It seems to be related to changes in seasonal gas mixtures and maybe weather.

Try holding the key longer.

Seems ours either starts on the first crank, or after turning over about 6 times.

I know it FEELS like a long time but I bet 6 to 12 chugs is well under 5 seconds.

Cars are going to start buttons so the computer can control the cranking instead of the driver.

 

I have a 2004 Honda Pilot 16,000 miles with very inconsistent starting problems. It cranks but won't start ,takes several times to get it to start and need to push the gas pedal to get it going. This happens sometimes once a week , three times a week sometimes it is fine for 2 weeks. I've had it to the service center for this 3 times . The first time the diagnostic test showed nothing the second time it showed fluctuation in the fuel so they replaced the fuel pump. It was fine for about a month but I just had the starting problem again. Took it back to the service center again the diagnostics showing nothing. Service center is very nice but admitted they are stumped!! I am going to continue driving it until the next time it won't start then take it back to service again so they can check diagnostics again until something shows up, or I was told it may have to not start at all one of these times for them to diagnose this problem. I have seen other posts about this same starting problem my service center has not encountered this before. If anyone has any infoabout how to resolve this I'd appreciate any input. This is my first Honda and I am really disappointed, I researched alot before I got this truck it had really good ratings, I love the truck otherwise but this is a major problem.

16K on a 2004 indicates you don't drive a whole lot. I would make sure to use a bottle of dry gas each 10 gallon fill-up. Also, would not let the tank go below 1/2.

 

If there's anything magnetic near the key, like on the key ring, it can confuse the immobilizer. Ask your dealer to re-learn/program all of your keys to the immobilizer. I have not seen this problem myself, but I have heard issues of the immobilizer not reading the key well.
Try holding the key near the key ring loop, out on the end. Don't cover the whole fob with your hand.

Anyway, that's all I can think of.

 

It's been a long time between posts about this problem. I experienced similar starting problems with my '03, and never did figure it out. The Pilot never left me stranded, though, which is a good thing.

 

Our '04 Pilot does this about once a month where you have to crank it for 2-3 times longer than normal - but you never need to hit the gas pedal to make it start.

My '06 had it happen a couple of times in the 3 months I have it. I've heard of folks on the driveaccord.net forum with V6's that have the same occasional issue.

But none seem to have it as frequently as the base post has seen...

andy

 

My '04 will act the same way sometimes. I have found that by turning the key to the on position then waiting a few seconds (usually while I put my seatbelt on) then turning the key to start and holding it until the car starts seems to have "fixed" the problem. I have seen that if you jump in and try to start it right away by just bumping the starter it may not fire then it is harder to start the second time.

I guess the good news is that my '06 Tacoma takes even longer to crank and start then the Pilot. Maybe it's something about all this new technology!?

Roger
'04 MBP