Honda CRV Won’t Start (Causes & Solutions)

Are you looking to know why your Honda CRV Won’t Start?

A vehicle refusing to start is a frustrating experience, vehicle owners around the world may experience at one time or another. This issue can be caused by so many factors. These are the steps to take if your Honda CRV fails to start.

When you experience any of these factors, you should know your car won’t ignite. A common factor is when there is no turnover, and this means your engine cannot move even if you continue turning your key. Another reason a Honda CRV will fail to ignite is when a starter is engaged, and the engine turns but fails to ignite and run.

Nonetheless, diagnosing an engine that fails to turn over is easier compared to an engine that cranks but doesn’t fire. So if you have issues with your Honda ignition, this article is prepared for you. You will be able to diagnose and solve the issues after reading this article.

What are the possible reasons why your Honda CRV won’t start? Let’s get started!

Your Honda CRV may not ignite due to various factors. The number one factor could be running out of gas, and all you have to do is go to a fuel station and gets a top-up.

If the problem is not caused by a lack of fuel, it could either be from a faulty alternator or dead batteries. These two problems can be fixed with a jump start or a visit to a mechanic.

A Honda CRV may fail to start due to several other reasons like a faulty starter or a bad ignition switch. If the problem is caused by any of these, you will have to contact an expert to carry out repairs or replacement of the parts.

Sometimes, your Honda may fail to start or splutter if it eventually starts due to a blocked fuel filter. In most conditions, if your vehicle fails to ignite, you can continue driving again after getting a repair or a replacement.

Possible Reasons Why Honda CRV Won’t Start

The reasons your Honda fails to start have been listed and clues on how to recognize each problem have been provided.

A Dead battery

A dead battery may be the reason your Honda CRV fails to start. Try jump-starting the engine if a jumper cable is within reach. If the vehicle ignites, there is a possibility that your batteries are dead. Allow the vehicle battery to get charged for some minutes while running the engine, then reach out to a mechanic. You can call for towing if a jumper cable is not accessible. The towing company can as well give the vehicle a jump.

Bad/Failed alternator

An alternator, vehicle battery, and starter all work in unison to get your vehicle powered and ensure the engine is running. Your vehicle may fail to start if one of these components has an issue.

Once you hear a growling sound or an uncommon clicking when starting your vehicle, you should know you have a failing alternator. An alternator is responsible for charging your vehicle’s battery, and when it fails, you may experience problems with starting the car.

If you have a failed alternator, you will also notice unusual stalling and loud screeching noises while driving.

No fuel in the Tank

Identifying this issue is quite easy. The fuel gauge component in your vehicle helps to detect the level of fuel in your tank and sends signals when the level gets low, and the vehicle needs a refill. However, if the fuel alerts start blinking, you can drive around for a while if you like taking risks.

But note, no car can drive with air; if there is no fuel in your tank, then the question, why is my vehicle not starting? Has been answered.

Faulty starter motor

As mentioned earlier, the battery, alternator, and starter motor all work as one to put on your vehicle. If your CRV fails to start, the problem may be due to a failed starter motor. A failed starter motor will produce a clicking sound when you keep turning the key in the ignition. Failure of the starter to function properly will prevent the Honda from cranking, and your engine will not be able to start.

Clogged fuel filter

Are you aware that after every twenty thousand miles, you have to change your vehicle’s fuel filter? Your vehicle may fail to start if you have not replaced or cleaned your fuel filter in a while.

A blocked fuel filter can be identified by various signs, such as difficulty in starting your vehicle, sputtering noise while driving, and your vehicle chugging up a hill while struggling.

Bad/Failed ignition switch

If you feel none of the reasons above is responsible for your vehicle’s inability to start, then a faulty ignition switch could be the reason.

Signals of a failed ignition switch are flickering flashlights on your dash (your headlights could behave in the same pattern), failure of the A/C system to work properly while driving, or it may not come on totally.

Your vehicle’s ignition switch is responsible for starting the vehicle and powering all the car’s electronic components. While driving, if there is a sudden failure of the ignition switch, your vehicle can stall, and you may experience difficulty in starting.

Also Read: Radio Works but Car Won’t Start (Causes & Solutions) 

What Do You Do If Your Honda CR-V Won’t Start?

The main reason your Honda CRV vehicle is not starting should be examined first before you try fixing the problem. With the information this article has provided, we hope you can identify common factors preventing your vehicle from starting.

However, it may be difficult to get the work done if you have little or no mechanical knowledge. In this situation, you can contact your mechanic immediately or roadside recovery.

If you have a strong conviction on the cause of the problem, you need to do the following:

If the fuel tank is empty

It is quite easy to fix this. If your CRV fails to start due to a lack of fuel. You could go to the nearest gas station with a container to collect the fuel. Return to your vehicle, the fuel should be poured carefully into your vehicle, and you can drive to the fuel station to get enough. If your tank is empty, the cost of refilling the tank will be higher than usual.

If the battery is dead

Getting your vehicle battery fixed is a little more job than getting gas; it is not difficult, though. You will need a jump-start to enable driving to the closest mechanic if your vehicle’s battery is dead.

