My acura mdx wont start

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If your Acura MDX won’t start, don’t panic. There are a number of potential causes, and most can be fixed without too much trouble.

If your Acura MDX won’t start, there are a few possible causes and fixes. It could be something as simple as a dead key fob battery or a loose connection. If the problem is with the alternator or starter, you’ll need to replace them.

In this blog post, we will discuss the most common causes of this problem and how to fix them. We will also provide some tips on how to prevent your Acura MDX from not starting in the future.

About the Acura MDX

My acura mdx wont start

The Acura MDX is a mid-size three-row luxury crossover SUV produced by the Japanese automaker Honda under its Acura luxury brand since 2000. The alphanumeric moniker stands for “Multi-Dimensional luxury”. According to Honda, the MDX is the best-selling three-row luxury crossover of all time.

The MDX was introduced as a 2001 model and was selected as the Motor Trend Sport/Utility of the Year for 2002 and 2003. A facelift for the 2007 model year brought about significant changes to the exterior, interior, and powertrain, resulting in the second-generation MDX.

Originally built at Honda’s Canadian plant, the production switched to Alabama in 2013 to the Lincoln plant alongside the Odyssey minivan and Pilot SUV; the MDX was moved to Honda’s East Liberty Auto Plant in Ohio for the 2007 model year alongside the Ridgeline truck and CR-V SUV. A second-generation MDX was unveiled at the New York International Auto Show in April 2013 for the 2014 model year.

For its third generation, Acura completely redesigned the vehicle from scratch (although it still uses a modified version of its previous platform), giving it bold new styling and an all-new chassis. The new MDX is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission. It is available with either front-wheel drive or Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD).

The third generation MDX went on sale in the United States on June 1, 2016, as a 2017 model year vehicle. For the 2019 model year, the A-Spec trim was added.

The fourth generation is currently on the way and should debut at the end of 2022.

1. Battery

My acura mdx wont start

If your Acura MDX won’t start, the first thing to check is the battery. A dead battery is the most common reason why your SUV won’t start. If the battery is dead, you’ll need to jumpstart it or replace it.

How to Test a Car Battery

My acura mdx wont start

There are two easy ways to test a car battery: with a multimeter or with a hydrometer.

A multimeter is an electrical testing device that can measure voltage, current, and resistance. To test a car battery with a multimeter, set the multimeter to the “DC Voltage” setting, and touch the red lead to the positive terminal of the battery and the black lead to the negative terminal.

The reading should be between 12.6 and 12.8 volts. If it’s lower than that, the battery is discharged; if it’s higher, the battery is overcharged.

A hydrometer is a device that measures the density of a liquid. To test a car battery with a hydrometer, remove the cap from the battery and insert the hydrometer’s tube into the opening. Draw some of the battery acids into the tube, and then check the float level in the tube.

The specific gravity (the ratio of the weight of the acid to the weight of an equal volume of water) should be between 1.265 and 1.299. A lower reading indicates that the battery is discharged; a higher reading indicates that the battery is overcharged.

If you don’t have a multimeter or hydrometer, you can still test your car battery by starting the car and turning on the headlights. If the headlights are bright, the battery is probably fine. If they’re dim, the battery is discharged. If your battery fails any of these tests, it needs to be replaced.

How to Replace a Car Battery

My acura mdx wont start

If your car battery is starting to die, it’s important to replace it as soon as possible. A dead battery can leave you stranded and make it difficult to start your car.

There are a few things you need to do before replacing your car battery. First, you need to find the right replacement battery for your car. You can do this by checking your owner’s manual or contacting your car’s manufacturer.

Once you have the right replacement battery, you need to disconnect the old battery and remove it from your car. Be sure to disconnect the negative (-) terminal first and then the positive (+) terminal.

Next, you’ll need to connect the new battery to your car. Start by connecting the positive (+) terminal to the positive post on your car. Then, connect the negative (-) terminal to the negative ( ) post on your car.

Finally, start your car and let it run for a few minutes so that the new battery can charge. Once it’s fully charged, you should be good to go!

2. Starter

The starter is what gives the engine the push it needs to start firing on all cylinders. When it starts to malfunction, the car is guaranteed not to start.

How to Test a Car Starter

My acura mdx wont start

Assuming you have basic knowledge about how a car starter works, we will now focus on the testing part. 

Test with a voltmeter:

To test your car starter with a voltmeter, you will need to disconnect the negative terminal of your battery. Once that is done, you can proceed to touch the red lead of your voltmeter to the large terminal of the solenoid and the black lead to the small terminal. You should see around 12 volts when doing this; if not, then your starter is faulty and needs to be replaced.

Test without a voltmeter:

If you don’t have a voltmeter handy, don’t worry as you can still test your car starter without one.

First, make sure that the battery is disconnected, and then jump the large and small terminals of the solenoid with a wire. Once that is done, have someone turn the key in the ignition while you hold the wire in place.

If the starter engages and the engine turns over, then your starter is working fine. However, if nothing happens then your starter is most likely faulty and needs to be replaced.

How to Replace the Starter

My acura mdx wont start

If your starter is faulty, then you will need to replace it. The process of replacing a starter is not too difficult and can be done by anyone with basic mechanical knowledge.

First, you will need to disconnect the negative terminal of your battery and then locate the starter which is usually found near the bottom of the engine. Once you have located the starter, you will need to remove the two bolts that hold it in place using a socket wrench.

After the bolts are removed, you can now pull out the old starter and insert the new one in its place. Make sure that the new starter is bolted in tight, and then reconnect the negative terminal of your battery. That’s it; your car should now start without any issues.

