Have strange problem. When I push start button, engine will start to turn over strong then just cut off. Then push start button again and will start right up. Battery is strong and new. This has been going on maybe once a month for over 6 months. Now happens more frequently, every 5 to 10 times starting. No lights or error messages. Doesnt matter if car cold or warmed up. Any ideas?

 

Be sure you are pushing and releasing the START button. if you push and hold the START button the engine will start and then go off. This an emergency override.

 

Thanks. I have had this vehicle for 6 years, but i could be holding button too long. I will pay attention to this. Thanks for info.

 

Starter relay could be malfunctioning. Try inspecting it and swapping it with another relay.

 

Thanks. I am not handy so i will have dealer swap this out before the starter. I also understand there is a starter cut relay. Not sure the difference or what they do, could it be this also? Thanks for your help. I imagine the dealer would just start with replacing starter.

 

That's not a symptom for a starter going bad. If you park in a garage I would try a battery tender for a week before going the dealer route and see if it improves. People always say the battery is good.

 

Slightly different subject. With a car that's out of warranty, going to the dealer guarantees high costs. Many are parts swappers rather than getting out a meter and doing a bit of probing. Now's a good opportunity to go to Yelp and find some Japanese tech indy shops. The car is perfectly drivable, so no rush. Your issue is probably simple and could save you hundreds of dollars going this route. $360 plus labor for a new starter. Some issues are best taken to a dealer, but not this one.

 

Do you have any way to pull codes? Sometimes there's no warning lights but the car will still have a code in the system. I know when I have had the issue you are describing it'll show a P1604 startability issue code. That only happens to me when I have the battery disconnected and am doing work on the engine.

 

Thanks for your advice. I will check yelp

 

I want to thank jmcraney for his suggestion that i was holding start button too long. For last several weeks i have been pushing and immediately releasing start button, and have not had problem. Thanks for your help, was just operator problem. Fixed!!!!

 

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Thanks for sharing your experience with us. I am sure others will find it helpful!