I have a brand new 2007 Honda crv with 2200 miles. Since I got in 12/06 , every once in a while when I turn the key to start it, I would just hear a click. It would always start on the 2nd try. I didn't take notice if it was a cold or hot engine. At first I thought it was me, and maybe I wasn't turning the key all the way. Then I waited for it to happen again and made sure I checked to make sure the key was all the way forward, which it was, so it wasn't me. Now last week it did it 3 days in a row, while the engine was cold. I brought it to the dealer and it has been there for 2 days. It happened once for them, but not while it was hooked up to the computer. They think it's the starter, but unless they get a readout from the computer saying so, they cannot just go changing the starter. Also they said the starter is very hard to change in the 2007 CRV due to it's location. I finally got them to give me a loaner car this afternnon. Any thoughts or comments would be appreciated.

FixHondas

Judging by your very detailed description, it sounds like you most likely have a starter problem. (Especially if the click sounds like it is coming from under the hood). I'm not sure what kind of "computer" they have hooked up, it is probably just the Honda Diagnostic System "HDS". This scantool isn't going to indicate if the starter is bad or not because the ECU has nothing to do with operation of the starter. The starting system on your 2007 CR-V is just a basic circuit consisting of:
a) ignition switch
b) transmission range switch
c) starter cut relay (in the under dash fuse-box)
d) Battery
e) starter
f) fuse box circuit

They might think that your problem is related to the anti-theft immobilizer system and they may be looking for the HDS to indicate a problem with it. Your 2007 CR-V has the newer immobilizer system. If the immobilizer system does not recognize the key it tells the ECU to not allow the engine run. This latest immobilizer system actually lets the engine start and run for 2 seconds and then the ECU shuts the engine off. (This was designed to aid in starting problem diagnossis). This means that the immobilizer system has no effect on starter operation.

What should be done, based on your description, is to have a voltmeter hooked up to the starter solenoid. When the engine doesn't crank, the voltmeter will indicate wether or not voltage is present at the starter. If voltage is present while cranking, then the starter is bad. If the dealer cannot diagnose the problem because it is intermittent, then they should replace the starter as a first step to try and remedy the situation. Based on your description, this is not out of line. The starter is under the intake manifold and it is not fun to replace, but that is not your problem.

There could be other possible causes to your problem. A similar condition can occur with a loose battery terminal or loose starter terminal.
Do you notice if the dash lights go out when you try to crank the engine?
Does the "P" indicator on the dash illuminate? (If not, the starter cut relay won't close).

If the dealer won't help you to your satisfaction, ask them for the phone number to call American Honda. They will usually take care of customer concerns.

I hope this helps.

07accordexl

Hi I also recently bought a 2007 Honda Accord EX-L and the problem I face is that when I put my key in and turn it to the right to start the engine, I hear like 3 quick roars then the engine starts. You can call those roars clicks if you wish. I dont know what to do? It happens all the time, I mean the after those 3 clicks the car will start and it will drive fine after so I'm not sure what it might be. The starter? Spark plugs? Battery? Alternator not charging properly?