Intermittently, My car won’t start on the first try.

[Anonymous]

When this happens, I turn the key and the dashboard lights come on, but not the engine. It will start up on the second, third or fourth try as if there had not been a problem and it will run fine. This happens maybe a couple times a week, with seemingly no rhyme or reason. In between, it runs fine.

It’s a Honda Accord from 2014 (maybe 2015, I can’t remember) with approx 85,000 miles.

Can anyone diagnose what the problem is? I doubt the problem will happen on cue if I take it to the shop.

[Anonymous]

You need a new starter. Or that’s what it is if you can restart it second try just by waiting (not trying multiple times).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You need a new starter. Or that’s what it is if you can restart it second try just by waiting (not trying multiple times).

Thank you. Any idea how much that costs?

[Anonymous]

How old is the battery? It might be going.

[Anonymous]

Battery or starter.

[Anonymous]

I just had my starter replaced — older model Japanese car was $700.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You need a new starter. Or that’s what it is if you can restart it second try just by waiting (not trying multiple times).

Thank you. Any idea how much that costs?

it may or may not be the starter. have you taken the car to a shop you trust? might be battery, starter, relay switch, fuel pump...

[Anonymous]

Does it happen when inside is really hot? or not temp dependent?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You need a new starter. Or that’s what it is if you can restart it second try just by waiting (not trying multiple times).

Thank you. Any idea how much that costs?

it may or may not be the starter. have you taken the car to a shop you trust? might be battery, starter, relay switch, fuel pump...

I haven't taken it to the shop because I assumed they'd have to see it happen to diagnose it and it's impossible to predict. We replaced the battery after the first time, but I have no idea about any of the other items you mentioned.

To the poster asking about heat; I don't think so. It's been an off and on issue for months now.

[Anonymous]

Does it happen in the morning (i.e., cold start) or every time you try to start??

One thing you might want to try is "prime the fuel pump". just turn the key to "on" a few times (but don't try to start the engine). you will notice the check engine light coming on, then turning off after a few seconds...then start.

[Anonymous]

could be as simple as the battery being old.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:could be as simple as the battery being old.

Sounds like OP replaced the battery already.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Does it happen in the morning (i.e., cold start) or every time you try to start??

One thing you might want to try is "prime the fuel pump". just turn the key to "on" a few times (but don't try to start the engine). you will notice the check engine light coming on, then turning off after a few seconds...then start.

It's nowhere near every time I start. I drive every day, usually multiple places per day, and it will happen a couple of times a week.

BUT it's not always first thing in the morning. Last time it occurred was in the parking lot of the grocery store, and it had started fine when I left my home, and at a prior errand before I got to the grocery store.

[Anonymous]

The chip in your key is going bad. If you have a 2nd key, use that and see if it stops happening.

[Anonymous]

Sounds like the starter to me…