Car starting Issue

Asked by GaryGnu Oct 03, 2018 at 11:42 AM about the 2005 Honda Accord EX-L

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Several weeks ago, I noticed that my car would occasionally struggle to start. The car was gradually getting harder to start. The battery seemed like it was dying. The car would grind slowly as it was starting, but then eventually start. Finally one time, it would not start. Then I tried again, and it barely started, and I drove straight to an auto store and bought a new battery.

Since then, it's been mostly OK, but a week or so ago, it was the same thing all over again. Grinding sound like the battery was dying. Now, this morning, it would not start on the first 2 tries - not enough power to get it started (like the battery was weak). I tried again and it barely started.

What is going on here? I assume the battery I had was bad. The guy at the auto store said it was an original battery (for a 2005 car?!). I don't remember ever replacing it, but its been a long time and I could have forgotten. But could this new battery also be bad or is there another problem like maybe the alternator not charging the battery?

3 Answers

I should also mention that I recently had a tune-up. 230,000+ miles on the car.

I don't see any warning lights. Also, I went out for lunch today, and the car started up right away as if nothing had ever happened earlier today. Normal, regular, quick start.

The cycle has continued. There have been a few times where the car barely starts or won't start for a few tries. Then it starts. And for several more days, it never struggles. Then it starts all over again. Any ideas on this?

Your Answer:

Accord

Looking for a Used Accord in your area?

CarGurus has 995 nationwide Accord listings starting at $2,000.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    JP1956
    Reputation
    6,980
  • #2
    Fredbrillo
    Reputation
    5,400
  • #3
    Jonathan Ford
    Reputation
    3,910
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Toyota Camry
60 Great Deals out of 1,072 listings starting at $3,995
Used Honda Civic
195 Great Deals out of 4,054 listings starting at $440
Used Honda CR-V
88 Great Deals out of 4,524 listings starting at $440
Used Toyota Corolla
151 Great Deals out of 2,438 listings starting at $4,295
Used Honda Accord Hybrid
8 Great Deals out of 338 listings starting at $11,500
Used Nissan Altima
25 Great Deals out of 760 listings starting at $1,999
Used Lexus IS
18 Great Deals out of 316 listings starting at $6,500
Used Honda Accord Coupe
4 Great Deals out of 59 listings starting at $5,900
Used Dodge Charger
39 Great Deals out of 725 listings starting at $5,995
Used BMW 3 Series
65 Great Deals out of 1,229 listings starting at $2,500
Used Nissan Maxima
7 Great Deals out of 166 listings starting at $4,378
Used Ford Mustang
58 Great Deals out of 1,366 listings starting at $4,995
Used Toyota RAV4
100 Great Deals out of 2,715 listings starting at $2,500

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.