2014 Honda Accord Intermittent No Crank Condition

This 2014 Honda Accord was brought in for a no start, no crank condition. Multiple power management codes are not relevant and caused by the aftermarket start system. Could be misleading for sure. Problem was a failing stater. Caught it with a remote start button attached directly to the starter. Replaced the starter assembly.

[@jerryeads4084]

I've had this going on for months. Last time it just quit, I actually towed it to my local private magicians and we DID find the battery was on its way south. Replaced battery, had no problem for a month or so, now it's just started up again. EXACTLY the symptoms you had here. Guess I was lucky - our '14 just crossed 150k. I'll get the starter replaced this week and we'll see what happens. THANK YOU for a superb piece of methodical detective work.

[@PhillipBailey]

Thanks for the comment but please understand it may not be the starter since there are multiple causes for this intermittent problem. Good luck.

[@yezkaholic]

Any updates bud?

[@the_equilibrium]

Any updates ?

[@jerryeads4084]

@@yezkaholic Sorry, I just discovered the mailbox these go to. On the '14 Accord v6, yes, did replace the starter, and it behaves properly virtually always, BUT very rarely it'll sound like the starter teeth don't engage. Only happens once, then second attempt starter engages fine. It's happened MAYBE three times since starter replacement., now have 180k on it, so 3x in 30k.

[@yezkaholic]

@jerryeads4084 no problem Ended up getting rid of the car no one could quite figure it out

[@juanambriz9231]

Thank you for your time and sharing your knowledge!

[@555PropertyGroup]

Very helpful, this guy is really good and walks you through the diagnosis steps, very cool, I learned something!

[@zzz-cb3xe]

I heard it's bad ignition switch but not sure. Thousands of people have problems with their accord from 2013 and 2014 they replace starters, alternators or batteries and the issue comes back..... I bet honda knows what the issue is but they make thusands by replacing unnecessary parts. This issue has been known for years.

[@akfitness4077]

Literally me right now, I have replaced all of these parts except for the battery because I figured if it wouldn’t work with a jump then it’s not the battery and I still am stuck with no working car

[@cardoc231]

CRV's have the same problem!

[@powerboatguy2308]

@@cardoc231 I believe it is a sensor problem with my car. when the starter engages, it starts right up. Usually starters do not abruptly fail. My car either starts or does nothing, I think it is a brake or transmission sensor.

[@everardorodriguez2445]

Phillip, thank you sir for your very informative video and the due diligence you do at your shop. My daughters 2014 Honda Civic has that exact same issue. Where is your shop located. People around your area should be very grateful they have an honest and knowledgeable mechanic.

[@PhillipBailey]

Thanks for the feedback. I'm just outside of Thunder Bay in Ontario Canada 🇨🇦 eh.

[@everardorodriguez2445]

@@PhillipBailey Lucky guys out there in Ontario Canada, to have you around. Have a nice day. I've subscribed.

[@timfrost4291]

Phillip, correct me if I'm wrong. Bad brushes will cause slow if any starter rotation. Bad contacts will only make clicking sound. My starter turns the engine over 3 slow revolutions. Next try it cranks. SUBSCRIBED!

[@PhillipBailey]

Sounds like you might have a shorted armature, worn bushings allowing the armature to drag on the field poles or bad brushes. High resistance in the cables or connections can cause this as well as can low battery voltage. Sometimes worn brushes will cause a n0-crank condition intermittently as well. A solenoid failure can cause a no-crank or just a clicking condition but rarely a slow cranking condition. IMO good luck.

[@dccommunications9341]

I had the same problem, it was the battery current sensor. you can bypass it with a jumper cable. all off the current goes thru the battery sensor mounted on the battery. connect one end of the neg jumper cable to the neg batt terminal and the other end of the neg jumper cable to WHERE THE NEG BATT CABLE IS CONNECTED TO THE BATTERY CURRENT SENSOR. This will bypass the current sensor and provide full power to starter motor. I replaced my starter and 2 months later it did not start. Honda has sold a ton of starters probably for no reason. search for youtube accord battery sensor for more pictures.

