After experiencing intermittent starting (times where I would hear a click from the front end but starter would not engage) and reading this thread and others, I had my starter replaced yesterday. I found a brand new one on amazon for about $85 and paid a nearby shop $110 to replace. I had called the shop I typically use, but they only use OEM Honda parts and they quoted me almost $800. I kept the old starter so I can take to Autozone to have tested and I can possibly repair or replace it in case I ever have to do this again. I'm also looking into the popular upgrade to the 24F size battery to minimize those chances. After reading up on this issue, it sounds like it is caused mostly by using the small 51R battery with low CCA and the weak charging system that doesn't recharge the battery quickly, which is exacerbated by short trips. These factors all contribute to premature wear on the starter and solenoid. I will make sure to drive with my headlights on all the time regardless of whether I upgrade the battery.

 

I have not yet rebuilt a Honda starter but it sounds like cboothe figured out the exact problem. Locate a contact/rebuild kit and replace the main contacts. The brushes probably have a lot of life left and the bearings are likely just fine.

Let us know how you make out.

 

That is good advice. Hardest part of the job is removing and replacing the starter. The problem with a starter is almost always the main relay contacts. Rebuild or replace the contacts and it should be good for another ten years.

Take care of your battery, battery connections, and always drive with your lights on.

 

What does the "drive with your lights on" have to do with this issue?

Also, if I'm looking for a used CR-V, does this just give me more motivation to go for a base model or "Special Edition" with the traditional key start and without the start button?

Take care of your battery, battery connections, and always drive with your lights on.

 

I just went through this. It will get progressively worse. The problem is the cheap copper contacts they used. The copper contact on the plunger beats the hell out of them over time. Everything else was in great shape on my starter. You can’t get a rebuild kit for our starter, but you can buy one for earlier model Hondas that is nearly identical internally. I bought one for ~$15 on Amazon and rebuilt mine. If you do this, use JB Weld on the plunger lock washer to ensure it doesn’t pop off like mine did the first time.

 

Hello Deano-444. I'm experiencing the same issues with my 2016CRV and indeed gets worse. I did change the battery, starter, relays and still get the same issue. Do you have any pictures of the plunger you changed and the location?
Thanks!

 

Exactly same problem. I replaced the starter and it's working fine now.

 

I just bought a '15 EX-L with 101k miles two weeks ago and have been having these exact same problems. At one point I spent 5-10 minutes and couldn't ever get it to start. My wife came out the next day and it started fine. (She thinks it's somehow just me). I had a Honda dealership inspect the vehicle before I purchased and they found no problems with the battery (and apparently the start button issue didn't happen for them). I'm hesitant to take it to a mechanic for an intermittent problem, but...
I really wish someone had something definitive. It sounds like we are all experiencing the exact same mystery problem.

 

I just bought a '15 EX-L with 101k miles two weeks ago and have been having these exact same problems. At one point I spent 5-10 minutes and couldn't ever get it to start. My wife came out the next day and it started fine. (She thinks it's somehow just me). I had a Honda dealership inspect the vehicle before I purchased and they found no problems with the battery (and apparently the start button issue didn't happen for them). I'm hesitant to take it to a mechanic for an intermittent problem, but...
I really wish someone had something definitive. It sounds like we are all experiencing the exact same mystery problem.

I replied above about a week ago. It has now been a couple weeks since I had the starter replaced with OEM starter and no problems since then. It appears to have solved the problem. And mine was to the point it was happening about once every five starts or so. Total cost about $400 installed.

 

My 2015 Honda CRV has 97,000 miles and this started happening to me as well. I ended up watching a YouTube video and was able to take out the start button, take it apart, and use some connection cleaner to clean all of the metal parts inside of the start stop button. I put it back together and for three consecutive attempts it started on the first push for the first time in about a month. Today I sat in the parking lot of a store for about 10 minutes trying to get it to start again. I had someone check the alternator the starter and the battery and all checked out to be working great. The brake light switch seems to be functioning fine when I crawl underneath the steering wheel and push down the break but I don’t know what else I need to look for to see if that is working properly or not.
I really don’t wanna buy a $50 stop start button if that is not the issue. What else has everybody tried because it seems like everything else in the car is working perfectly.

