Over the last 2 years I had the following experience twice. I go to start the car and when I turn the ignition I hear this click/low buzzing sound but the engine doesn’t turn over. I think I’m hearing things and go to start the car again to hear the sound and the car starts normally. I turn the engine off and restarted a couple more time and again no problems.

Today I’m around town and as I get in the car I hear this clicking sound as I turn the key but the engine doesn’t turn over. I tried a few more time and I get the same click sound and the engine doesn’t turn. The battery is about a year old. I get my tools from the trunk and clean out the battery and cable terminals.

I get the same click sound but on the second turn of the key the car starts. After I get home I turn off the car and am able to restart. I wait about half an hour and now I get the same click sound and the engine won’t turn over. What could be causing this problem?

 

Does the click sound come from the engine bay?

 

Yes, the click sound does come the engine bay.

 

Your symptoms are spot on for worn out solenoid copper contacts. They are replaceable and readily available on ebay and many sites (sherco auto supply has them w/ some pics of installation).

Check battery cables for cleanliness and secure connections, as poor connections can also cause your symptoms.

good luck

 

Thanks for the info. I cleaned all the connections but still get the click, but the car does start up after 2-3 turns of the key. I called sherco auto but there different sizes, 8mm & 10mm and then the shapes are different. Does any one know which size and shape? On my V6 is it possible to remove the cap from the solenoid with removing the starter from the car?

 

Your starter is a Mitsuba starter and not a Denso, so I don't know how you open up the cover to identify the contacts.

 

Although the solenoid is usually replaceable as a unit, they are not readily avialable as a part. I had to replace the starter on my Acura 2.5TL that had this problem (worn contacts) due to sealed solenoid.

good luck

 

It sounds like you're telling me something. I remember the previous owner telling me the car has the same engine as an Acura. I contacted a couple of service depts of dealers in the area and they tell me that for my car the solenoid is sealed.

My local dealer has the starter motor new $465.00 and Honda rebuilt for $314.00 with core exchange. NAPA sells the stater/solenoid made by RayLoc (not sure of spelling) for $145.00 with a lifetime warranty. I asked if their stater was physically bigger than the Honda and I sensed the guy dancing a little around the question saying it was made to the same OEM specs.

What brand of starter did you get on your Acura?

 

It was a rebuilt from Autozone. I was initially sold a unit from O'Riellys that was not identical and would not fit. To their credit I was given a full refund, however I was out my original core.

good luck

 

Thanks for the assistance in diagnosing the problem. Shortly afterwards the starter finally died. I had AAA take it to an auto electric specialist that rebuilds starters. They rebuild the starter while I waited. They showed me the worn out innards and even a little water damage of the 15 year old starter. The car has been working fine since.