Honda CR-V - Starter "not connected"?

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2006 Diesel 2200cc, 100k

Twice it's done this:
Turn the key and all the correct lights come on, next position should start it. But there's nothing more - no turning over, no noise whatsoever, not even a clunk, no dimming of panel lights.

After about 30 seconds and half a dozen more tries, it fires and starts as normal.
Today I tried shoving it in 3rd and rocking in case the starter was jammed - no effect.

Then I turned the headlights on to see if they dimmed, and it happened to start next turn - probably coincidence.

First time, the engine was stone cold, this time slightly warm.

So it's behaving as though there's a bad connection somewhere between the ignition key switch and the starter itself.


Any clues what it might be, or how I could try to diagnose if it does it again?
 
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The CRV has suffered from ignition switch problems before.....indeed there was a recall in 2000 or thereabouts. However although your car is much newer than that switch problems aren't unknown.
There is also a starter relay in the passenger footwell that has given problems but this is usually due to water getting in, also soaking the carpet.
Traditionally I would be checking all of the wires to the starter itself - one heavy duty cable to carry the starter current and a much lighter wire that connects to the ignition switch itself....however I rarely come across electrical problems like these on Hondas!
If it continues, have a natter with your dealer service manager - the chances are he's seen this before.
Unfortunately rocking the vehicle has no effect on the modern pre-engaged starter motor.
John :)
 
Thanks John
yeah I vaguely remembered about the starters, but it gave me something to do - which might have moved something ;)
I reckon I'd have heard a relay clicking, if it's inside the cabin. It's presumably for the "much lighter" wire? I thought they were engine side of the bulkhead..
If I can find it I can test it, at low load anyway. New one probably worth a punt if only to eliminate it - I did have a minor leak once.

I imagine this sort of stuff wouldn't show up on a diagnostic log - any idea?
 
Unfortunately this won't show up a diagnostic fault code - typical!
I think my first job would be to find the starter, remove the cables and clean them up.....bearing in mind the large one will always be live unless you disconnect the battery. Certainly this has to be ruled out.
John :)
 
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If you connect a meter between the thin wire to the starter and earth it should read 12v with the key in the start position, if it does the starter motor is probably at fault, if it doesn't as John says its likely to be the ignition switch or relay.

Peter
 
Hmmm, it last did it 2 weeks ago, so next time is likely to be in a supermarket car park... I think there was a time before, when there was a 1 second delay before it turned.

John you're saying there's a low current relay , then there must be a fat one, a 'contacter' in the starter.
Could be either.
I could leave a beeper on the low current wire to the starter.
 
What about a sticking starter solenoid? In the old days you'd give it a tap with a hammer!
 
The good old AA mans trick, Dave.....certainly worth a try but doesn't seem to be so common these days.
John :)
 
No, last time I tried it was on a 1982 Datsun ! But I've got a good memory!
 
Last time I did that was as a student on a '66 mini.
The bendix used to stick too, so I drilled a 1/8" hole through the bell housing extension which covered it, so I could periodically squirt WD40 onto it. Worked a treat.
That was LLY995D. I saw the same model recently, LLY996D, tarted up on the Brighton Run!

Good Old days? Gotta be joking. But if the solenoid stuck you could press the button on the end!
 
there must be a fat one, a 'contacter' in the starter

Contacter (electrician's terminology) = solenoid (mechanic's terminology). The clicking is usually the solenoid operating (the noise is usually masked by the engine turning).

Hope this helps
 
It would if there were any clicking ;) But there's nothing. So either whatever should be moving, isn't, or it's getting no volts.
It hasn't done it again - yet. Honda garage spares desk guy said there is no part called "starter relay". I don't believe there isn't one.
 
I reckon I'd have heard a relay clicking,

Sorry, mis-read your post.

If the starter does not operate with the key in the crank position then you should hear the solenoid clicking as you turn the key from the on to the crank position (the noise of the engine cranking usually masks the solenoid noise when it operates) - you may need to be quite close (1-2 feet) to the starter to hear the click.

As burnerman said there is a permanent feed (direct from battery) to the starter (check this also), when the key is turned to the crank position power is sent to the solenoid which acts like a relay (small current - from ignition - used to switch large current - from battery).

If you don't hear a click it would indicate the solenoid is inoperative but you should really check (as Peter said) for battery voltage (when the key is in the crank position) at the ignition feed wire to the solenoid terminal on the back of the starter. (The starter (solenoid) wil have 2 connectors on the back of the solenoid a thick wire (usually about 8mm diameter) from the battery and a thinner one from the ignition switch)

Sorry if I've over explained this, hope it helps.
 
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