Wierd Starting Problem

[Greg B]

Hey Guys,
I'm experiencing a wierd problem when trying to start the 100. I think it has something to do with the security system, but I'm not sure. When I insert the key into the ignition, normally it starts great. But lately, on occasion, when I put the key in, absolutely nothing happens. I don't mean like starter problems or battery problems, I mean like nothing electrical comes on at all. No dash lights, no dome lights, no radio, nothing. It's like nothing on the vehicle that is electronic works at all.

This morning for instance, it started fine in the driveway, but when I tried to start up after I dropped my son off at daycare, nothing happened. I inserted the key and absolutely nothing works. Then I take out the key and re-insert into ignition, still nothing. The third time I did this, it started right up, everything electronic worked fine like there was no problem.

It's like something is shutting down everything electrical. I read in the owner's manual that the security system (vehicle immobilization system) reads the transponder in the key to start the vehicle. I started thinking that this may be the issue, but the more I think about it the more I'm not sure. When everything's dead, you can't work the power locks from outside the vehicle and when you open the door the overhead lights don't come on.

To make this even worse, twice now in two days, while I'm driving, everything electrical shuts off for about 5 seconds including the AC and the Nav system. The 100 drives fine mechanically when this happens. It doesn't affect the engine in any way, the brakes work fine. It drives fine, but it scares the hell out of me both times because everything turns off inside.

Any ideas on what this might be?

 

[aedgington]

Does your security light turn off when you insert the key?

 

[100 TD]

Sounds like a bad battery positive or ground condition, as nothing appears to work at all. Next time when the doors won't open with the remote, got to the tailgate(hatch) and insert the key and turn it and see if anything happens.

When the engine is running the vehicle does not need a battery as the alternator is self exciting and will supply most items. I don't have time to go throught this now, but if you have a wiring diagram, have a look at which relay/fusible link the Nav an A/C get their power, because if it is dropping out while you are driving, it may help establish where the fault is coming from. The first place I would check is the fusible links at the battery and the battery/ground connections, also main junction box connectors, have you been playing in the kick panels recently? I have to go, good luck.

 

[100 TD]

Forgot to mention, as for your security or immobiliser system, I don't know, but they should not cut power to the entire vehicle, so I doubt it is related to them. My .02

 

[aedgington]

I was thinking about this some more, and if you're losing electrical systems power while driving, I'd take it in to the dealership. That means you're probably losing VSC, ATRAC, ABS, SRS, all the safety systems that rely on electrical sensors during these 'outages'. Just something to consider.

 

[tsobrado]

Greg,

Have you been able to resolve this matter. I am going through the same thing.

Thanks

 

[Greg B]

Sorry for the delay, I haven't been around MUD much lately.

This ended up being a bad negative terminal on my Odyssey battery. The terminal itself was loose, even though the battery cables were on tight. Once I changed to a different battery, I have had no problems since. Thankfully, it was an easy fix.

 

[007-FJC]

It makes perfect sense. If your driving and next thing you know the power goodies die while the car is running, your alternator is runing your EFI system and your battery is dead. Its like the opposite of a car with a dead alternator. It runs off the battery and when it dies everything doesn't work right including your engine wich jerks and stuff like that.

 

[Tinkerer]

The "starter no-response then start with repeated try" pattern also fits the behavior of failing starter contacts. These are known to fail at around 90-100k miles or so.

(I replaced mine a couple of months ago, at 90-something kmiles in my '99...)

But a complete electrical failure for 5 seconds is something else...

 

[100 TD]

Not always so, if you are talking about a petrol/gas engine, when your battery fails(without shorting), all of your system runs while the engine is running as your alternator supplies the required power, but when the alternator is overloaded by accessories like spot lights, fridges etc, then the available voltage output of the alternator starts to fall. When this occurs you notice it in your lights first generally, but as the voltage drops the coils start to have a hard time and missing ocurs.

It makes perfect sense. If your driving and next thing you know the power goodies die while the car is running, your alternator is runing your EFI system and your battery is dead. ......