[@natedogg8648]

Honda already had a recall for that battery sensor my 2014 accord starter is failing I’m getting mines replaced Monday

[@mikecurtis1111]

My daughter has a 2014 Accord Sport with manual transmission. She's been having this issue for a while. Codes showed failing alternator and starter. I replaced the starter, and the issue was resolved... for about a month. That starter was a freaking pain in the ass to replace, so I'm not looking forward to doing it again. Really feel like it's an ignition switch issue. Really hope it's something easy to fix

[@socialray4252]

My ‘14 lx with a manual transmission is doing the same thing. Replaced starter, it was great for about a week. It seems like the longer the car is running the less likely it is to start after warm up. I drive about 100 miles per day.

[@bornwestusa]

The starter is a VERY common failure point in these Accords, you might hear a "click" but it won't crank is the tell.

[@powerboatguy2308]

Yes, mine has been doing that for a year. Sometimes it will start right up, then sometimes it will take you 5 minutes to get the starter to react. I've noticed in my car, under cold weather it does not happen as much, but after I have driven it or it is hot outside, more likely to happen.

[@jimgagne3801]

disconnect the flywheel and rotate it one bolt hole. fixed our shit box 2014 v6 accord after burning 3 starters from grinding or just not engaging . don't know why it worked but it did. been going fine for over a year now. I'll never own a Honda but the wife loves these toilets.

[@loebelectric]

Thanks for your very informative video. I have a 2013 EX-L CVT and am having this exact problem although I do not have a remote starter. I've been doing a lot of research and have found several people with this same problem who have had their starters replaced but the problem continues. I'm very reluctant to spend $800-$1000 to replace my starter and continue to have the intermittent no crank condition. Any idea why so many have had their starters replaced and continue to have this problem?

[@PhillipBailey]

It seems to me that the starters are common to fail. Actually seems its the solenoid internal in the starter which seems to be the root cause of the nocrank condition. Trouble is you have to have some test equipment on it to catch it in the act. The control terminal is difficult to access. If you could get a test light wired to the control terminal and put it in a place where you can watch it each time it cranks is a good way to catch the problem. If the test lamp lights but it doesn't crank the problem is in the starter. If the test light doesn't light when it doesn't crank then it is likely a problem in the control circuit, starter relay, safety switches or security issues. The problem is catching the condition. Make sure the battery cables and connections are good as well. Good luck

[@andrew041994]

Hey Scott I’ve got the same car as you with the same issue, were you able to figure out the issue?

[@loebelectric]

@@andrew041994 Unfortunately I have not yet found anyone who can solve the problem

[@loebelectric]

This is my 5th Honda and my last Honda. They've lost a customer for good. Very disappointed.

[@andrew041994]

@@loebelectric ok thanks for the response 🙏

[@sandyande]

Good tip about after market remote start cheers sandy

[@PhillipBailey]

Definitely could be misleading at best.

[@francomg3184]

Im having the same problem right now. Same car, but manual key start.

[@PhillipBailey]

Yes it seems fairly common for these starters to fail in this manner. Trouble is there are other possible causes. Try turning off the radio and blower fan, open the door or driver window and listen for a single click from the starter. If you hear a metalic click from the starter its likely the same issue and you're going to end up replacing the starter assembly. Good luck and let us know what you find...

[@rosagarcia7423]

What is the manual key?

[@PhillipBailey]

@@rosagarcia7423 I think they mean a conventional key you insert and turn versus a push button start with the fob in the car.

[@pennymarmar]

I have a conventional key and my car is a stick stift also 2014 this is simply ridiculous . how i changed the battery n starter..and still doesnt start unless i pop start it. Grrrrr

[@MD-ju1wy]

Great detective work 👍👍 I'm gonna need a new starter.

[@PhillipBailey]

Now if I could find the problem with the Rav I have right now...

[@Might69er_]

It’s the current sensor on neg battery terminal or battery starter fuse Honda a lot of battery issues

[@reekayeat770]

You sure this is it? I’m running out of options

[@jamessaldana8896]

2015 Honda Accord....sometimes the car starts fine, sometimes it does not start (doesn't make a grinding noise or anything) but after a few attempts eventually it will...turns on everything else perfectly fine during that process. Thought maybe it could be a bad brake switch or whatever sends the signal that the brake is pressed to start but I have no idea.

