no electrical problem. (I had battery replaced 3 months ago, also battery in remote replaced 4 months ago).
Drove it next day and no problem.

2 days later, I drove to business. Came out 30 minutes later and car wouldn't start. Had it jump started. Drove it to dealership. They spent 3 hours checking it, tracing the electrical to see if maybe there was a loose wire. They can find nothing wrong.

Dealership says there are no recalls on the car. What is the problem? This car has never had any issues so I am confused. Would really appreciate your help.
Thanks.

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Saturday, April 11th, 2020 AT 4:13 PM (Merged)

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Hi judsyk,

Does jump start work every time?

One of the most likely cause would be a bad battery. If your battery is the maintenance free type, it is known to intermittently fail and cause non starting.

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Saturday, April 11th, 2020 AT 4:13 PM (Merged)

JUDSYK

MEMBER
4 POSTS

It was a new battery installed by the dealership about 3 or 4 months ago. The dealership has checked all electrical including the battery and says electrical is okay. The non-start problem started just one week ago.
Jump starting works every time very quickly but the non-start problem re-occurs after a day or 2.

A friend of mine with an Acura TL has a similar problem. He clicks the remote on and off several times and the car starts after that. I will have to try that when I get my car back from the dealership. But there must be a problem that can be fixed.

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Saturday, April 11th, 2020 AT 4:13 PM (Merged)

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

New batteries can also be defective and the best way to check the problem is to get a volt meter on standby and when you are not able to start, test the battery voltage.

When trying to start, does the starter seem to click but does not have sufficient power to crank?

If it is only quiet without any noise, then it could be a faulty ignition switch or starter relay.