The Honda CRV has been one of the most popular crossover SUVs on the market for more than two decades. It’s reliable, efficient, and has a ton of features that make it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a vehicle that can do it all. However, despite its popularity, many problems riddle this car.
If your Honda CRV is not starting, take it to the nearest dealership for repair. The issue seems to stem from an electrical component that shorts out and causes the car not to start. Other problems include a dead battery, failing alternator, failed starter, or a clogged fuel filter.
The rest of this article will discuss these problems in detail and explain why they can cause the Honda CRV to malfunction. The article will also provide fixes to resolve these problems and hopefully fix any further issues with your Honda CRV.
Why Your Honda Crv Is Not Starting?
There are several reasons why your Honda CRV may not be starting, and it’s important to troubleshoot the problem as soon as possible. The most common reasons are a dead battery, a lack of fuel, or a problem with the ignition.
Dead Battery

If your Honda CRV is not starting, the most likely culprit is a dead battery. When you turn the key in the ignition, and your Honda CRV doesn’t start, the first thing you should do is check the battery. The battery is responsible for supplying power to the starter, ignition, and other electrical components. If the battery is weak or dead, it will not be able to start the engine.
A battery can die for a number of reasons, but the most common is a lack of use. When a battery sits unused for an extended period of time, the sulfate crystals that form on the battery’s plates can prevent the battery from accepting or holding a charge.
Other causes of a dead battery include leaving headlights or other electronics on for an extended period, extreme cold or hot weather, and a faulty alternator. If you think your Honda CRV’s battery might be dead, head over to your nearest mechanic and have them check your battery for any faults.
Read: Why Car Won’t Start With New Battery?
Failing Alternator

The alternator is the part of the car that charges the battery. When it fails, the battery will eventually die, and the car won’t start. This problem can be caused by a number of different things, but it usually occurs when the alternator belt breaks or slips off of its pulley. This will cause the alternator to stop working and not produce any power to start the car.
The other possible cause is that there may be an electrical short in the wiring harness or in one of the components in the charging system. Suppose you are experiencing this problem with your Honda CRV. In that case, you should have your battery tested first before replacing any parts.
Read: What Are the Symptoms of a Bad Alternator?
Failing Starter

The starter is an essential part of the engine because it provides power to turn over the engine and start it up. When the starter fails, it will not be able to provide enough power for the engine to turn over and startup. In some cases, a failed starter may cause the vehicle to stall while driving.
There are a few things you can do to try to fix a failed starter in your Honda CRV. One is to jump-start the car using another vehicle. If that doesn’t work, you may need to have the starter replaced.
Read: Why Automatic Transmission Stuck in Gear?
Ignition Switch Failure

The ignition switch on the CRV is a known problem, and it seems like Honda has been trying to fix it for a while now. Apparently, there have been several cases where the switch fails, causing the car not to start. Your Honda CRV might not be starting because of an ignition switch failure.
The ignition switch is responsible for supplying power to the engine starter. If it’s not working correctly, the engine won’t start. A few symptoms can indicate an ignition switch failure, including:
- The engine not starting
- The headlights not coming on
- The radio not working
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s essential to have your CRV checked out by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible.
Read: Ignition Relay Failure Symptoms
Clogged Fuel Filter
The fuel filter is responsible for keeping dirt and other debris out of the fuel system, and over time it can become clogged. This can cause the engine to not start or run poorly once it starts. If you suspect that your fuel filter may be the problem, you can check it yourself or take it to a mechanic to have it checked.
Replacing a clogged fuel filter is a relatively simple and inexpensive repair, so it’s worth checking if you’re having starting problems with your Honda CRV.
Read: How Often Should The Fuel Filter Be Changed?
Issues in Fuel Supply
Honda CRV owners may experience problems with the fuel supply system, preventing the vehicle from starting. There are several potential causes of this issue, including a clogged fuel filter, a malfunctioning fuel pump, or a problem with the fuel injectors. Although it’s tough to overlook, an insufficiently filled fuel tank or empty gas tank could also be the issue.
6 Fixes for Honda CRV Not Starting
There are 6 fixes to get your Honda CRV back up and running. It’s important to remember that, if you feel like you cannot perform these fixes yourself, you should contact a mechanic who can troubleshoot the vehicle for you.
1. Replace Battery
Replacing the battery is a relatively easy fix that you can do yourself. Just follow these steps:
- Open the hood and locate the battery.
- Disconnect the negative terminal first, followed by the positive terminal.
- Take out the old battery and put in the new one.
- Reconnect the terminals in the reverse order: positive first, then negative.
- Close the hood and start your Honda CRV. It should now start up without any issues.
2. Install New Alternator
A new alternator can be installed quickly and will get your car up and running again in no time. Here’s how to install a new alternator:
- Park your Honda CRV in a flat, open area and make sure the engine is cool to the touch.
- Disconnect the negative terminal from the battery.
- Raise the hood and remove the bolts that secure the alternator in place.
- Remove the old alternator and replace it with the new one.
- Reconnect the negative terminal to the battery and tighten any loose screws
3. Replace Starter
This can be a tricky repair, so it’s best to consult a professional mechanic. However, if you’re feeling confident, here’s a quick overview of how to do it.
- First, locate the starter. Once you’ve found it, disconnect the negative battery cable. This is important to prevent any accidental electrical shocks.
- Remove the starter bolts and carefully remove the starter from its mount. Take the new starter, line it up with the mount, and then bolt it in place.
- Reconnect the negative battery cable and give it a try. Your Honda CRV should now be starting up just fine!
4. Replace Ignition Switch
This switch controls the flow of electricity to the starter, and over time it can become worn out or damaged. Replacing it is a relatively simple process, and it’s one that you can do yourself if you’re handy with tools. Just be sure to get a replacement switch from a reputable source and follow the instructions carefully. Have a look at this YouTube video from DonovanG to remove the ignition switch:
With a new switch in place, your Honda CRV should start up without any issues.
5. Change or Unclog Fuel Filter
Over time, your fuel filter can become filled with dirt, debris, and other contaminants that prevent proper fuel flow to your engine. As a result, your engine may not get the adequate fuel it needs to start up.
Fortunately, changing your fuel filter is a relatively easy fix. Simply draining the old fuel filter and replacing it with a new one can often solve the problem. However, if you’re unsure of how to do this yourself, you can always take it to a qualified mechanic to have it done for you.
6. Refill Fuel Tank
If your Honda CRV fails to start, the first step is to check the fuel level. If it is low, refill the tank. Be sure to use a quality fuel filler hose and nozzle to avoid spills. Keeping your fuel at a good level will ensure that your car has enough energy to start up.
If the problem persists, have the vehicle serviced at a Honda dealership.
Conclusion
This article outlined some troubleshooting steps to take if your Honda CRV is not starting. If you are experiencing this issue, please take a look at the information provided in the article. You may be able to fix the problem yourself. If you have tried all of these steps and your car is still not starting, you may need to reach out to a qualified car mechanic.