After finally starting, car runs fine, and by voltage measures, electrical (battery/alternator/grounds) seems OK. Anything else to do/check before spending unavailable $$$ on diagnostics and service?
Coincident with "cold" (say 20˚F-35˚F (-7˚C-2˚C)) strained slow crank (or slow, slow, then no, no crank) 1-5 times, then (so far) starts up, and (so far) re-starts easily immediately after that, and (so-far) keeps re-starting after *briefly* turned off for the errand type drive-park-drive which follows. Warmer weather, generally starts either on 1st or 2nd attempt (with a longer crank). And on a single, unexpected 70˚F day, started on first try. (So far.)
No battery load test yet. Did see vague web-references to harder starting in cold because of engine oil, but it's 5W-30 and 20˚F(-7˚C) isn't extreme. Couldn't find anything on the net regarding temperature and the (mal)functioning of a starter motor, but could imagine something like age/wear and tight tolerances and various metals contracting differently with temperature. (If the starter, probably counting down to a never start...)
Thanks for any comments.
For the detail-oriented:
2004 Acura TSX (aka Honda Accord in Europe/Japan), K24A2 2.4L engine, automatic, 125K mi, street parking, very low usage over past year (< 450 mi, all city), gas gauge ~1/2 tank (added a few gal about 11 weeks ago).
Battery/Electrical: 1.5yrs old, voltage normal, (maintained with a charger periodically), measured instantaneous dip to ~10.xV during a start and right back up, terminals clean/greased; a battery-boost while cranking did not help start; DMM tested ground points seemed OK; battery negative terminal jumped to engine block ground made no difference; engine-on measured over 14V even with all accessories active; no battery load test yet.
Fuel system/engine: can hear fuel pump for ~2 sec when key to ON as expected (extra key-ON-off primes before start did not help). Few auto-related tools owned, and never having even seen any such checks in person, not comfortable inspecting things like MAF sensor, throttle, valves, spark plugs, fuel filter, fuel pressure, etc.
Starter: Arms aren't long enough to turn the key while testing the "fix" of tapping on the starter. Can't reach (or see) the starter (somewhere deep under the intake manifold in a crowded engine bay) with a volt-meter probe. It's not accessible at my experience level to pull it out for inspection/repair/replacement.
Misc: Autozone's house code-scan tool saw "no codes have been saved." Was advised to try dry-gas, but don't know if it helped as the isopropanol was added just as weather warmed.
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(Just dreaming, but would imagine the least expensive option for someone with the skills (or at least a less concealed starter) would be to just pull the starter out and bring it to a local motor rebuild shop.)
Coincident with "cold" (say 20˚F-35˚F (-7˚C-2˚C)) strained slow crank (or slow, slow, then no, no crank) 1-5 times, then (so far) starts up, and (so far) re-starts easily immediately after that, and (so-far) keeps re-starting after *briefly* turned off for the errand type drive-park-drive which follows. Warmer weather, generally starts either on 1st or 2nd attempt (with a longer crank). And on a single, unexpected 70˚F day, started on first try. (So far.)
No battery load test yet. Did see vague web-references to harder starting in cold because of engine oil, but it's 5W-30 and 20˚F(-7˚C) isn't extreme. Couldn't find anything on the net regarding temperature and the (mal)functioning of a starter motor, but could imagine something like age/wear and tight tolerances and various metals contracting differently with temperature. (If the starter, probably counting down to a never start...)
Thanks for any comments.
For the detail-oriented:
2004 Acura TSX (aka Honda Accord in Europe/Japan), K24A2 2.4L engine, automatic, 125K mi, street parking, very low usage over past year (< 450 mi, all city), gas gauge ~1/2 tank (added a few gal about 11 weeks ago).
Battery/Electrical: 1.5yrs old, voltage normal, (maintained with a charger periodically), measured instantaneous dip to ~10.xV during a start and right back up, terminals clean/greased; a battery-boost while cranking did not help start; DMM tested ground points seemed OK; battery negative terminal jumped to engine block ground made no difference; engine-on measured over 14V even with all accessories active; no battery load test yet.
Fuel system/engine: can hear fuel pump for ~2 sec when key to ON as expected (extra key-ON-off primes before start did not help). Few auto-related tools owned, and never having even seen any such checks in person, not comfortable inspecting things like MAF sensor, throttle, valves, spark plugs, fuel filter, fuel pressure, etc.
Starter: Arms aren't long enough to turn the key while testing the "fix" of tapping on the starter. Can't reach (or see) the starter (somewhere deep under the intake manifold in a crowded engine bay) with a volt-meter probe. It's not accessible at my experience level to pull it out for inspection/repair/replacement.
Misc: Autozone's house code-scan tool saw "no codes have been saved." Was advised to try dry-gas, but don't know if it helped as the isopropanol was added just as weather warmed.
-
(Just dreaming, but would imagine the least expensive option for someone with the skills (or at least a less concealed starter) would be to just pull the starter out and bring it to a local motor rebuild shop.)