Troubleshooting the Starter on a 2009 Honda Accord

Troubleshooting the Starter on a 2009 Honda Accord

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Troubleshooting Steps
   1. Indicator Not Showing Park or Neutral
   2. Checking Battery Connections
   3. Main Fuse and Ignition Switch
   4. Checking Phillips Screws Connection
3. Locating the Starter Relay
   1. Tapping on the Starter Relay
   2. Swapping the Starter Relay
4. Common Failure Point: Starter
5. Conclusion

Introduction

Hey guys! Today I want to talk to you about troubleshooting the starter on a 2009 Honda Accord. If your car is not cranking, there may be several issues that need to be addressed. In this article, I'll guide you through the process of locating the starter relay, checking important fuses, and providing some troubleshooting steps. Let's get started!

Troubleshooting Steps

Indicator Not Showing Park or Neutral

🔎 Possible causes: Faulty transmission range sensor.

If your indicator does not show that your car is in park, you can try shifting into neutral. The car will only turn over if the computer detects that you are in park or neutral. If the indicator is not showing either of these, it may be a good idea to replace your transmission range sensor.

Checking Battery Connections

🔎 Possible causes: Corrosion or loose connections.

Start by inspecting the battery connections. Ensure that they are clean and tight. Corrosion or a loose connection can cause issues with the starting system. Make sure to clean any heavy corrosion and tighten the connections if required.

Main Fuse and Ignition Switch

🔎 Possible causes: Blown main fuse or faulty ignition switch.

Open the fuse box located under the hood, on the driver's side. The first fuse to check is the main fuse, a 100 amp fuse built into a component near the battery. If none of the electrical systems in your car are working despite having a good battery, check this fuse. There is also a 50 amp fuse built into the same component, providing power to the ignition switch, which ultimately sends power to the starter relay. Ensure that this fuse is intact as well.

Checking Phillips Screws Connection

🔎 Possible cause: Loose connection at the Phillips screws.

In rare instances, a loose connection at the Phillips screws can cause the car to randomly shut off or not start at all. Use a screwdriver to briefly ensure that all of these connections are securely tightened.

Locating the Starter Relay

To troubleshoot the starter relay, follow these steps:

1. Have an assistant try to start the car while you tap on the starter relay. Sometimes, relays can get stuck, and tapping on them can make them start working again.

2. If the problem persists, remove the starter relay and swap it with the relay in the middle, which is for the cigarette lighter. Please note that removing the relay can be a bit challenging due to the retaining tab.

It's important to note that the starter itself, located underneath the intake manifold, is a common failure point for the Honda Accord with a four-cylinder engine. These starters tend to fail between 100,000 to 150,000 miles.

Conclusion

I hope this information has been helpful to you in troubleshooting the starter on your Honda Accord. Remember to follow the steps mentioned above and check each possible cause before jumping to conclusions. If you have any questions or further advice on troubleshooting this car, please feel free to reach out. Thanks for watching!

Highlights:

• Troubleshooting the starter on a 2009 Honda Accord
• Steps to locate the starter relay and important fuses
• Checking battery connections for corrosion and tightness
• Tapping on the relay or swapping it with another relay
• Common failure point: the starter itself located under the intake manifold

FAQ

Q: Why should I check the indicator for park or neutral before troubleshooting the starter? A: The car's computer will only allow it to start if it detects that the car is in park or neutral. If the indicator is not working correctly, it may be a sign of a faulty transmission range sensor.

Q: What should I do if I find heavy corrosion on the battery connections? A: Use a battery terminal cleaner to remove the corrosion and ensure a clean connection. Tighten the connections to prevent further issues.

Q: Can a loose connection at the Phillips screws cause the car to shut off randomly? A: In rare instances, a loose connection at the Phillips screws can cause the car to shut off or not start. Make sure all connections are securely tightened.

Q: How often do the starters fail in a Honda Accord? A: Starters in Honda Accords with a four-cylinder engine tend to fail between 100,000 to 150,000 miles.

Q: Can tapping on a stuck relay make it start working again? A: Sometimes, tapping on a stuck relay can free it up and make it start working again. It's worth a try before considering replacing it.