What are the reasons why a Honda Accord has power but cannot start?
4 Answers
Honda Accord has power but cannot start possibly due to no fuel, or starter motor failure. There are two types of starter motor failures: the first is insufficient starter motor speed to turn the engine, and the second is an issue with the starter motor solenoid. It can be resolved by going to a 4S shop for inspection and repair. Below are the reasons why a car may not start: 1. Insufficient fuel: If the fuel level is too low, the car naturally won't start. 2. Incorrect gear position: An incorrect gear position can also prevent the car from starting. Generally, the correct gear positions for starting are P (Park) or N (Neutral). 3. Electrical or electronic failure: If this is the cause, there are usually no prior signs before the car fails to start, and it happens very suddenly. 5. Circuit failure: Blown fuse, open circuit in the high-voltage coil, open circuit in the low-voltage circuit, detached central ignition wire, leaking distributor rotor, or damaged spark plug. 6. Fuel system failure: Possible locations of fuel system failures include: fuel pump malfunction, blocked fuel line, clogged fuel filter, carbon buildup on spark plugs, damaged fuel injectors, etc.
I just encountered this situation last month with my old Accord—the dashboard lit up but it just wouldn't start. After struggling for a while, I found out it was the starter relay that had failed, located in the engine bay fuse box. If you pull out the relay and shake it, a rustling sound indicates contact erosion. Another major reason could be that the key's anti-theft chip wasn't recognized; I had to remove and reinsert the key three times to disable the anti-theft system. Also, if the gear isn't in P or N, the starter will be locked—automatic transmission owners should pay special attention to this. The most annoying issue is a fuel pump failure; I listened near the fuel tank opening for a humming sound during startup to diagnose it. If none of these are the problem, it's likely the starter motor's carbon brushes are worn out, and you'll need to remove and repair it.
As a mechanic with ten years of experience, I encounter Accords that won't start despite having power almost daily. First, check if the starter motor responds. If there's no sound at all, focus on whether the battery terminals are loose—voltage might be falsely present. The starter solenoid often fails; the most direct test is shorting the two terminals with a screwdriver. Secondly, false triggers of the anti-theft system are common—close the windows, lock the car, wait ten minutes, and try again. Less commonly but importantly, gear position switch failures are frequent; if the dashboard doesn't display 'P' when in Park, it's likely faulty. In older Accords, engine bay wiring harnesses are prone to being chewed by rodents—pay special attention to the thick wire from the battery to the starter. Lastly, don't overlook internal wear in the ignition switch; try the spare key multiple times.
During car repairs, I found that fuel system issues are severely underestimated. The Accord's fuel pump module defect can cause fuel supply interruption, especially a common problem in the 2013 model. Here's a tip: Open the fuel tank cap and listen for a continuous two-second hum from the fuel pump during startup. If the pump isn't working, tap the fuel tank a few times as an emergency measure. Additionally, water ingress causing short circuits in fuel injector wiring is very subtle, especially prone after car washes. A failed crankshaft position sensor can also make the ECU refuse to ignite, which requires checking the RPM data stream with a diagnostic tool. The most troublesome issue is oxidized ground wires, with the main grounding point located at the top of the left front shock absorber tower.