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3. Key Fob

On modern vehicles, a key fob not only opens the doors remotely but also allows you to start the vehicle at the press of a button. However, a faulty key fob or a dead battery can cause it to not work, preventing the engine for start.

How to Test the Key Fob

My acura mdx wont start

Assuming you have a key fob for your car, it’s important to test it on a regular basis to make sure that it’s working properly.

One way to test your key fob is to stand near your car and press the button. You should see the lights on your car flash or hear the doors unlock. If neither of those things happens, then your key fob is most likely not working.

Another way to test your key fob is to try and start your car with it. If the car doesn’t start, then there’s a good chance that the key fob is not working.

How to Replace a Key Fob Battery

Tools you will need:

  • A small screwdriver
  • A new key fob battery

Instructions:

1. Using the small screwdriver, pry open the back of your key fob.

2. Remove the old battery and insert the new one. Make sure that the positive side (the side with the plus sign) is facing up.

3. Close the back of your key fob and test it to see if it’s working properly.

If your car remote key fob has stopped working, it might be time to replace its batteries. In this guide, we’ll show you how to change a key fob battery in just a few easy steps.

How to Reset a Key Fob

1. If your key fob has a physical button, press and hold it for about 30 seconds.

2. If your key fob doesn’t have a physical button, insert the key into the ignition and turn it to the “On” position for 30 seconds.

3. remove the key from the ignition and press any button on the key fob to test it. If it still doesn’t work, repeat steps 1-3.

4. If your key fob has a detachable keychain, remove it from the fob and press any button on the fob to test it. If it still doesn’t work, repeat steps 1-3.

4. Alternator

The alternator will not directly cause the engine to not start, but it’s indirectly responsible for not charging the battery. Without battery power, the starter won’t crank the engine, so it’s important to check the alternator as well.

How to Test the Alternator

My acura mdx wont start

If your car is acting up and you suspect that the alternator may be to blame, you’ll want to know how to test it. The alternator is responsible for supplying power to the electrical system and keeping the battery charged. If it’s not working properly, your car will likely experience a number of issues.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to test an alternator:

1. Check the battery. The first thing you’ll want to do is check the condition of the battery. If the battery is dead or dying, it could be the reason why the alternator isn’t working properly.

2. Test the alternator with a multimeter. Once you’ve checked the battery, the next step is to test the alternator itself. To do this, you’ll need a multimeter. Set the multimeter to the “DC volts” setting and attach the positive lead to the positive terminal on the alternator. Then, attach the negative lead to the negative terminal.

If the reading on the multimeter is above 13.5 volts, then the alternator is working properly. If it’s below that, there may be an issue with the alternator.

3. Check for loose connections. Another potential problem could be loose connections between the battery and alternator. Inspect all of the connections and make sure they are tight and secure.

How to Replace the Alternator

My acura mdx wont start

If the alternator is indeed the problem, you’ll need to replace it. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do that:

1. Disconnect the battery. The first thing you’ll need to do is disconnect the battery. This will prevent any electrical shorts from occurring when you’re working on the alternator.

2. Remove the old alternator. Once the battery is disconnected, you can remove the old alternator. There are usually four bolts holding it in place. Remove these and set the old alternator aside.

3. Install the new alternator. Take the new alternator and bolt it into place using the same bolts that held the old one in place.

FAQ

Is the Acura MDX Reliable?

Yes, the Acura MDX is a very reliable vehicle. In fact, it has been rated as one of the most reliable SUVs on the market. This is due to its great build quality and features that make it a durable and long-lasting vehicle. If you are looking for an SUV that will last you for many years to come, then the Acura MDX is a great option.

What Are Some of the Most Common Problems With the Acura MDX?

Some of the most common problems with the Acura MDX include the following:

  • The engine may misfire or stall occasionally
  • The brakes may squeal or grind when used
  • The transmission may slip or hesitate when shifting gears
  • The suspension may creak or squeak when driving over bumps
  • The paint may peel or chip easily
  • The interior trim may come loose or fall off
  • The windows may fog up or frost over easily

What Are Some Tips for Keeping the Acura MDX Running Smoothly?

Some tips for keeping the Acura MDX running smoothly include the following:

  • Make sure to keep the engine properly tuned and serviced
  • Keep the brakes in good condition and have them serviced regularly
  • Keep the transmission fluid clean and fresh and have it changed when needed
  • Inspect the suspension regularly and make sure all components are in good condition
  • Wash and wax the vehicle regularly to protect the paint and prevent rusting
  • Clean and polish the interior trim to keep it looking new
  • Keep the windows clean and free of dirt and debris to prevent fogging or frosting

If you follow these tips, then you can help keep your Acura MDX running smoothly for many years to come.

How Long Does a Car Battery Last?

A car battery typically lasts between three and five years. However, this can vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle, as well as how often it is used. For example, a car that is driven regularly will usually have a longer-lasting battery than one that is only used occasionally.

Additionally, a car that is frequently exposed to extreme temperatures (either hot or cold) may also have shorter battery life.

Conclusion

As for any car that won’t start, the first step is to test the battery. If the battery is dead or dying, it could be the reason why the alternator isn’t working properly. If the alternator is indeed the problem, you’ll need to replace it.

Before replacing anything, be sure to check the key fob if it’s working correctly. If the battery is changed and it’s still not working, then there might be a problem with the starter.

If your car has been starting fine and then suddenly won’t start, it could be a sign of a more serious problem. In this case, it’s best to take it to a mechanic to diagnose the issue. They’ll be able to tell you for sure what the problem is and how to fix it.

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