2010 Starting/Ignition Problems

maxim809 · 07-28-2010, 04:16 PM

Hi everyone,

I purchased a new 2010 Insight five days ago, and there are 600 miles on it. I have been having ignition problems for the past 2 days. When I try to start the car in the morning (I am in California so it is anywhere from 50~60 degrees) I have been consistently getting this behavior:

1) I turn the key to ignition and hold it there for 2 seconds
2) The dashboard lights come on
3) The dashboard flickers on and off rapidly accompanied by a clicking sound
4) I release the key from ignition state
5) The messages, "Check ABS System", "Check Brake System", and "Check Airbag System" comes on. Moreover, every light on the dashboard turns on (including engine, cold temp, airbag, brakes to name a few.)

If I keep playing with the ignition the car will eventually turn on -- sometimes it takes as long as a minute of fiddling.

This behavior shows up even when it is not cold. It happens when it's 70~90 degrees in the afternoon as well, so I don't think temperature has anything to do with it.

Has anybody had similar experiences or know what could be causing this? I unfortunately don't have time to bring the car in for servicing until later this week, so I'm hoping to gather more information before then.

**MN Driver** · 07-28-2010, 05:19 PM

The clicking sound suggests that you've got either a bad 12v battery or the 12v battery has a loose connection. I'd check the connection to the battery, remove the connection and then reattach and retighten it. If you have a voltmeter check the voltage while trying to start it, or turn on an interior light that stay on with the key off and watch it while you start the car, does it get very dim while you try to crank it?

Either way, the dealership should check it out for free, you are under warranty after all.

maxim809 · 07-28-2010, 05:27 PM

Thanks for the quick reply. I will run those tests after work today and report the results.

icdc · 07-28-2010, 06:08 PM

Btw, maybe many of you knew about this already, you don't need to "hold" the key position at Ignition in order to start the engine. Once you turn your key to the Ignition position and let it spring back to the On position immediately, the engine should still start. i.e. You don't need to "crank" the engine like an ordinary car.

maxim809 · 07-28-2010, 06:40 PM

I actually didn't know that so it is a welcome tip.

I went out to my car and did the interior lights test. When I turned on the engine the dome lights definitely dimmed. A cursory look at the battery showed that the connection is fine and the terminals have no visible signs of corrosion. However, when I grabbed a multimeter the battery at idle read 10.4v. It's looking like the battery might be the issue.

Thank you both for the help.

Purplegate · 07-28-2010, 11:12 PM

Not sure if it could be related, but I also had problems few weeks after the purchase. One night, the car was starting, but stalled right away, throwing first a code "Check emission" or something like that, then on second try, all kind of messages like you had (Check ABS, Break, Oxygen sensor, etc, etc). I had the car towed to the dealer, they acknowledged the problem (saw by themselves it was stalling at every start). They ran a diagnostic, found whole bunch of codes. The tech guy removed the 4 ignition coils, repluged them, there was no more codes. I didn't have any problem since then. The only possible explanation is that coils were not properly installed during assembly, and one or more was loose. You might want to check that as well...

Ladholyman · 10-26-2010, 06:46 PM

Sorry to bump a three month old thread, but I've been having similar problems.

I was wondering if I bring in the car to the dealership will they replace the 12V battery for free? As in, is it covered under basic warranty?

Cobb · 10-28-2010, 11:27 AM

Its something any auto parts store can check, typically batteries arent covered under hte new car warranty unless its something that happens within the first few months. Id check with the dealer.

Ladholyman · 10-28-2010, 06:52 PM

Thanks for the reply. I took it to the dealer and it turned out a new battery was under warranty. Phew.

patb · 10-30-2010, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maxim809

I actually didn't know that so it is a welcome tip.

I went out to my car and did the interior lights test. When I turned on the engine the dome lights definitely dimmed. A cursory look at the battery showed that the connection is fine and the terminals have no visible signs of corrosion. However, when I grabbed a multimeter the battery at idle read 10.4v. It's looking like the battery might be the issue.

Thank you both for the help.

Sounds like a dead cell in the 12V battery.

You should have 12V