[@PhillipBailey]

Intermittent problems are the worst to diagnose. You need to have test equipment on the circuit when it happens. My money would be on the starter if there are no security code or control circuit codes.

[@reekayeat770]

Same exact car/same exact problem And mine is a sport if that makes any difference

[@the_equilibrium]

Any updates buddy? , I'm having the same problem right now

[@tankcasso2441]

Me to

[@leumasal007]

I have the same problem with my 2014 Honda Accord Sport. I've changed kick starter, relay module, ignition switch, and battery terminals and the issue persists. Usually, I'd leave it for 20-40 mins before it starts. It's worse in the summer.

[@PhillipBailey]

Starters are a high failure item. To be sure you need to have some diagnostic tools on it and catch it in the act...

[@leumasal007]

@@PhillipBailey Thanks, I'll go back to paying attention to the starter.

[@SargeRvB1]

@@leumasal007 Any update on this? Same car and having the same problem here

[@leumasal007]

@@SargeRvB1 Still not been resolved. I am dreading buying another kick starter for almost $400. It's really frustrating!

[@SargeRvB1]

@@leumasal007 I see autozone has one for around $300 and rock auto has one for about $200 after core return. Replaced battery connectors and couldn't even find the relay module. Now moving onto the starter

[@lionsden7777]

Followed your video. Not bad. Was able to take the starter off.

[@PhillipBailey]

Glad it helped you.

[@cd8431]

What is the p/n for the starter assembly? Is the circuit board with many relay sitting on and the circuit board is inside the black box? And do you have problem with after-market starter after months of using? I was told by the dealer that Honda Accord is very sensitive with the after-market starter, spark plugs and alternator. They strongly recommend to use OEM products for those. Thanks for excellent video.

[@josemacias6734]

My 2015 accord sport did the same thing but I dont have the push button. My mechanic first checked the battery, then the fuse , then the starter, when it got to the starter he connected his machine and we were able to reenact the click with no start. It was infact the starter. Never did it again after but now my keyfob wont work along with the inside doorlocks on driver door, any ideas? Thanks

[@matthewwilson743]

I’ve recently had this issue occur with my starter. But I would like to say after watching your video that the door lock codes are most likely not from that after market remote starter.. as my car doesn’t have one and those same codes have shown up on my vehicle. Every time I’ve cleared the codes they show back up 2-3 times after starting the car.

[@PhillipBailey]

That's interesting to note but I don't think they have any bearing on the starting system.

[@robbobcat7286]

having the same issue just ordered a starter. My son had an aftermarket car starter installed on Hyundai and he would leave the car and keys in the garage.I walked in the garage the car was running no one around.I pulled the remote starter out of the car the fuse holder and some wiring was all melted

[@gkpangora4831]

I have got the same problem of intermittent starting on 14 Accord EXL. i can hear the clicking sound and when you try after fe minutes, it will start. Headlights, Radio , Dash lights all work. Any one who changed the starter continue to have the same problems? My Rear camera and lane watch camera also stopped working. No more Honda.

[@PhillipBailey]

Its probably the starter but to be sure you need to have a test light connected to the starter S terminal and see the light light up and hear the starter just click at tge same time. Seems to be a common failure inside the starter solenoid. Also if you can confirm the click is actually from the starter then thats likely your problem...l have a video on the same car for the rear camera that quit.

[@PhillipBailey]

Here's my backup camera diagnosis kzbin.info/www/bejne/rWm2c3SnfrmjrLs

[@gkpangora4831]

@@PhillipBailey Thanks much. Yes i can hear the metallic clicking sound when pushing the start button. Is there any after market Starter you recommend or is it better to stick with OEM.

[@PhillipBailey]

@@gkpangora4831 compare prices. I dont think I'd go OEM unless it was a better price or warranty. Check price and warranty on aftermarket reman. Often they have a lifetime warranty on the part. HTH

[@Channel-kf8zt]

I changed the starter $750 still doing it. I feel like at times the ignition does not shut all the way off. My garage wants to replace the starter again, but Im not up for another $500 labor fee. I think I will have the pushbutton start replaced.