You can decide to jump-start the vehicle if you can access jump cables or if someone offers a helping hand, and while the engine is running, you have to allow it to charge for some minutes before you drive off. Just because the car starts driving does not mean the problem is solved.

It is advisable to visit the nearest automobile store and get the batteries examined. Hopefully, your Honda CRV will go back to running smoothly after the battery is charged fully.

Meanwhile, In most situations, once your battery is dead, its ability to hold a charge is lost, and you will have to get a replacement. If a jump cable is not within reach, you may have to get a town van to help take your vehicle to a mechanic workshop.

A Clogged fuel filter

Fixing a clogged fuel filter is mainly for professionals. You shouldn’t just mess around if you have no idea what to do. You will have to get help from an expert. The average cost of replacing a fuel filter is about $70 to $160, and if the job is done by an expert, every dollar will be worth it.

A Failed ignition switch

At this point, you must have realized that you can do little or nothing on your own if your vehicle decides not to drive. Unfortunately, if the reason your vehicle refuses to start is due to a failed ignition switch, a jump start may not get you to the nearest repair shop.

If you have a failed ignition switch, you may have to tow it to the nearest repair shop and get professional services.

If the alternator has broken

You will need a jump cable set as well if you have a broken alternator. If the alternator fails to work properly, it may affect your battery, making it dead. When you jump-start the car, driving to the nearest mechanic will be made easy, you can have your alternator repaired or replaced.

Note that without a jump cable, your vehicle will need towing, and a broken alternator will not charge your battery until the alternator is fixed.

When the starter motor isn’t working

If you have a faulty starter motor, you may not be able to drive your vehicle. In this particular case, jump-starting does not work for Honda CRV or any other vehicle model.

This problem is best handled by a professional. Contact a tow company or roadside recovery so that you can get to the nearest mechanic. Your starter motor has to be fixed immediately because without it, there will be no engine crank, and your vehicle will not ignite.

Other Possible Issues

Some other factors may be responsible for your Honda not starting. It is important to carry out a double-check on everything. A lot of factors can be seen in this diagnostic chart.

Difficulty in starting can be a problem, and to fix the problem adequately, you have to get all the necessary symptoms and facts. Let’s deeply analyze some signals that the Honda CRV displays:

Also Read: Car Hesitates to Start (10 Causes & Solutions) 

Honda CRV Won’t Start Clicking Noise

Generally, any clicking noise from the bonnet indicates a battery issue. And most times, this is always the case. There is still some charge left in the battery, so it responds when you rotate your keys, but the voltage and charge witness, a significant drop after the available power, is suctioned by a starter.

Jump starting your car is suggested to be sure the problem has been fixed. Be mindful because the best this can go is jump-starting.

If your Honda cranks but refuses to start, we can attribute the issue to an ignition tune-up, the rotor, wires, or spark plugs. Most repairers will recommend you change your fuel filter first. After all the suggestions, the issue is probably linked to a faulty electrical component.

Honda CRV Won’t Start Lights Flashing.

When your CRV refuses to start, but the lights on the dashboard keep illuminating, the problem will likely be a dead battery. The exciting news is that the battery has some voltage left in it. A rapid jump-start can either prove the issue correct or wrong. Unless the issue is fixed, inspect the alternator and starter.

Honda CRV Won’t Start After Battery Change

When your CRV fails to start even after replacing the battery, the problem may be from the battery. As advised by most experts, you may have to return to the automobile shop and be sure the battery installed is of high quality.

The chances of experiencing this problem are high when you settle for a secondhand battery. However, if the battery is in excellent condition, the problem will most likely be from the electrical setup or the alternator.

This is also a suggestion that the initial issue was not solely the battery’s fault but rather a combined effort between faulty components and the battery. Conversely, if the issues start popping up after a new battery installation, the problem can be linked to the battery or probably wrong connections.

Inspect the connections to ensure the cables are properly connected, and there is no loose end. If the problem is not solved after this, you will have to revisit the repair store and make a request for a new battery.

If you have plans to install used automotive parts, it is advised that you contact reputable suppliers. It is important to also compare the benefits of getting a used part at a reduced rate against the possibility of a major problem occurring shortly after. It is advisable to get a new battery if you can to avoid unnecessary problems in the long run.

Honda CRV Cranks but Won’t Start

You may also notice in a few rare scenarios when Honda cranks but fails to start. In such a situation, the problem will most likely be linked to the rotor, ignition tune-up, spark plugs, or wires. Most people will suggest you get a fuel filter replacement first, but probably, the problem is linked with any of the above-mentioned electrical parts.

Also Read: Car Won’t Start After Getting Gas (Causes & Solutions) 

Frequently Asked Questions – Honda CRV won’t Start

Conclusion – Honda CRV won’t Start

The various factors that can hinder a Honda CRV from starting and the best approach to follow on each factor have been discussed. Hopefully, your vehicle will not develop any of these faults. But if it eventually does, the information provided in this article will greatly help.

It is also important to get familiar with your car’s regular sounds when starting. Get jumper wires as soon as possible if you don’t have any. You never can tell; your Honda may need jump-starting any time or probably never. But it is best to always stay ready. Get a regular maintenance check and extend your vehicle’s lifespan.