I've looked through the threads and haven't seen this problem discussed, so here goes. I have an '04 M/T and about a year ago I twice found the car totally dead, no clicking when the key was turned or anything else. A jump start worked though. The dealer couldn't find a problem, but replaced the battery. Fast forward to the past month and five times now, I have found that all the electronics have reset overnight, ie..radio presets, DSC light on, trip odometer reset, etc...like the battery had been disconnected, but the car starts up. Has anyone else heard of this, or does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks.

 

I just started having this problem! I tried to start my car Monday morning had no light no radio but when I turned the key I could see the gages moving. I called for a jump & tried it one more time & it started right up! Fast foward to today (Wednesday) I was braking at a stop light & it dies on me, a couple of minutes later I turned the key & it started right up. Did you ever figure out your problem?

 

6.5 years since that post, and he last logged in nearly 3 years ago.


However, your problem (and his) is corrosion at the battery terminals. Corrosion is happening between the clamps and the posts, reducing the amount of electrical flow across them.

Disconnect the negative, then the positive. Clean both clamps AND both posts completely. All corrosion needs to be gone. Baking soda and water with a bristle brush works for this. Other solutions exist as well. Reconnect positive then negative. As you connect each, make sure to wiggle the clamp around on the post as it's being tightened to help ensure the best seating point. Leaving any corrosion will accelerate the return of more. Keeping them clean is the best prevention.

 

Last month I replaced the battery & clamps there is no corrosion. Checking the battery was the first thing I did I thought I bought a dud

 

The symptoms of a poor electrical connection are still there.

The common problem point is at the battery, but if you are sure that it's not that, then start checking other power cables and grounding points. Specifically the engine ground, the starter ground, the ground on the front cross brace above the fan (just below the intake air filter box).

 

Hey Fireboy, have you found the issue/solution yet? If not I may be able to help u, sounds similiar to an issue I had with my '04 RX-8. Post back or just PM me if you still are having issues.

 

I don't think you are going to get a response....

 

No reply from him, but I just joined the forum so I could reply and hear your story, Ekofriendly. I have a 2004 Honda Odyssey. A few months ago, I parked it at the grocery store, and when I came out I had no electrical power at all. Could not unlock by remote, no lights inside or out, no radio, and nothing when I turned the key. I popped the hood expecting to find the battery gone. Called AAA; they jump started it and it ran; they also cleaned the terminals, and I had no more problems until one morning last week, when the same thing happened. I took my husband's car to work, and when I came home I was able to open the door by remote again. I tried the ignition, and it started right up! Also, a couple of weeks ago my daughter reached into the lighter socket with her phone charger, and shorted out the socket and radio. (I replaced the fuse, and both are working now, but I wonder if it is related.) Your insight would be much appreciated. I do not believe this is a weak battery.