Acura Frozen Starter Causes No Start

Acura Frozen Starter Causes No Start

Why won't the engine crank after the vehicle has been exposed to precipitation and then freezing temperatures?

MODELS 

2016–2020 MDX (except Hybrid)

2022–2023 MDX (except Type S)

2015–2020 TLX V6

CONDITION

The engine will not crank on the initial startup attempt after the vehicle has been exposed to precipitation and then freezing temperatures.

POSSIBLE CAUSE

Water can enter the starter motor. In cold temperatures, the water can freeze, preventing the starter motor from cranking the engine.

CORRECTIVE ACTION

Replace the starter motor assembly, if needed.

INSPECTION PROCEDURE

  1. Confirm that the engine does not crank.
  2. Inspect the starter motor for signs of icing. If icing is found, warm up the starter motor either by gently applying heat or allowing the vehicle to thaw inside the shop environment.
  3. After the thawing period, attempt to crank/start the engine.

If the engine starts, replace the starter.

If the engine doesn’t crank/start, continue with normal troubleshooting.

TIPS

-Using a scan tool, reset the Idle Stop Starter Counter.

-To protect the battery sensor connector from damage, do not hold it when removing the negative terminal.

You May Also Like

ADAS False Activation Evolution

The logic behind most ADAS warnings or corrections is to examine the plausibility of the situation.

The average age of a driver in the US is 47 years old. If a driver started at 16, they have seen more than three decades of automotive technology changes. In 2008, ABS became a standard feature on most vehicles. By 2012, stability control, or rollover mitigation, had become standard for vehicles. Since 2006, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) have evolved from active cruise control to autonomous driving controls. The one constant has been customers complaining that the vehicle did something unexpected.

Checking The Auxiliary Water Pump

A car or truck comes into the shop with a complaint of poor heater performance. The issue may be the auxiliary water pump.

Tech holds up heater core
It’s Got Spark!

Why can’t you trust some spark tests?

ADAS Calibration Aborts

Troubleshooting the problem comes down to knowing the failure, vehicle or fixtures.

Understanding Differences Between Aluminum And Cast Iron

Sheer material differences aside, what are the features and benefits of aluminum and iron engine components?

Other Posts

Ford 3.5L EcoBoost Turbocharger Oil Leaks

Ford has revised the service information for the inspection and pinpoint tests of the turbocharger and oil lines.

ADAS False Activation Evolution

Since 2006, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) have evolved from active cruise control to autonomous driving controls.

Crankshaft Counterweights And Balancing

Imbalance in the engine exhibits vibration and damage. Balancing becomes critical to any engine build.

Diagnosing Misfires

What if there are no codes and a misfire is intermittent? This is where it gets complicated.