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Starter not disengaging right away

Tiny
ETERNALARIANNE
  • MEMBER
  • 2011 HONDA ODYSSEY
  • 3.5L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 201,079 MILES
Over the last week or so when I release the key after hearing the engine fire up, sometimes I hear a buzzing/grinding sound like the starter isn't disengaging right away. It only lasts for maybe half a second and It's not every time I crank it, but enough to cause me to wonder if something is starting to go bad.

My neighbor who used to be a mechanic said it's common on these vans for the ignition switch to stick and not disengage right away, especially when it's colder outside. Is that true? If so, is there a way to lubricate it?

I just want to catch it before anything bad happens like grinding out or burning up the starter.
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Monday, November 29th, 2021 AT 2:22 PM

8 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,269 POSTS
Hi,

I'm not familiar with that being an issue. However, it is certainly possible.

With this many miles, it could be the solenoid on the starter itself that is slightly sticking from dirt and wear.

Regardless, try spraying a small amount of a lubricant such as WD40 or equivalent into the cylinder. See if the issue stops. If it doesn't, chances are either the switch will need to be replaced or we will need to see if something is causing the Bendix in the starter to stick.

Let me know what happens or if you have other questions. Also, pay attention when releasing the key from start to see if it feels odd.

Take care,

Joe
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Monday, November 29th, 2021 AT 8:05 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,269 POSTS
Hi,

I was reviewing some of my posts and came back to this one. I forgot to add something. If you find lubricating the key doesn't help, I would replace the starter motor. As I mentioned above, it could be an issue with the Bendix hanging up a bit.

Here is a link you may find helpful. It explains how, in general, to replace a starter motor.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-starter-motor

Also, I included the directions specific to this vehicle below.

Let me know if there is anything I can do to help.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
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Tuesday, November 30th, 2021 AT 4:58 PM
Tiny
ETERNALARIANNE
  • MEMBER
  • 181 POSTS
Okay, maybe spraying WD40 into the ignition key was a bad idea. I tried to crank it multiple times after spraying just to make sure the lubrication got down into the ignition cylinder. It sounds like it's grinding every single time I crank it.

I let it sit a few minutes, and it cranked up fine no grind. I'll guess if I notice any more I'll have to replace the starter.
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Wednesday, December 1st, 2021 AT 6:19 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,269 POSTS
Hi,

If the starter was grinding, it does sound like the Bendix is bad and the starter is going bad. Spraying the lock cylinder wouldn't cause this.

Regardless, let me know if the problem returns or if there is anything I can do to help.

Take care,

Joe
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Wednesday, December 1st, 2021 AT 5:53 PM
Tiny
ETERNALARIANNE
  • MEMBER
  • 181 POSTS
It's due for another timing belt change soon I'll just have the mechanic replace the starter while they have it torn down. Thanks
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Thursday, December 2nd, 2021 AT 3:41 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,269 POSTS
Hi,

Sounds like a plan. If there is anything I can do to help, let me know.

Take care of yourself and please feel free to come back any time in the future.

Joe
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Thursday, December 2nd, 2021 AT 6:50 PM
Tiny
ETERNALARIANNE
  • MEMBER
  • 181 POSTS
Okay. So, I contacted the dealer about getting the timing belt done (which is $1,132.00) and I mentioned having the starter replaced. They wanted nearly $800.00 to do the starter!

They did say they could do a remanufactured starter for around $700, but I found those for less than $300.00 at Auto Parts store. So that means they are charging nearly $400.00 in labor, which seems a bit high to me since they will already be in there doing the timing belt.

How difficult would it be to replace the starter myself? I don't mind getting dirty if it means saving nearly $400.00 (assuming I get a remanufactured starter). Or could I somehow just replace or lubricate the solenoid?
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Thursday, January 20th, 2022 AT 11:54 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,269 POSTS
Hi,

The flat rate (time given) to replace the starter is 1 hour. If they are charging that much, all I can say is wow!!! Also, the only thing needing to be removed to access it is the air filter box. Of course, the battery will need to be disconnected.

If you look below, I attached the directions specific to your vehicle for replacement. Also, I did a little research and found starters on Rockauto.com for under 100 dollars plus shipping. Additionally, if you do a google search for Rockauto discounts, you can get a coupon number that will get you 5% off.

I don't work for them. LOL, I just have had experience and saved a lot of money over the years. It's just a thought. Note: If you pick one with a core charge, you will need to pay that, but you get the money back when you return your old starter.

Here is a link you may find helpful. It explains in general how one is replaced.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-starter-motor

The specifics are in the pics below. Also, I did include the battery disconnect procedure and the directions for removing the airbox.

Let me know if this helps or if I can help in any way.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
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Thursday, January 20th, 2022 AT 7:22 PM

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