Honda CR-V Intermittent Starting Problem: Causes, Diagnosis & Fixes

Are you turning your key and sometimes getting nothing but silence from your Honda CR-V? That frustrating on-again, off-again starting issue isn’t just annoying — it can leave you stranded at the worst possible moment. I’ve researched the most common causes of these intermittent starting problems and compiled practical solutions that might save you from an expensive trip to the dealership.

Why Your Honda CR-V Won’t Start Consistently

Honda CR-Vs are generally reliable vehicles, but they’re not immune to starting problems. The tricky part with intermittent issues is that they come and go, making diagnosis challenging. Let’s break down the usual suspects.

Failing Starter Motor or Solenoid

The most frequent culprit behind a Honda CR-V’s inconsistent starting behavior is a deteriorating starter motor or solenoid. When your starter begins to fail, it doesn’t usually die completely at once. Instead, you’ll notice:

• Sometimes it cranks normally
• Other times you hear clicking sounds
• Occasionally nothing happens at all

The starter solenoid (integrated into the starter assembly on Honda models) often wears out first, creating an electrical connection that works only sometimes. This is particularly common in CR-Vs with over 100,000 miles.

Problematic Starter Cut Relay

Honda CR-Vs use a specific component called a starter cut relay that controls power flow to the starter. This small but critical part can cause massive headaches when it begins to fail.

The relay might work perfectly when cold but fail after the engine compartment heats up, or it may have internal contact issues causing random operation. Different model years place this relay in different locations — some in the under-hood fuse box, others in the interior fuse box.

Many CR-V owners have successfully resolved their starting issues simply by replacing this inexpensive relay.

Battery and Charging System Issues

A battery doesn’t have to be completely dead to cause starting problems. When a battery begins to fail, it might:

• Have enough power for lights and accessories
• Lack sufficient current to consistently turn the starter
• Work fine in mild weather but fail in extreme temperatures

Corroded battery terminals can create similar symptoms by preventing consistent electrical flow. This simple issue is often overlooked during troubleshooting.

Ignition Switch Failure

With higher mileage, the mechanical and electrical components in your ignition switch can wear down. When this happens, you might notice:

• Dashboard lights come on, but nothing happens when you turn to “start”
• Sometimes needing to jiggle the key to get the car to start
• Intermittent electrical issues with other components

CarParts.com explains that worn ignition switches are common failure points in older vehicles and can create puzzling intermittent problems.

The Notorious Honda Main Relay (PGM-FI Relay)

Honda vehicles have gained notoriety for main relay failures. This component controls power to the fuel pump and injection system, and when it begins to fail, it creates textbook intermittent starting issues.

The most common failure mode isn’t the relay itself but cracked solder joints inside it, which expand and contract with temperature changes. This explains why many Honda CR-V owners report their vehicles:

• Start fine in the morning but won’t restart after driving
• Work normally in cooler weather but have problems in summer
• Might start after letting the vehicle cool down for 20-30 minutes

Neutral Safety Switch Problems

The neutral safety switch prevents your CR-V from starting unless it’s in Park or Neutral. When this switch malfunctions or becomes misaligned, it can cause bizarre starting behavior:

• Sometimes starting in Park but not Neutral
• Other times starting in Neutral but not Park
• Requiring multiple attempts or slight movement of the shifter

How to Diagnose Your CR-V’s Intermittent Starting Problem

Before spending money on parts or repairs, take these systematic steps to pinpoint the issue.

Listen Carefully When It Won’t Start

What your CR-V does (or doesn’t do) when it fails to start provides valuable diagnostic clues:

• Clicking sound = likely starter solenoid or battery issue
• Complete silence = possible electrical connection problem, ignition switch, or relay issue
• Engine cranks but doesn’t start = likely fuel system or main relay problem

Check Battery and Connections First

Since battery issues are both common and relatively easy to fix:

1. Inspect battery terminals for corrosion (white or greenish powder)
2. Ensure connections are tight and clean
3. Test battery voltage (should be 12.6V when off, 13.7-14.7V when running)
4. Consider a load test if the battery is more than 3 years old

Try Different Gear Positions

To check if your neutral safety switch is the culprit:

1. Try starting in Park
2. If unsuccessful, shift to Neutral and try again
3. Try gently wiggling the shifter in Park while turning the key

Many owners have reported success with this method.