[@jamesscott7557]

I totally disagree with this article. If the starter worked with a jumper, the problem is not the starter, but the controls sending power to the starter. If the starter did not work with a jumper it would indicate a starter failure.

[@PhillipBailey]

If you watch the video at 9:24 into the video I did put direct power to the S terminal with a remote switch. The starter just clicked twice and then cranked and started on the third attempt. So yes it did not initially work with a jumper so it got a starter. Thanks for the comment.

[@victornaja7927]

@@PhillipBailey hi tell me how you hooked up the remote start to the s terminal please.

[@PhillipBailey]

@@victornaja7927 I slid a backspin into the S wire terminal and connected it through a remote start switch to the positive battery post.

[@user-tv4ey3ct7m]

Hi, Phillip, My wife's 2015 Accord V6, with 50k had similar, very intermittent no-crank issues: It happened twice in one day about a year ago, then again today, once. Then the car cranks up OK again. Yes, she has a hi-quality remote starter (she coached kids in the evenings that can get very cold here, North of Chicago). But now in Spring she leaves the remote back at home, so it's not attached to her key chain. What's your suggestion? Should she keep the remote handy, so that when this happens again she could start up the car with that remote? Thanks!

[@PhillipBailey]

If its an actual problem with the starter it will do the same thing when starting with the remote. The remote starter bypasses the ignition switch but still uses the same starter and control circuit. Unfortunately you need to have test equipment on the circuit when it acts up to qualify what's happening. If it dies and stays a no crank problem it's pretty easy to test. Sorry no silver bullet.

[@Prozak1967]

@@PhillipBailey yes, intermittent behavior is really tricky! But thanks for the info!

[@yslheav]

Was recently driving and all of a sudden the car lost power and wouldn’t start again, everything works inside, radio, lights, etc but just won’t turn on. When in start position it just clicks, could this be the starter? Ordered one and it should come in a few days and hoping by replacing it it should fix the issue, any tips?

[@PhillipBailey]

A starter failure will not cause it to lose power and stall in my opinion. I'd make sure the engine is not seized. Try turning the engine by hand clockwise on tge crank bolt. Make sure the battery is fully charged too.

[@nwgambler6405]

I had the same problem. When I replaced the starter as soon as I put the negative battery cable on the starter starts spinning and won't stop. Any ideas?

[@PhillipBailey]

It's either a defective starter or there is a short to power on tge S wire at the starter. Disconnect the S wire and see what happens. If it still starts cranking when you try to hook up the ground then get another starter. If not check for power on the disconnected S wire. Could be a stuck starter relay. Good luck

[@kimwdobson1228]

Have the same problem you have described that you purportedly fixed by replacing the starter; and, was wondering if this could also be an issue with oxidation internal to the start-stop pushbutton switch, similar to that found on some Honda HR'V’s; which are fixed by removing the start-stop pushbutton, pulling the back off the switch and cleaning the contacts in the switch with Electronic Contact Cleaner; then, reassembling and reinstalling the pushbutton switch. Am currently trying to investigate this as a possible cause on my 2015 Honda Accord Sedan with 6-spd manual transmission. Only 1-problem, after having removed the console and the radio; as well as, the climate control HVAC unit, I cannot figure out how to remove that part of the dash that the start-stop pushbutton switch is mounted thru. Thoughts?

[@PhillipBailey]

Sorry but I've never had the push button switch out so I'm not much help to you. I suppose it's possible for the push button switch to cause a similar issue. The symptoms would be very similar but so could a problem with the starter relay, neutral safety switch and a possible problem with the immobilizer system. Problem is its most often intermittent and difficult to reproduce consistently. Good Luck

[@rlposadas513]

2014 Honda Accord EX-L, 4-cyl, 66k miles. Same issue. I had the starter replaced with an OEM starter by a local trust-worthy mechanic exactly last year. Just recently, the same symptoms started acting up. After pressing the push start, car would turn over. Turn off the car and try to restart, dead...nothing happens when pressing. It takes a few attempts (maybe more than 5 after sitting and waiting) before it finally catches and starts. This is to be our reliable daily driver and do not want to get stuck. Nor, do I want to spend close to $1k for another starter. Please help.

