My '06 Accord died at the gas station yesterday. It was running fine, then I turned it off to fuel up. When I tried to start it again.....nothing! When i turned the key the first thing that happened was that the dash lights dimmed. Then I turned the key a second time and held it for a couple of seconds and there was a lot of rapid clicking on the display. The I heard a noise coming from the dash, just above the radio, that sounded like a computer re-booting. I got a jump and the car started right up. It got me home and when i pulled it into the garage and shut it off again it was dead. Is this the battery?

hownerx3
2006 Accord 4cyl. Automatic

 

Yes, it's the battery. Do you have a voltmeter to check it? It should be about 12 volts, not less. If you jumpstart the car again, check the voltage at the battery terminals. It should be about 13.5 v, which means the charging system (especially the alternator) is fine, just somehow not connected to the battery.

 

A bad battery can measure sorta OK with no load. A better check is to put a voltmeter across the battery posts WHILE trying to start it. A bad battery will drop to a very low voltage while cranking.

If that's not it, then look for dirty/loose/corroded connections at the OTHER ends of each battery cable.

 

Thanks for responding. I will perform the diagnostics you suggested.

 

Also be sure the battery connections are clean and tight. I have experienced bad battery connections cause the same problems you described.
Another easy and free test:
If you can get it running, have someone follow you to an AutoZone or Advance Auto Parts (or a store like one of those) and they will test the battery and the alternator for free.

 

Looks like it was the battery. I had it tested at the local Bumper to Bumper and it tested bad. Installed the new battery and it looks like were good to go. Thanks for the input.