Hello, I have a 2008 Honda Accord LXP with the 2.4 4cyl engine that has problems starting. I purchased the car preowned and had to replace the starter a few months after I got it and noticed on the carfax that the PO replaced it already before I got it. Now the starter I replaced is on it's way out and I'm having problems starting the car again. I'm beginning to think the rebuilt and remanufactured starters aren't very good and not good for long term reliability. I'm thinking about getting an OEM starter from a Junk Yard this time... I think the best bet would be a OEM starter from Honda Parts - but $414 is a bit steep. I don't want to have to change it again and REALLY don't want to get stuck out somewhere when the next one fails. Has anyone else had problems with these remanufactured / rebuilt starters? Would a Junk Yard OEM be a good option? I have an auto electric place that is supposed to overbuild the starters to better than stock spec, which might be an option too. I'm probably going to get a Junk Yard stock starter and maybe rebuild the current one with a brush kit off ebay as a backup. Any experience you all have is appreciated because this is the 3rd starter on this car (that I know of). It seems like a weak point on these cars and a shame because the car runs like a top, just has had starting issues since we got it. Any help is appreciated.

Honda Stock Starter from Honda Parts --> (Sm-73002)(Mitsuba) - Honda (31200-R40-A01) = $414

 

Honda parts unlimited shows a few starter part numbers on their site . One is significantly cheaper than the reman unit listed .

31200-R41-L01

You can also buy the parts to rebuild the unit .

 

 

Actually Honda sells a new OEM starter for the 8th generation Accords for less than a re-manufactured starter. IMHO, the OEM starter can last a long time on the 8th generation Accords. I replaced mines last year at 219,000 miles (11 years) with a new OEM starter.

For fun, I rebuilt the original one with a new brush kit; but, haven't had a need to use it. It is relatively easy to replace the brush kit. See this rebuild instructions from another Honda member (JohnNH's diy write-up) : https://accordrepairsdiy.files.wordp...er-rebuild.pdf

 

- Thanks for the link for the rebuild. I will probably rebuild the core as a backup for long trips. I think the cheap / rebuilt starters you see at AutoStone, FleaBay and RockAuto don't last very long and the starter is very important and it's not good to get stranded.

+ I also read where the grounding on the starter and the ground cable is a weak point in the system and wonder if there is a good upgrade kit or if it is smart to run a second ground cable. The starter has been the weak point since I got the car and it appears that a bad starter will put a strain / drain on the battery. Thanks!

 

Saw they had one on Amazon for $250...

 

Hondapartsunlimited has it for $228 in the image I posted.

 

Do you know why Honda parts unlimited shows multiple versions of the starter? I need a replacement and would like to get the 31200-R41-L01 as it fits my '08 Accord and is the cheapest on the list..