Experiencing issues with your 2019 Honda HRV, particularly with starting problems and your key fob? You’re not alone. Many Honda HRV owners have encountered similar electrical glitches, often stemming from seemingly minor issues like battery terminal corrosion. This article delves into a real-world scenario involving a 2019 HRV experiencing starting difficulties and subsequent key fob auto-lock malfunctions, providing insights and potential solutions.
Recently, a 2019 Honda HRV owner faced a concerning situation. After parking their car, they returned two days later to find a host of electrical problems. Upon attempting to start the vehicle, the dashboard lights flashed erratically, accompanied by a rapid clicking sound emanating from behind the dashboard. Warning lights illuminated across the display, and the car refused to start despite pressing the start button repeatedly. The persistent clicking noise further indicated a potential electrical system malfunction.
Facing a no-start situation, the owner sought assistance. A tow truck was called, but fortunately, a mechanically inclined family member arrived first and identified a likely culprit: significant corrosion on the positive battery terminal.
Alt text: A close-up view of corrosion buildup on a car battery terminal, a common cause of electrical problems in vehicles.
After disconnecting the battery to ensure safety, the corroded terminal was cleaned as thoroughly as possible with tools on hand. The battery was then reconnected, and the vehicle was jump-started. This action successfully brought the HRV back to life, and the engine started. However, the initial fix was not without lingering effects. Some warning lights and displays remained illuminated even after starting, eventually clearing after a period of driving.
Following the jump-start, the owner wisely decided to have the car’s battery and starting system professionally tested. First, a stop was made at an auto parts store for a battery load test and starting system analysis. Surprisingly, the tests indicated that both the battery and starting system were in good condition. Subsequently, the HRV was taken to a Honda dealership for further inspection. The dealership also reported no error codes and confirmed that the battery tested as good – a result likely influenced by the recent jump-start which had recharged the battery. Despite the seemingly positive test results, the dealership recommended a battery replacement, suggesting the initial issue pointed to a failing battery. The owner, opting for a cautious approach, declined the immediate battery replacement to observe the car’s performance over the next few days.
While the HRV started and ran normally for a period, a new issue surfaced: the automatic door locking system stopped functioning. The owner noticed that the car was no longer automatically locking when walking away, a feature that had been working reliably before. Manual locking using the key fob was still necessary. Upon investigation, all auto-lock settings in the vehicle’s menu were confirmed to be correctly configured, mirroring the pre-incident settings. Despite this, the automatic locking, flashing lights, and audible beep confirmation were absent when walking away from the vehicle. Interestingly, manually locking the car with the key fob also resulted in no flashing lights or beeping sound. However, the system exhibited partial functionality: manually locked doors would automatically unlock when approaching the door or hatch, accompanied by the expected flashing lights and beeping.
Further investigation and another battery terminal cleaning session were undertaken. Before heading to work, the owner disconnected the battery again, performed a more thorough cleaning of the terminals, and applied dielectric grease to prevent future corrosion.
Alt text: An assortment of tools and supplies commonly used for cleaning corrosion from car battery terminals, including a wire brush, terminal cleaner spray, and battery terminal protector.
After this more comprehensive cleaning, most systems returned to normal operation. The only anomaly noted was that the HRV’s “econ” mode was disabled and needed to be re-engaged. However, the crucial question remained: was the auto-locking issue directly related to the battery incident, and was it fully resolved? It was unclear if the auto-lock problem had begun immediately after the initial battery disconnect or only after the subsequent, more thorough cleaning.
Online forum searches for similar issues yielded limited results, highlighting the somewhat unique nature of this combination of symptoms. However, the experience provides valuable insights for other Honda HRV owners facing comparable electrical or key fob problems.
Troubleshooting Steps for Honda HRV Key Fob and Electrical Issues:
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Check Battery Terminal Corrosion: Corrosion is a common culprit for a range of electrical problems in vehicles. Inspect both the positive and negative battery terminals for any signs of white, powdery buildup. Clean terminals thoroughly using a wire brush and battery terminal cleaner. Apply dielectric grease to prevent future corrosion.
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Test the Car Battery: A failing car battery can cause a multitude of electrical issues, including starting problems and erratic electronic behavior. Have your battery load tested at an auto parts store or dealership to assess its health.
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Examine Key Fob Battery: While less likely to cause starting issues, a low key fob battery can sometimes lead to intermittent locking/unlocking problems. Try replacing the key fob battery with a fresh one. Refer to your owner’s manual for instructions on how to replace the key fob battery.
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Inspect Fuses: Check the fuses related to the car’s electrical system and remote locking system. A blown fuse can disable various functions. Consult your owner’s manual for fuse box locations and fuse diagrams.
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Consider Battery Drain: If corrosion is not the primary issue and the battery tests good, investigate potential parasitic battery drain. This occurs when electrical components continue to draw power even when the car is off, eventually draining the battery. A parasitic drain test can be performed by a qualified technician.
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Seek Professional Diagnosis: If troubleshooting steps don’t resolve the issue, it’s essential to seek professional diagnosis from a certified mechanic or Honda dealership. Electrical problems can be complex, and professional equipment and expertise may be required to pinpoint the root cause, which could range from a faulty battery to issues within the car’s computer system or wiring harness.
Conclusion:
This real-world account underscores the importance of regularly inspecting and maintaining your car battery terminals. Corrosion, even seemingly minor, can lead to significant electrical problems affecting starting reliability and key fob functionality, such as auto-locking. While cleaning battery terminals and jump-starting the car may provide a temporary fix, it’s crucial to thoroughly investigate the underlying cause and ensure the battery and electrical system are in optimal condition. If you experience similar symptoms with your 2019 Honda HRV, starting with battery terminal inspection and battery testing is advisable. If problems persist, professional diagnosis is recommended to ensure reliable vehicle operation and key fob functionality.
