HR-V won't start, all dashboard lights on & blink with clicking sound

109811 Views 40 Replies 25 Participants Last post by cdude128, 2 mo ago

APL

Discussion Starter · Dec 27, 2017 (Edited by Moderator)

Issue resolved (battery replaced). Posting to help anyone else who might have the same experience.

2016 Honda HR-V EX

Symptoms:
HR-V will not start
All dashboard lights come on and blink with a clicking sound
Parking brake will not disengage
Accessories and lights work
No problems with keyfob
No corrosion on battery terminals
Nothing left on (lights, accessories) when parked the previous day

Resolution:

Battery replacement

Battery died after 1 year, 9 months, just under 18,000 miles.
Note: A friend with an HR-V (on the road for 2 years) had the exact same issue a couple of weeks ago.

Prior to the battery needing replacement, there was no indication that it was about to die. In all my previous cars I had either a voltage indicator on the dashboard or I could tell the battery was dying from slow cranks. No indication on this car. I would think with all the electronics there would be a voltage indicator/meter. Nope. And what's the point of having a battery indicator light? It didn't light up to indicate the battery wasn't charging. Useless this time.

I've lived in South Florida for 21 years and have become used to changing car batteries around every 2.5 - 3 years. At 1 year and 9 months, this set an all-time record for me.

The good: The battery was under warranty, no charge to replace at the dealership
The bad: Horrible battery life & horrible Honda roadside assistance. Called at 9:15 AM, on hold for 15 minutes before hanging up. Went online to register for service - took 2.5 hours for any type of acknowledgment. By that time I had already received a jump from a friend and was at the dealer. I have roadside assistance via my auto insurance also, but a good friend is always more reliable

Anyway, I hope this helps anyone with the same symptoms. All it may need is a jump start and a new battery.

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Reactions: 3

1 - 20 of 41 Posts

Fearturtle44

· #2 · Dec 27, 2017

Glad it was just a dead battery and under warranty.

Reactions: 2

Phalkon30

· #3 · Dec 27, 2017

Thanks for sharing your story! After almost 2 years and 40k miles in Wisconsin I'm glad my battery is going strong still. These little batteries are expensive

Reactions: 1

Ein

· #4 · Dec 27, 2017

I can get a replacement for $80. They are close by. I can pick it and save on shipping.

https://www.hondapartsstore.com/oem...m/?c=aT00NDM3MTYwNSZyPWxheWVyXzEmYT1ob25kYQ==

Costco sell them for under $80, but bad reviews on the Interstate they are selling.

Reactions: 1

Phalkon30

· #5 · Dec 27, 2017

Everywhere I looked at local stores (5ish places) they were about $120. When the time comes I guess I'll have to shop around

lbhonda

· #6 · Dec 27, 2017

APL said:
In all my previous cars I had either a voltage indicator on the dashboard or I could tell the battery was dying from slow cranks.

My battery died recently too - approx 2 years and 2 months in.

I actually noticed that the car seemed a bit "slow" to start and occasionally the lights would flicker if I was idling or had accessory power on. Small details, but likely the only indicator that the battery was on its last legs.

Reactions: 1

car4sooznd

· #7 · Dec 27, 2017

Pretty sure the HR-V uses the same 151R battery as my old 2010 Fit. When that car was about 4 years old, I brought it in to the dealer for an oil & tranny fluid change and they said it tested weak.
The battery lasted almost another year after that.
The HR-V has so much more electronics in it, so seems likely the tiny battery would wear out sooner.

Gizmogal

· #8 · Dec 27, 2017

HRV uses 51R battery, I know for sure. But I don’t know if that is the same as 151R.

SlowFosho

· #9 · Dec 27, 2017 (Edited)

I haven't researched prices but I've had really good luck with Interstate Mega-Tron II batteries. Many years ago, my brother left my car stereo on for 2 days in an old car of mine. The key was worn out and would come out of the ignition in the "On" position. My brother didn't notice and he took the key out before turning it to "off". 2 days later, I got in my car and heard the radio. I turned the key expecting different results and the car started up right away. Ever since then, I've replaced all my cars' bad batteries with Mega-tron's. I've never had one die before I sold the car, and on average, I hold on to a car for at least 5 years.

