When starting my 2003 honda accord in the morning the dash lights get faint and it takes a few seconds untill the engine starts. It almost actually sounds like the car isnt getting enough juice and will not start.

My best guess is the battery is over five years old and needs to be changed out.

Is my hypothesis correct?

 

More than likely or most certainly, More likely than not.

 

Correct, if your terminals are clean and the connections are tight.

 

most batteries only last about 3yrs

 

I just got my battery replaced under warranty (2006 accord)

The cold weather have a major effect on a car's ability to start. A weak battery wouldn't help it start.

 

very true, it's almost guaranteed it's a battery problem. i had the same thing happen to me in chicago. it was -2 here and my car wouldnt' start at all, it would just make clicking sounds when i tried to start it. i thought it was my low gas / freezing gas lines but then i asked someone to jump me and it started. my battery is oem and i've been having problems lately with starting it up. i think it's dying and the green indicator light is now black. NEED A NEW BATTERY

 

We don't even need to read the battery or find out what the CCA is. It's time to replace your battery. X3

I generally change it out on my own, like an oil change. Not waiting for any sign of weakness. Better to be safe than sorry. The old battery will be recycled anyway, so it's not like you are "wasting."

P.S. There are 60 month battery available. But from my experience, I never was able to use it that long. 2 out of 2 times, I had to do warranty exchange on them. Just stay with 3 year battery.

 

Since this thread has migrated towards battery longevity...

I tend to keep my cars at least ten years. (Yes, they do get in the way)

'90 Civic Si -- Just over 8 years on the original battery until it died.

'02 CRV -- Replaced original battery before it failed. (Wife's car) 7yrs 2mos.

'03 RSX S -- 5yrs 8mos on the original battery. Still going strong.

It does get cold here in WI (-20 sometimes).

Just a heads up: Even though the batteries are supposed to be "maintenance free", that does not mean they don't lose water. I add distilled water when the level drops too low in the cells. (I know ideally one should check the specific gravity too, but I don't have one of those testers handy.)