[amyrscott]

New to this forum and looking for help. I have a new 2020 Elite with a push button start that is intermittently not starting. I drove a 2016 Elite with the push button start for over 4 years and never had an issue with starting.
Of course, I know you must put your foot on the brake and then push the start button. However, some days, the brake feels different...hard to push and won't start when the button is pushed. I have taken it to the dealership. who have never heard of this issue and cannot replicate the problem. As I stated, it is intermittent. The vehicle didn't throw any errors codes and they saw nothing wrong. I know there is something wrong. Any ideas?

 

[LeanneO55]

New to this forum and looking for help. I have a new 2020 Elite with a push button start that is intermittently not starting. I drove a 2016 Elite with the push button start for over 4 years and never had an issue with starting.
Of course, I know you must put your foot on the brake and then push the start button. However, some days, the brake feels different...hard to push and won't start when the button is pushed. I have taken it to the dealership. who have never heard of this issue and cannot replicate the problem. As I stated, it is intermittent. The vehicle didn't throw any errors codes and they saw nothing wrong. I know there is something wrong. Any ideas?

I have the same issue with my 2020 pilot but only first thing in the morning when it has been sitting overnight. I haven’t taken it to the dealership because I’m sure I will have to leave it over night for them to replicate the issue.

 

[jimmaki]

New to this forum and looking for help. I have a new 2020 Elite with a push button start that is intermittently not starting. I drove a 2016 Elite with the push button start for over 4 years and never had an issue with starting.
Of course, I know you must put your foot on the brake and then push the start button. However, some days, the brake feels different...hard to push and won't start when the button is pushed. I have taken it to the dealership. who have never heard of this issue and cannot replicate the problem. As I stated, it is intermittent. The vehicle didn't throw any errors codes and they saw nothing wrong. I know there is something wrong. Any ideas?

Take a look under the dash around the brake pedal. Any loose wires or loose bolts? How do the brake switches look? Watch everything under there as you move the brake pedal by hand.

 

[LeanneO55]

Take a look under the dash around the brake pedal. Any loose wires or loose bolts? How do the brake switches look? Watch everything under there as you move the brake pedal by hand.

Ok will try that however the brake is usually locked down with no movement when this issue is occurring.

 

[jimmaki]

Ok will try that however the brake is usually locked down with no movement when this issue is occurring.

Sounds like you need to find out what's causing that as soon as possible as something might be interfering with the brake pedal which could prevent you from braking.

 

[briantii]

I know this is a little older, but it sounds like the brake booster is bleeding down vacuum after sitting for extended periods and that’s causing you not to push the pedal down far enough to get it to start. I bet you can reproduce the issue by pumping the brake pedal with the engine off.

 

[LeanneO55]

My car has only done this when it is colder outside. Not too cold, I’m talking California winter cold.

 

[pirateMama]

Hi, I also have 2020 Honda pilot elite that also intermittently will not start. We’ve only owned it for about two months, bought it preowned with 18,000 miles and it’s been doing it ever since we got it. Took it to the dealer once they were unable to replicate the issue. The brake pedal will stick and when I push the button lights turn on and it makes a fast ticking sound. But it will not start. It’s currently not starting in my garage now so calling Honda roadside and having it towed. Has anyone been able to get it fixed?

 

[Kaybee6]

Hi, I also have 2020 Honda pilot elite that also intermittently will not start. We’ve only owned it for about two months, bought it preowned with 18,000 miles and it’s been doing it ever since we got it. Took it to the dealer once they were unable to replicate the issue. The brake pedal will stick and when I push the button lights turn on and it makes a fast ticking sound. But it will not start. It’s currently not starting in my garage now so calling Honda roadside and having it towed. Has anyone been able to get it fixed?

I'm having the same problem. Took to dealer and they replaced the battery, less than 1 week and didn't start again! Calling them in the morning.

 

[seagear3]

I am having the same issue with my 2019 Pilot Touring
Won't start, clicks, or barely cranks over every once in a while.
Brake does get hard sometimes but still makes the contact to let car start...
Dealer says they cannot do anything till they replicate. But it is so intermittent I'd have to leave it there for weeks....
New battery in July '21.
Had a 2016 pilot before this one that I put 90K+ miles and never had any issues with. Great car.
This one I can't wait to get rid of.....

 

[Nail Grease]

I am having the same issue with my 2019 Pilot Touring
Won't start, clicks, or barely cranks over every once in a while.
Brake does get hard sometimes but still makes the contact to let car start...
Dealer says they cannot do anything till they replicate. But it is so intermittent I'd have to leave it there for weeks....
New battery in July '21.
Had a 2016 pilot before this one that I put 90K+ miles and never had any issues with. Great car.
This one I can't wait to get rid of.....

Is the replacement battery from Honda or aftermarket?

 

[seagear3]

aftermarket battery. I believe it's an AGM but need to double check

 

[Nail Grease]

aftermarket battery. I believe it's an AGM but need to double check

The reason I ask is because some aftermarket batteries are just slightly shorter not allowing the battery post to protrude through the cover lid far enough to allow the battery terminal to be tightened properly. If you can move the terminals at all after tightening, I recommend buying a set of battery post shims.

 

[seagear3]

Thanks for that.
I did check terminals earlier and I could not even twist them so I think they are good. That said I will double check.
If battery is not AGM, I am guessing that could be an issue as well....

 

[Nail Grease]

Thanks for that.
I did check terminals earlier and I could not even twist them so I think they are good. That said I will double check.
If battery is not AGM, I am guessing that could be an issue as well....

Yes, Touring and Elite models should have an AGM. Don't know of the consequences of it not being.

 

[Tracer37]

I’m having same issue. I just posted separately. 3x at dealer. Changed push start, remote battery and now brake booster. I picked up NY Eve and NY day it wouldn’t start after they had my car two days. Takes 10-15 times when it won’t start. I keep videoing bc I’m not letting this go. I’m going to lose it Monday with them.