My GX suddenly has this scary issue, HELP. (1 Viewer)

[ericm979]

Yes its "crank until start". So there's a sensor or sensors that the ECU uses to tell that its started and to stop running the starter motor. If it were mine I'd be hooking techstream up and seeing what I can find out. I've not used it extensively and I think for debugging this you'll need to get real familiar with it. Speaking generically as I'm a lot more familiar other cars, there are codes that can be recorded but which do not light the MIL. Usually you can run a scan which queries a bunch of devices on the CAN BUS for error codes. When I run this on a VW using VCDS it takes about 5 minutes and reads data from about 40 controllers all the way down to the HVAC system.

If there are no codes you're going to need to find out what sensors the ECU uses for stopping the start process, and then check that they're working properly. It might be easier to take it to a dealer unless you really want to dive into it.

 

[aam2gxor]

These are "crank until start", correct? One push and release of the start button, and the starter will spin until it fires up?

That is correct

 

[aam2gxor]

Yes its "crank until start". So there's a sensor or sensors that the ECU uses to tell that its started and to stop running the starter motor. If it were mine I'd be hooking techstream up and seeing what I can find out. I've not used it extensively and I think for debugging this you'll need to get real familiar with it. Speaking generically as I'm a lot more familiar other cars, there are codes that can be recorded but which do not light the MIL. Usually you can run a scan which queries a bunch of devices on the CAN BUS for error codes. When I run this on a VW using VCDS it takes about 5 minutes and reads data from about 40 controllers all the way down to the HVAC system.

If there are no codes you're going to need to find out what sensors the ECU uses for stopping the start process, and then check that they're working properly. It might be easier to take it to a dealer unless you really want to dive into it.

They are my last resort, as I know they will rip me off or just start replacing stuff that has nothing to do with the issue and then just bill me for their trial & error approach!

I have a new observation, this issue only occurs when the car has been off for a long time, say the whole night or at work (~9 hrs).

I've now used some fuel system cleaner solutions, good ones, and I'll be noticing if there is any improvement.
I'm also starting to think engine air filter, it's not that clean so I'm thinking it may be blocking air! so I'll replace it and see.

I really do hope it's not a sensor, because then I know definitely the dealer won't just pinpoint it and replace it, he will just start replacing fine parts that are irrelevant to the issue.

 

[aam2gxor]

Today I've listened carefully, and now I think it's actually the starter itself, I found a video that shows exactly the same symptom and noise that I have, check 2:42 :