Starter motor actually used...why???

[jkbrushaber]

The other day, for no reason, my 2006 MT Insight did not start with the first key turn. With the second attempt, nothing happened again for a half second, and then I heard the starter motor turn on and start the car. I've had this car for 4 yrs, and have never had the stater turn on.

A few weeks prior, I replaced the 12 v batt. I also have a grid charger which I used every few days to make sure the hybrid battery is fully charged. I have never had an issue with the hybrid battery, but have had issues with the 12v. When it was in need of replacement, it was almost completely useless. I have also left lights on overnight in the past, which drained my 12v battery to the point that the hyb. batt. was not able to start the car. But this is the first time I had the starter start the car. I have not had this happen again, just this one time. Any ideas.

TIA Kevin

[Kevin Dougherty]

Mine has used the starter rarely in 11 years, due to very cold weather.
Have you confirmed known good (not a lemon) 12v. battery, and yes, the three ground cables?

[Aaron Cake]

I've experienced the exact same issue before. For whatever random reason, the car didn't start on the first flick of the key. And on the 2nd try, it started on the 12V starter. No rhyme or reason as to why. Happened about 2 years ago and has not happened since. My only guess is that perhaps there is an obscure software bug that for some reason makes the ECU default to the 12V starter. Normally the only time my car uses the 12V starter is when it is below -25 overnight.

[Hybrid-Battery-Repair]

It's not cold enough out, so check your codes.

Originally Posted by jkbrushaber

The other day, for no reason, my 2006 MT Insight did not start with the first key turn. With the second attempt, nothing happened again for a half second, and then I heard the starter motor turn on and start the car. I've had this car for 4 yrs, and have never had the stater turn on.

A few weeks prior, I replaced the 12 v batt. I also have a grid charger which I used every few days to make sure the hybrid battery is fully charged. I have never had an issue with the hybrid battery, but have had issues with the 12v. When it was in need of replacement, it was almost completely useless. I have also left lights on overnight in the past, which drained my 12v battery to the point that the hyb. batt. was not able to start the car. But this is the first time I had the starter start the car. I have not had this happen again, just this one time. Any ideas.

TIA Kevin