what could be the cause? i'm think i need a new battery, but just wanted some other opinions..

i turn the key, and nothing happens.. my radio turns on, but thats about it.. if i turn on my headlights, the car will start about 80% of the time... any ideas?

 

Does it try to turn over but don't start completely?

If it tries is then it is mostly likely your battery. Before getting a new one, try cleaning off the leads and make the contacts a little better

If you turn your key and you get nothing, then it could be the starter or a lose wire on the starter.

 

The colder the weather, the more Amperage the Starter will TRY and draw from the Battery..

At 80 degrees, the Starter draws 100% of it's needed Amperage, which is around 100 to 125 for our little Hondas.. At 30 degrees, the Starter TRYs to draw 150%.. And at 0 degrees, the Starter will TRY and draw 200%...

So if you've got a Sulfating Battery, it's most likely that it won't be able to put out the needed amperage..

If you want to read more, check my posts in the Tech Forum.. They're a little more thorough on Starting Problems..

Good Luck..

 

someone mentioned maybe it was the starter.. i had my batter and alternator tested, and both were ok. any other ideas?

 

i had this same prob with my gsr couple months ago and it was my starter. i bought a rebuilt one for like $100 and put it on in a couple hours. now it works just fine. good luck and check the starter out.

 

Check your ground wires. When it doesn't start, does it click???

 

no clicking. everything powers on, but the engine just doesnt turn over.

 

I had the same exact problem. Battery, alternator, and connection was checked by Schucks Auto (free). They told me it 'could' be the battery but took it for a vac45 (or something) test at auto repair place. What they found was corroded battery cables. I didn't want to spend the $100 for the Acura OEM part, which I should in the near future but replaced it with after-market battery cable and everything starts up great!

So if you see a lot of corrosion around your battery terminal, and you've got your battery, alternator and connection checked, most likely it's your cable. Just make sure you get the correct length cable. If not, just get the OEM cables at the dealer. Hope this works...

 

ahhhhhhhh.. so many possiblities! i guess i'll start with the cheapest fix first then... so cables it is!