Honda / Acura folks - lazy cranking issue on K24

Need some help from the knowledgeable.  One of the TSX's minor flaws is that it has never been quick to fire when cold.  It usually takes several seconds of cranking before it lights off, and it never cranks super enthusiastically.  Been like that since new.

Last month, it had a few episodes where it was acting like the battery was down.  I cleaned the terminals, which seemed to help for a few days, but it started happening again.  It was only on its second battery in 13 years, so I replaced the battery.  This cured the sluggish turnover for a couple weeks, but yesterday it happened again.

The cranking slows, sometimes to the point where it won't throw over, but you still hear the solenoid clicking.  It may do that 2 or 3 times, and then eventually crank enough to fire.

The other end of the negative cable seems to be grounded solidly not far from the battery.  What other locations should I look for a bad connection?  Is the starter dying, and drawing too much power?  Thanks.

I wonder if this is common. My TSX takes longer than one would think is normal to fire as well. Never failed to start though.

My 2005 Accord has been sluggish to start when air temps are cold (like 40 or below) ever since we bought it in 2007.  Replacement battery didn't help.  No problem in warm weather.  That said it has only failed to start when the battery was dead.

In reply to chrispy :

It's not really the delay in firing that's the trouble - that seems normal for this car (and others, apparently).

The issue is the random partial loss of cranking power.

It's pushing all that oil out of the way...... in all seriousness I'd check the grounds on the engine. 

TSX's all have this problem from what I found online. It seems that the fix on one of the Acura boards is to get a stronger battery, as the K24 is apparently just not good enough. 

That being said, it sounds like you have either a bad ground somewhere, failing starter motor, or a slowly failing alternator. I'd start with the grounds.

In reply to mtn :

From the various online communities, it sounds like the starter is on its way out.

What's a good source for replacement starters these days?  I can get a new AC Delco unit from Rock Auto for about $135.  Delray Acura has OE for $300+ new, or about $200 remanufactured.

I have no idea whats available in your area, but around here there are a couple shops that all they do is rebuild starters and alternators. Its usually under $100 if you dont mind it being down an extra day or two.

Voltage drop test would eliminate ground/power cable issues.  It shouldn't drop more than 0.2 V between the battery post and the starter.  Perform the test while cranking for most accurate measurement.

Also check for parasitic draw.  Since the new battery solved the issue for a couple days you might have a small amperage draw that slowly drains it.