Dead - no start, no int/ext lights

[M3gilly]

Hey there. I’ve been searching high and low online and on this forum and still have not found info on my issues.
2006 100-series: 235k, runs like a new car...until this am. I went to start it this morning and got a click, followed by 2 or 3 more similar sounding clicks. Dash lights and interior lights went out and so did all audible tones. I checked the battery (odyssey 2yrs old) and it was solid at 12.6. Disconnected the negative battery terminal and then reconnected it. Didn’t help. Terminals look brand new still and are clean and free of any debris. I run a kiwi obd2 scanner and keep an eye on it pretty religiously...battery volts are always between 13.5-14.3, so I think the battery and alternator are off my list of probably causes.
I have noticed over the last month when I start the car I occasionally get a small pause from the time I turn the key over to when the starter actually engages. I initially thought it was my starter, but then today when all my lights and the car itself went completely dead, I’m thinking it’s something else. Maybe having to do with the key or ignition? I also tried using my wife’s set of keys to see if that resolved anything and it didn’t.
anyone else had or currently have this issue? Thoughts?

TIA

 

[Ayune]

Check battery voltage while turning the key. It may dip low. It can read 12v while unloaded yet be incapable of delivering the power needed to start etc.

Also, does the security light go out when the key is in the ignition? If it stays on (flashing) then it’s an immobilizer issue.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

Try jumping it, easy thing to rule out the battery.

 

[Hugh Heifer]

Yep. Cranking amps are a different thing than volts. My money is on a dead battery.

 

[M3gilly]

Thanks for all the feedback, guys! I’ll check the voltage while turning the key. I understand how volts dip and all, but found it odd that the entire car went dark like it did even when the actual battery was showing 12.6

 

[M3gilly]

Ok. So volts dropped down to 11.4 on startup. Is that low enough to mess up a relay or something within the ignition? Also, I checked and the security light goes off once the key is in the ignition.

 

[CloudCity]

Fought this last week on a friend's rig. He went to start his truck and only had a click, was certain it was starter, AAA dude said it was the starter, one mechanic said it was probably the starter, but after charging the battery at the shop overnight it started right up and has been great ever since. If these get even a bit low they cause problems.

 

[M3gilly]

Good info, thanks! Do you know what the minimum volts threshold is for starting a TLC by chance? The rig is stock with no aftermarket accessories being powered. I'd like to think my battery that just turned 2yrs old is still good...especially considering I ponied up the coin for an Odyssey 31-PC2150T.
I'm still a bit puzzled about the entire car going dark/dead after the clicks I heard. I've dealt with a lot of dead/failing batteries, but have never seen a car go completely dark like this before except when the battery was toast.

 

[CloudCity]

Good info, thanks! Do you know what the minimum volts threshold is for starting a TLC by chance? The rig is stock with no aftermarket accessories being powered. I'd like to think my battery that just turned 2yrs old is still good...especially considering I ponied up the coin for an Odyssey 31-PC2150T.
I'm still a bit puzzled about the entire car going dark/dead after the clicks I heard. I've dealt with a lot of dead/failing batteries, but have never seen a car go completely dark like this before except when the battery was toast.

It would be unusual to go totally dark on just a low battery, would have to have discharged totally which yours didn't. I don't know exact spec for power needed but on a separate issue with my LX a few months back mine showed just under 12v and it wasn't enough. Bought a new battery and all was good. Found this online as a general battery reference, "Fully charged automotive batteries should measure at 12.6 volts or above. When the engine is running, this measurement should be 13.7 to 14.7 volts."
The shop said even slightly low voltage would result in various errors on a Cruiser.

Can you switch it with a known working battery and see what happens? I don't remember exactly how the guy at the shop worded it but he said voltage can show correct but the CCA won't be up to snuff, I think that's what people refer to when they say to check not just the charge but also the condition of the battery. Apparently one element can be within spec while another isn't.
Also double check your grounds. That could cause all lights off if the battery itself isn't grounded, or intermittently grounded.

Perhaps you can use your warranty on the battery and have them switch it for a new one and if it works pro rate you for the new unit.

 

[Julian Stead]

Just my 2 cents, the draw from the battery is too low... Under cranking it can drop between 9 - 10v, I think you need to test at the starter motor for voltage drop, if good then change the starter motor....

To do a voltage drop test on the motor ground just test the voltage between battery negative post and the motor(something metal) when cranking, if it is over 0.5v when cranking/under load then the ground is bad, anything over 0.1v and I would still clean the connection points but it wouldn’t cause an issue...

 

[fooldall1]

Check your terminals! give them a good cleaning and inspect the physical condition.

 

[guardcompany]

Reviving this old thread. I'm having this EXACT issue with my 2004 with a brand new Odyssey ODX-AGM31M. Anyone figured out a cause/solution?

Thanks!

 

[medtro]

Reviving this old thread. I'm having this EXACT issue with my 2004 with a brand new Odyssey ODX-AGM31M. Anyone figured out a cause/solution?

Thanks!

Check for charge level. Is it fully charged? What is the voltage? Is this a brand new battery you just bought and installed or is this a brand new battery that you have been driving with for a while?

 

[guardcompany]

Check for charge level. Is it fully charged? What is the voltage? Is this a brand new battery you just bought and installed or is this a brand new battery that you have been driving with for a while?

Charge level is fine. 12.8 resting. Charged it with an Odyssey approved AGM charger. Brand new battery that I just bought 3 weeks ago. It replaced the same model I had for almost 7 years. I don't think its the battery.

 

[Bisho]

Check your ground. If it’s loose or corroded at either end you can have power and then lose everything when you try to start.