Issues with Honda

CupofTea

We purchased this second hand Honda during the first lockdown as previous car went to scrap and it seems we keep having issues. Everyone was saying how good Honda is! 
I've asked my DH to write the more recent issues. What should we do? The garage that did the recent fixes were closed over the holidays. Open today but says they are short staffed and can have a look for free but will have to pay to get it towed to them. 

Car:

Honda FR-V

Car wouldn't start straightaway 2-3 months ago. By turning the key, it would take a few seconds to come on. Sometimes as long as 7-8 seconds.

Then the car didn't start at all. Recovered it to the garage. They had a look. They said it was the starter motor. Got starter motor replaced. Was a temporary fix. Few days later the same problem started again with the car not starting again properly.

Called the same garage again. They said it could be battery. Tested the battery and they said the battery definitely did need replacing. Replaced the battery. Car was starting as normal but again, after a few days, the same issues. Having to turn the key and hold for several seconds before the car started.

Car not starting again at all now.

ontheroad1970

I'm no mechanic, but sounds like an alternator issue to me.

AdrianC

The FR-V was sold here between 2004 and 2009 - so you're talking about a car that's 11yo at the newest...

It's not clear what the actual issue is, either. When you say "Having to turn the key and hold for several seconds before the car started" - do you mean that the starter isn't turning for those seconds, is turning slowly, or is turning at normal speed but the engine isn't firing?
Which engine? If the diesel, and it's spinning normal speed but not firing, have the glowplugs been checked?
If the starter isn't turning at all, is it an automatic? Have they checked the N/P interlock?
Are the dash lights etc all behaving normally when the key's turned?

Supersonos

How old is the car? Is this garage a Honda specialist?  They're clearly having trouble diagnosing the issue, so maybe try somewhere else, somewhere that specialises in Hondas.

CupofTea

AdrianC said:

The FR-V was sold here between 2004 and 2009 - so you're talking about a car that's 11yo at the newest...

It's not clear what the actual issue is, either. When you say "Having to turn the key and hold for several seconds before the car started" - do you mean that the starter isn't turning for those seconds, is turning slowly, or is turning at normal speed but the engine isn't firing?
Which engine? If the diesel, and it's spinning normal speed but not firing, have the glowplugs been checked?
If the starter isn't turning at all, is it an automatic? Have they checked the N/P interlock?
Are the dash lights etc all behaving normally when the key's turned?

The engine isn't firing now. Before it would take a few seconds to start. Now it's just making a clicking sound. Before, the sound was different when the car did start.

It's a petrol engine. The car is manual. The battery is fine. It's been replaced and all the lights are working as normal.

To be honest I was a bit apprehensive about buying a car as old as that. Didn't want brand new either can't afford it but I was wary.

CupofTea

Supersonos said:

How old is the car? Is this garage a Honda specialist?  They're clearly having trouble diagnosing the issue, so maybe try somewhere else, somewhere that specialises in Hondas.

2006 reg. They're not a Honda specialist. Yeah, they haven't diagnosed the problem properly. Both fixes were temporary. Don't know if the battery even needed replacing now as the lights were coming on as normal before.

Supersonos

CupofTea said:

Supersonos said:

How old is the car? Is this garage a Honda specialist?  They're clearly having trouble diagnosing the issue, so maybe try somewhere else, somewhere that specialises in Hondas.

2006 reg. They're not a Honda specialist. Yeah, they haven't diagnosed the problem properly. Both fixes were temporary. Don't know if the battery even needed replacing now as the lights were coming on as normal before.

A 14yr old car probably isn't worth spending a great deal on. You'll spend a fortune getting this fixed and then the next problem will appear.

CupofTea

Now, when I turn the key, I can hear something spinning without the car turning on.

dipsomaniac

Interesting that you say car started normally for a few days after starter and then battery was replaced. Surprised garage didn't originally diagnose battery. 

If you can't do any of the recommendations that may be given here I think you need to find a experienced auto electrician in you area before throwing anymore money at that garage

dipsomaniac

Difficult to diagnose on here especially when garage has not got it right. Main starting components if you have a spark and fuel are battery and starter motor. May be worth asking on a Honda forum or honestjohn forum also.  attach video/audio if possible

Grumpy_chap

14 yo car bought recently.
How many miles?
How much paid?
Private or dealer purchase?
Any warranty?