Reactions: 1

Ein

· #10 · Dec 27, 2017

The ones at Costco are not Mega Tron.

https://www.costco.com/automotive-batteries.html

They do have a 42 months warranty.

car4sooznd

· #11 · Dec 27, 2017 (Edited)

Gizmogal said:
HRV uses 51R battery, I know for sure. But I don’t know if that is the same as 151R.

You are correct, they are different size batteries. The Fit OEM battery is 151 R, but many Fit owners began substituting it with the 51 R since it was easier to find, less expensive and more powerful. The CR-V also uses the 51R

UsedToLoveHonda

· #12 · Dec 28, 2017

Also had to replace my battery at just under a year. Not under warranty as I already exceeded the 36k miles (traveling sales)

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Reactions: 1

APL

Discussion Starter · #13 · Dec 28, 2017

lbhonda said:
My battery died recently too - approx 2 years and 2 months in.

I actually noticed that the car seemed a bit "slow" to start and occasionally the lights would flicker if I was idling or had accessory power on. Small details, but likely the only indicator that the battery was on its last legs.

Good to notice those details. I believe in preventative maintenance and having a car checked out when noticing something is off.

APL

Discussion Starter · #14 · Dec 28, 2017

car4sooznd said:
The HR-V has so much more electronics in it, so seems likely the tiny battery would wear out sooner.

I tend to feel the same way. I tell ya, with all the electronics in today's cars it bothers me that volt meters or temp gauges aren't standard features anymore.

APL

Discussion Starter · #15 · Dec 28, 2017

SlowFosho said:
I haven't researched prices but I've had really good luck with Interstate Mega-Tron II batteries..... I've never had one die before I sold the car, and on average, I hold on to a car for at least 5 years.

Good to know. Thanks for the feedback. I'll keep that in mind the next time I need to replace a battery out of warranty.

lethow

· #16 · Jan 16, 2018

We just had the exact same problem with our 3 month old 2018. Road Assistance gave us a jump start and we drove it 3 miles to the Honda dealer and the existing battery tested as good as a brand new one. We did have a little difficulty getting the emergency brake to disengage. The brake was not set by us when we parked the car. It engaged itself on trying to start the car. No positive solution as yet.

[email protected]

· #17 · Sep 9, 2018

Thanks. Today I had the same problem to my 2016 HRV EX which didn't start. All dashboard lights were on and clicking sounds were heard. Brake was hard to push. Honda roadside assistant came. He did jump starts and the car was started again. I have this HRV for almost 3 years and milage is about 56,000 km. I will bring it to the dealer tomorrow. I hope it is still under warranty. Thanks for your info. It did help

SlowFosho

· #18 · Sep 9, 2018

I've had my HRV for 3 years now and just recently had the battery die on me for the first time. It happened when I left it in acc mode for about 15 minutes to listen to music while I dried the car. I don't usually do that but I've done it several times before and it was never a problem, until this last time. I'm guessing the battery is just wearing out. I noticed that there's enough space for a slightly bigger battery. I wonder if we can replace the battery tray from a different car to use a bigger battery.

Reactions: 1

ddemetra

· #19 · Sep 9, 2018

SlowFosho said:
I wonder if we can replace the battery tray from a different car to use a bigger battery.

I felt the original battery was under-powered.
I took mine to the dealership after 2 1/2 years, they tested it and gave me a free new one that seems better, same size.
So if you are on good terms with your dealer, wouldn't hurt to have them test it.

The battery in my 2018 Civic with a 1.5 engine is way larger, so I'm surprised its so small.

I think if you buy a quality aftermarket battery that fits your existing tray, you will have a lot more cranking amps.

Ein

· #20 · Sep 9, 2018

It not small compared to the one in the 08 Fit. It is the same size as my 05 Accord.

I would have replaced the 3 year old battery in my HRV if I didn't traded it in. It was getting weak.

This tester is useful. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000AMBOI0/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

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