[@PhillipBailey]

You need to connect a test light to the starter S terminal and monitor the light when the starter does not respond. If the light illuminates but the starter does not crank you need another starter. Most replacement starters come with a lifetime warranty. If the light does not illuminate then there is a problem in the control circuit in which case you'll need a scanner and further testing to track down. Keep in mind that the condition has to be present to diagnose it. If the starter works during testing the test results are inconclusive. Good luck...

[@rlposadas513]

@@PhillipBailey thanks for the tips and advice. Ended up replacing with another starter. Mechanic said that the OEM unit replaced last year must have came from a bad batch.

[@yezkaholic]

@@rlposadas513 did your issue fix. It sounds like my issue but mine usually on hot days

[@rlposadas513]

@@yezkaholic yeah, considering it’s a new starter again, unfortunately. so far so good. cranks immediately. warranty is 12k or 12 mos, whichever comes first, so will see. it didn’t matter in weather conditions in my case. good luck with yours. I know how frustrating/puzzling it can be.

[@yezkaholic]

@@rlposadas513 yeah I've already taken it to dealer ship and couple mechanics with no luck. It starts as long it's cold so i use for work because ei know it will have 8 hours of cooling off. But probably wouldn't drive it to the liquor store. Yes indeed very frustrating I will consider replacing the starter again i already replaced it 2 years ago

[@collinsmith3872]

Where did u get your starter

[@PhillipBailey]

I used a Wilson remanufactured unit from the local parts store. Part number was WLS-91-26-2174

[@rosagarcia7423]

My 2014 won’t start same problem 😡 hate honda

[@PhillipBailey]

You need to be more specific... It wont crank when trying to start or it won't do anything, no response from the starter? They are significantly different problems. Do the headlights work? Does the dash light up and MIL come on? Does the radio and heater blower work? Is there any click heard from the starter, (turn the radio and heater fan off and listen carefully). If the battery is dead nothing will work...

[@elle1731]

Did u use Honda starter or aftermarket?

[@PhillipBailey]

No I used a Wilson reman unit.

[@elle1731]

@@PhillipBailey thank u so much. I’m a nerdy girl that researches and I can’t get no respect from these men mechanics that won’t listen and I try to be somewhat knowledgeable. Can this”Wilson reman unit” be found at any chain auto supplier. I’m in Mississippi like all of us wish I was in Canada near by u. Thx again

[@PhillipBailey]

@@elle1731 thanks... there should be a number of rebuilder brands available at any parts store. Wilson and Dixie are common here. Look ar Rock Auto they will have multiple choices. Be aware though most shops don't like installing customer supplied parts since they are not making their markup on the part. There is also a warranty concern with customer supplied parts. For instance the way it typically works is if I supply the part and install it there is a minimum of 90 days warranty on both parts and labor. Some parts have longer parts warranty beyond 90 days. The starter I installed has a limited lifetime warranty to the original owner provided the vehicle is not used commercially (taxi cab for instance). If you were to supply the part and it were to fail because of a defect in the part in the first 90 days only the part would be covered, you would have to deal with the part supplier for another part and you would have to pay to have it installed a second time. Hope this helps. Good luck... Here is a link to Rock Auto www.rockauto.com/

[@elle1731]

@@PhillipBailey I’m going to try to contact a auto shop teacher at The local h.s who’s helped me previously.

[@elle1731]

@@PhillipBailey Hi again can u tell me why the starters look different some look like the Goodyear blimp w/ a camera or cannon on top I’m confused. Of course I’m using my VIN to narrow it down.

[@Might69er_]

Yea it’s the pink battery fuse

[@area859]

I have a 2014 Honda Accord exl v6 coupe...I have the intermittent starting issue...pretty sure it's the starter..its a grinding static like sound...but after a couple or more pushing the start button it starts..service bulletin for this is 16-002...guess I'm taking mine in to Honda to get raped...I hear it's about $750 for new starter

[@PhillipBailey]

I'd suspect a starter problem as it seems common.

