I have a 2017 Fit Ex manual with 20k miles. About 4 months ago, I had trouble starting and replaced battery but didn’t solve problem. I took it to dealer and they replaced the start switch at no charge. All was fine until about a month ago and same problem starting. It eventually starts but have to press start button a few times. It has only happened 2-3x in last month but always scary whether it will start. I took back to dealer and service advisor didn’t have a clear answer but thought maybe I needed to replace “smart access unit” which he thought was around $700 plus labor. He didn’t have part but anyway I was reluctant as it seems same problem as before and wondered if they didn’t replace properly first time around. This is my 2nd Fit (first was 2007) and had no expenses except normal wear and tear. I hate putting $700-1000 with such low mileage. Anyone have similar issues? Thanks for any advice!

 

Welcome. I've long believed that the circuit design in the pushbutton start Fits is inadequate to buffer the load at startup. As a result, both start switches and starters are prone to premature failure, and when one goes, it's often ascribed to the other, leading to a diagnosis merry-go-round.

Honda has recently started goodwilling the start switch, as you noted, but not the starter. If you've already had the start switch replaced, my guess is that the starter is now failing. That $700 quote for the smart access unit is about the same for a starter replacement.

 

I am having same issue. Start/stop switch was replaced few months ago. Do you see start/stop switch error symbol in dash when it failed to start? I am going to check with Honda tech. If it is a true design issue, it is very sad. Never expected these kind of design issues with Honda cars.

 

I am guessing, replacing start is not gong to be the final fix. We might see start/stop issue again. As it is recalled item, Honda extended warranty for start/stop switch until 120k I think. What is the chance of Honda extending recall to starter failures? Whom do we contact to file a complaint and talk to Honda?

Thanks

 

Yes I see ignition symbol when it doesn’t start right away. I haven’t taken back as it has been starting but a few times I’ve had to push ignition button a few times. As you can see with only 20k for 2017 I don’t drive a lot. Let me known what your Honda person says. Thanks.

 

I will update here. Initial quote is around $900 to fix starter. But ignition symbol issue is related to stop/start button which is covered under recall. If they recommended ignition replacement, i might wait for some more time or fix it in outside shop.

 

Honda shop replaced start stop switch. Issue still exists after replacing switch. Then recommend to replace starter also. They gave me $1000 to replace starter. That is like 1/18th of the cost of the vehicle.

 

I replaced the starter on mine with 45k. Fixed all related starting issues. 2 hour job.

 

Did you fix it yourself or take it to Honda shop? I am thinking about going to local shop. They should able to do for half of the cost. I need to think about buying part.

 

I did fix it myself. There are some great videos on youtube on how to do it. If you're mechanically inclined at all, you shouldn't have much trouble. It's a few bolts. Awkward placement, but not too difficult. Cost me less than $100.

 

Hi,
Thanks for the information. So far I only worked on fixing engine air , cabin air filter and swapping batteries in key fob. Lifting the car might be a problem for me. Local repair shop gave me $150 for labor and $350 for part (from Honda i think). Can i buy this Re-manufactured item from the website given in other thread,
https://www.dbelectrical.com/product...0-5r7-a01.html

Everything will be done in $250. Only thing is, there won't be any warranty if i buy my own part.

It is also listed in amazon. New one is $160 and One in Used - Very Good (Item will come in original packaging) for $40. I am thinking about grabbing used-very good with 1 day prime shipping and get it fixed from outside shop for $150.


Thanks,