 

Mine started doing it more regularly, so that a couple weeks ago it wouldn't start for me four times in 6 days. Every time it would eventually turn over but it sounded like it is hesitating even when it did. I went to a mechanic I really trust and have used for years and he thought it was the starter. He did some research and it seems that some starters can begin to have problems when your battery gets low and I had my battery replaced right about the same time this problem started. So, last week he ordered and OEM starter (not a rebuilt) and installed it for a total of $400 including labor. It has been a week and it is working fine and I have to admit it is turning over faster then it did before. I hope this solves it. I just wanted it fixed and the starter was the most difficult and expensive to replace. And I can't complain, in almost 6 years nothing else has broken on the car.

 

I'm having the same issue. My 2015 CRV has 97,000 miles and a brand new battery. Just like others have said, a week ago I started having intermittent issues getting my engine to start. Sometimes only my dash lights will click on when I press the brake and push start; the engine won't turn over. I turn off the start button, and then restart and the engine turns on. So far...

Interestingly, my daughter owns an 2018 HRV and got a warranty extension letter from Honda noting:
"The vehicle may not start upon first press of the ENGINE START/STOP button. Also the MID displays the error message KEYLESS START SYSTEM ERROR..." Honda is extending the warranty on engine start/stop switch to 9 years or 125,000 miles. If the engine start/stop switch has failed, it will be replaced. Has anyone heard of something similar for the CRV?

 

My 2015 CRV has about 80K miles and has started doing the same thing intermittently. Usually after driving and sitting about 30 minutes. Anyone get anything definite from a dealer or repair shop. Any information would be much appreciated. Thanks.

 

I believe you need to replace the entire starter assembly with the solenoid.

See the beginning of the video.

 

*heard a distinct "click"

 

I check the Brake light switch and it is engaging properly - I checked the battery and it load tests good and charging rate is 14.3-15 volts..I head a distinct click from the starter motor area when start button is pushed.. To ilovemyhonda ? is there a repair to the solenoid or just replacement of starter?

 

Could be starter solenoid.
2015 CRV Intermittent Starting Issue

 

It sounds like the brake switch is not engaging if it goes to ACC mode when pressing the start button. Something to check as well.

 

I have a 2015 also with 73,000 and am having the same issues. Because it is intermittent and unable to reproduce at will, what tests did the mechanic perform to identify a failed starter motor?

 

Just curious - does your CR-V sometimes only make a loud "click" from the starter and nothing else, when you press the start button? And then start fine after pressing the start button 1-2 times? This just started happening to my CR-V. I don't think its a battery problem, the battery is only 7-8 months old. Other times it starts repeatedly just fine. It's never left me stranded yet but its only a matter of time. I've taken it to one mechanic but he didn't seem to figure much out because the starter checked out fine on his tester and the car started fine for him. I don't want to have the starter replaced without knowing that's the problem. Any other observations that might be helpful to know?

 

Hello,
I have a 2015 CR-V with about 83,000 miles. Recently I've started having an issue where on the first or second attempts to start the car with the push button start, the car doesn't crank but only goes to Accessory mode. Generally the car will finally start after pushing the button a few times. Does this sound like a problem with the starter? Battery is fairly new and it cranks fine. I will take the starter for a test but just wanted to check on the forum as well.

Thanks
Christopher

The most likely problem is that the starter is shot. I had the same problem at 53,000 miles. My mechanic said it's not unusual for the crv.

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The most likely problem is that the starter is shot. I had the same problem at 53,000 miles. My mechanic said it's not unusual for the crv.

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How much did it cost to get fixed?