[@Striker50_]

Buy aftermarket and do it yourself it will be about $150 and takes like 20 minutes if you have ramps

[@PhillipBailey]

@@Striker50_ If you can do that in 20 minutes you should get a job as a tech...

[@Striker50_]

@@PhillipBailey You're basically removing 2 screws that hold it on, not much to it aside from the tight space

[@jimgagne3801]

disconnect the flywheel and rotate it one bolt hole. fixed our shit box 2014 v6 accord after burning 3 starters from grinding.. don't know why it worked but it did.

[@the.trollgubbe2642]

Was just told my car can not be fixed, its not starter, battery, or relay module, I will have to buy a new car.

[@PhillipBailey]

Is the engine seized

[@1jamaican]

I've got the same intermittent problem and I have watched numerous videos to no avail. I have a 2014 EX with no aftermarket starters. I too do not want to spend money replacing batteries (mines currently 18 months old) Key FOBs and batteries, starters and still......nothing. I hate to sound like cheapskate BUT, I need something more definitive to go after. Anyone else got a lead on this?

[@PhillipBailey]

Unfortunately is a network code scan does not return any codes you need to access the starter S terminal and attach a test light to it, run it out of the engine bay where you can see it from the driver seat. Every time you start the car that light will illuminate. If it illuminates but does not start you need a starter. If it does not start and tge light does not light up then you need to diagnose the control circuit. If it would die and stay dead its actually easy to diagnose. The starter is not too bad to replace and it appears quite common to fail. You could roll the dice and throw a starter at it. I charged this customer $727.00 Canadian so that's about $550.00 USD. Good luck

[@michaelrobledo]

On my 2013 Accord the engine does not always start. When it does not start I continue to hold the brake pedal down then push and HOLD the START/STOP button and it will start. This indicates that there is a possible problem with either the push button switch or the brake switch.

[@timfrost4291]

@@michaelrobledo I'm having this same problem. I'm mechanically inclined with an electrical (trade school) degree. Unless we have a way to test the "S" wire while starting we are only guessing. I've thrown 2 new batteries at this problem. I thought it was battery failure due to the reduced charging rate Honda has incorporated to save fuel. I do run a volt meter. Mine will start on the 2nd attempt. 1st try it turns over 3 revs.

[@LouieGMDesign]

I just switched out my old starter motor on my 2014 Accord Sport. Can the old starter motor be sent off to be serviced/repaired/reconditioned? If so, who does so?

[@PhillipBailey]

If you bought a reman starter then the old one goes back for a "core" and it is rebuilt. You would have paid a core charge which typically gets refunded to you when you bring back the original. If you purchased a new starter then they don't usually want the core returned and didn't charge you the core price. There are some starter and alternator shops that rebuild them but due to labor costs and parts accessibility these are becoming fewer. I'd ask your parts supplier.

[@PLATINUM2U]

I have the V6 version. I'm on my 4th starter. Mine kept grinding so now I have to have the torque converter replaced along with the flywheel 🤦🤦 Honda quality sucks nowadays Everything started at 20k miles

[@PhillipBailey]

Why the torque converter? That has nothing to do with the starter. I can see flywheel but converter no.

[@PLATINUM2U]

@@PhillipBailey I honestly have no idea 🤷 it's what the dealership has communicated with American Honda.

[@PhillipBailey]

@@PLATINUM2U for a grinding problem I could see the starter damaging the flywheel teeth.

[@chancemcdowell6052]

Because if I'm not mistaken the flywheel ring gear is on the converter

[@PhillipBailey]

@@chancemcdowell6052 Ah they hired that laid off Chrysler engineer...

[@martinkiberenge4405]

I have honda accord 2014 i have to restart it like 3 times for it to start,ive gone like 3 places they told me they can't see any problem,please can somebody tell me what might be wrong am stressed

[@PhillipBailey]

You need to be clear about the symptoms. Is it actually cranking but not starting or not cranking at all. Is it starting and stalling. These symptoms are caused by significantly different conditions. If its not cranking it could be a number of possibilities with exactly the same symptoms. If it does not act up while testing you just might have to wait until the condition gets worse. Good luck.

[@tgoodm1]

👍🏽