2006 hard starting when cold

[ranchero]

hey newbie here,
figured i should join the forum.
i love my CRV family ride. we use it for everything.

lately the problem has been starting when its cold in the mornings.
i had a problem with the vtec sensor and had it replaced by the dealer last month. they tested the car and found the battery to be on its way out. it was a 5 year battery and its been 3-1/2 years. i replaced it couple weeks ago. got it at O'reilly auto parts. tag says 10/12 on it.
car seemed to start no problem.
this morning it would really labor to turn over.
i just tested it with my multi-tester this evening.

12.5V not running, everything off
13.5-88 when headlights on and A/C or heater turned on full power.
13.9 when headlights, accessories off and engine just idling.
when cranking it dropped to about 11.1 then jumped to 13 when it kicked over.

i cleaned battery terminals and cable ends when i installed the new battery.
could it be a starter solenoid or starter going out?

thanks for any input.

i'll see what happens again tomorrow a.m.

[Carbuff2]

If your multimeter has a Peak Hold function, invoke that during starting. Battery voltage should not drop below 9 - 10 volts under starter load.

Have you inspected the battery connectors? A loose connector clamp could cause a low voltage even with a good battery.


I replaced my battery recently, and found that the posts on the new one were smaller than the OE battery's. Even when fully tightened, one clamp could be moved around. I had to shim that terminal to properly tighten it.


+++++++++++++



Our CR-V's charging system provides 14.6 volts when charging. With headlamps and A/C and fan on, voltage is still 14.4, even at idle. (This data is available through the OBII port under the steering column. I have a Garmin EcoRouteHD hooked up to it)

How many miles on your V? Have you ever changed the serpentine (accessory) belt that drives the alternator? Many owners replace theirs over 100K miles. Yours could be slipping.

[Scout1]

When its cold? How cold outside is it? Where are you located?
But the content is talking of an electric problem, hard time turning over?

[freeheeltim]

Spend 60 bucks and get an engine block heater. I'll never own a car without one after I installed it on my newly acquired '07 about a year ago. Then again, I live in Winter Park, CO. I've seen morning temperatures as low as -48F (not windchill. actual temp.) Without a block heater, IF your car starts when it's that cold, the engine makes some horrible, sickly sounds for a few minutes after start up. I don't care what viscosity oil you run, at those temps NOTHING is going to flow properly. Started my car a few mornings ago in temps around -35F. Instant start up, relatively warm air coming from the vents virtually immediately, and the coolant gauge shows temp within about 3 mins (or less) of driving. Do yourself a favor and get the block heater. Even in moderate temps in the 20's it makes an enormous difference. Your car will thank you with added years of life for never grinding metal on metal after a sub-zero start.

Edit to add: My battery has always seemed weak, even after replacing it my 2nd battery in the year I've owned the car. Conclusion: Honda batteries suck. Thank goodness for the battery warranty. With the block heater, it's not a problem since it's so easy for the engine to turn over.

[Buffalo4]

Make sure you are using the proper wt of engine oil.
Since you made sure the bat cable connections were tight and clean when you replaced the battery, check the cable connection at the starter relay (I think it has one) and also at the starter (those cables may be hot so be careful not to short one out to a metal surface. Disconnecting the battery is the safest way to do it). Also make sure the starter mounting bolts are tight and that the ground strap from the battery to the vehicle frame is clean and tight.
It could also be a worn out starter. Sometimes the grounding strap from the starter itself gets corroded or torn.
Buffalo4

[Buffalo4]

Disregard this post as I don't seem to be able to delete it.
Buffalo4

[ranchero]

well,
i had to do some service on the V.
i replaced the serpentine belt and spark plugs last week of December. she just hit 101k miles.
oil change was done couple mons. ago from Honda as i had a Vtec sensor issue. got it all done at once.

the car seemed to be starting a little slow, but not as bad.
wife complained again this a.m.

i'll have to test in the morning again tomorrow.
i'm in long beach ,CA. it hits a low of around 38-42 in the a.m. lately.

once it gets warmed up, she is quick to turn over and fire up.

its just the first fire up, its a slow crank.

[ranchero]

well, problem is still persisting.
i checked battery and still seems fine with the charge.
this sounds dumb, where is the starter located?
i have a feeling it may be the starter.
she seems to have the most problem starting first thing in the mornings.

[Buffalo4]

Try here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDtcfI5Krq4
If you take it out, you can take it to AutoZone or similar and they will test it free.
Best of luck.
Buffalo4
PS:Perhaps you should try a jumper battery to see if the starter spins faster before removing the starter. It could be that the present battery is not doing well when it is cold.

[ranchero]

buffalo,
when i put a multimeter on the battery and started it, it read 11 volts during cranking, then fired and went up to 12.6 area.
i gotta get under it and check some wiring first.