Q: I've been having intermittent problems with the push button start on my 2015 Honda Accord. Once in a while, I get a whirling sound when I try to start it and it eventually starts after a couple more tries. I've been told that it could be the battery or starter, but I've only got 32,000 miles on my car. I'm concerned that I may get stranded someday and would appreciate any advice you can give me as to what the problem could be and how to fix it.
G.J., Brooklyn Park, Minnesota
A: It sounds like a bad starter Bendix. The Bendix drive, located at the nose of the starter motor, engages the engine ring gear to crank the engine. Once the engine starts and spins faster than the Bendix, the Bendix retracts. Nobody replaces the Bendix in the starter anymore so you will need a new or rebuilt complete starter.