Listen for the Fuel Pump

When you turn the key to “ON” (without starting), you should hear a brief whirring sound from the rear of the vehicle. This is the fuel pump priming the system:

1. Turn key to “ON” position
2. Listen for 2-3 second whirring noise
3. No sound could indicate fuel pump or main relay issues

Test Suspected Relays

Fuse boxes contain multiple identical relays that can be swapped for testing:

1. Locate your starter cut relay (check your owner’s manual for position)
2. Find another identical relay in the fuse box (often the A/C or horn relay)
3. Swap them and test if the problem changes
4. If the problem “moves” to the other system, you’ve found your faulty relay

The Honda CR-V Main Relay Heat Test

The main relay heat test is a specific diagnostic procedure for Honda vehicles:

This temperature-dependent behavior is the telltale sign of a failing main relay with cracked solder joints, as explained in this detailed YouTube tutorial.

Effective Solutions for Honda CR-V Starting Problems

Once you’ve diagnosed the issue, here are the most effective fixes.

Starter Motor Replacement

If your starter motor is failing:

• Expect to pay around $500 including labor at a shop
• DIY cost is approximately $150-250 for the part alone
• Consider OEM or high-quality aftermarket brands
• Budget options often fail prematurely

According to discussions on CRV Owners Club, quality matters significantly with starter replacements.

Relay Replacement

The good news about relay problems is that fixes are typically inexpensive:

• Starter cut relay: $10-20 part, 5-minute DIY replacement
• Main relay: $30-70 part, or can often be repaired by resoldering

For the main relay, you have two options:

1. Replace it entirely
2. Repair the existing relay by resoldering the cracked joints (requires basic soldering skills)

Many Honda owners have followed detailed YouTube guides to repair their main relays and report years of trouble-free operation afterward.

Battery Maintenance and Replacement

For battery-related issues:

• Clean terminals with a wire brush and baking soda solution
• Apply anti-corrosion washers or dielectric grease
• Replace batteries older than 4-5 years
• Consider a higher CCA (Cold Cranking Amps) battery for reliability

Ignition Switch Replacement

Replacing an ignition switch is more involved:

• Professional installation recommended ($200-350 total)
• DIY possible but requires careful work around steering column
• May need reprogramming on newer models with immobilizer systems

Neutral Safety Switch Adjustment

Sometimes the neutral safety switch just needs adjustment:

1. Locate the switch near the shifter assembly
2. Loosen mounting bolts slightly
3. Adjust position while testing in Park and Neutral
4. Tighten securely when positioned correctly

This adjustment can solve intermittent starting without parts replacement, as demonstrated in this helpful tutorial video.

Advanced Electrical Testing

If basic diagnostics haven’t revealed the issue, more advanced testing is needed:

Voltage Drop Testing

This test checks for resistance in the starting circuit:

1. Connect a multimeter between the battery positive and starter positive terminal
2. Have a helper crank the engine
3. Reading above 0.5V indicates excessive resistance in the circuit
4. Repeat between battery negative and starter case

Starting Circuit Current Draw Test

This test requires an inductive amp clamp:

Excessive current draw often points to internal starter damage, while insufficient draw suggests connection problems.

Honda CR-V Starting Problem Model Year Trends

Different CR-V generations tend to exhibit different problem patterns:

• 1997-2001 (1st Gen): Main relay issues most common
• 2002-2006 (2nd Gen): Starter and ignition switch failures predominate
• 2007-2011 (3rd Gen): Starter cut relay problems increase
• 2012-2016 (4th Gen): Battery connection issues more prevalent
• 2017+ (5th Gen): Generally improved reliability, occasional starter problems

Based on RepairPal data, second-generation CR-Vs have reported the highest rate of intermittent starting problems.

Troubleshooting your Honda CR-V’s intermittent starting issue might take some patience, but systematically checking each potential cause will usually reveal the culprit. By understanding these common failure points, you can often avoid expensive diagnostic fees and unnecessary parts replacement.

Remember that intermittent problems, by their nature, come and go — so don’t be discouraged if your vehicle starts normally when you try to demonstrate the issue to a mechanic. Document when the problem occurs and what conditions seem to trigger it to help pinpoint the cause.