2006 CRV slow cranking

[waywardtravel]

Hello I'm brand new to this forum. I'm a boat or large yacht mechanic of 20 years but my girlfriend has a Honda.
She said all of a sudden one day it took three turns of the key to start the car and it was turning slowly. The idle also seemed to dip down below normal just for a second or two.
Next day slower engine rotation while starting but it started fine.
I checked battery and alternator and the battery was borderline so the next day she had it changed at work.
I Never heard this thing start when it was "good" so I don't have a baseline for what is perfect. The idle problem was a one time deal.

Now I have only listened to it. It doesn't sound right to me. It starts in about 1-2 seconds but the very first rotation is slower than the next three or so before it starts.
I have listened cold, and warm, not yet hot and tried leaving the key on for a few seconds.
Nothing bad from the tailpipe like head gasket or something like that. It seems electrical to me.

Do these have a known problematic connection or wire to the starter or grounding issues?
Do these starters fail often.
Does anyone know the spec cranking amperage?
I haven't looked yet but where is the relay. The starter appears to have an external solenoid after looking at napa auto parts website.

Honda did a good job hiding that starter.
Thanks in advance for any help in troubleshooting.

[slicksam]

your not the only one!!

I am noticing it should be a recall from honda. My dad has the same problem and my neighbor 2007 CRV has the samething

I am still looking for an answer.

Next thing I will do. Is call honda direct.

[Carbuff2]

Honda batteries are small to save weight.

As a consequence they don't seem to last that long.

Some replacement batteries have smaller terminal posts than OE. The clamps might be as tight as they can go, but they can still spin when twisted (BAD!).

So check your terminals, you may have to shim them. (AutoParts stores sell battery terminal shims)




And, keep the battery acid topped up! There is NO SUCH THING as a maintenance-free lead-acid battery...all batteries may require distilled water during hot weather, if you don't top them up you will see problems during the following winter.


PS, Our '06 V's battery lasted 105K miles and seven years so I'm not complaining.