Rep Power: 57

So I have an 04 VP Sedan, and I just replaced the starter because it would take sometimes between 2-12 cranks of the key before the engine turned over. I thought that would solve the problem. It did not. Whenever I try to start and turn over the engine, there is a buzzing sound coming from behind the plastic pieces in front of the steering wheel, to the left of where the key goes into the ignition. What is that buzzing, and why is it happening when I try to start the car?

 
Rep Power: 366

check grounds, connections to the starter, wiring damaged in the middle, wiring from key to the starter, etc can be causes. Not sure about the buzzing, I think there were one or two cases over the years? can't remember what it was. There should be a relay somewhere

moved to engine start problems section (yeah, there are 7 pages about that...)
so, old starter was cranking but hard to start.
new motor, it is not even cranking?

 
Rep Power: 57

The new starter motor starts and cranks and turns over, but it has the same symptoms, where it took anywhere from 2-12 tries to start and turn over. So I replaced the starter for no reason as that was not the problem. There is something buzzing behnd the plastic in front of the steering wheel that is causing it to not start all the time on try #1.

 
Rep Power: 366

OK, I thought it was not cranking at all.

When you turn the key without cranking, can you hear the fuel pump priming at the back? "Huuunh" sound
also, have you put any engine sensors that are not Denso or NTK? Hondas no like aftermarket electronics and some electrical pieces (like alternator, thermostat and temp sensors, etc))
check timing belt timing
check engine compression
battery levels OK?
Alternator charging?
does the starter motor cranks strong?

 
Rep Power: 221

Buzzing is a relay not getting good ground. Check and clean all grounds

 
Rep Power: 57

The buzzing is actually behind the dash instrument panel. What relay is behind the instrument panel?

 
Rep Power: 223

Buzzing relays can be caused by a low battery. So can long (and slow) cranking.

 
Rep Power: 221

Don't know, and it doesnt matter, bad ground or low voltage is your issue

 
Rep Power: 366

yeah, I remember my 1982 VW doing similar buzzing (no electronics, just electrical)

 
Rep Power: 57

Copy. I will take it to Autozone to have the battery checked and load tested. I am charging it now using my home charger. I will see after the battery is fully charged if the noise is still present in the morning. I seemingly just had the battery replaced. Is there a starter relay under the dash instrument panel?

 
Rep Power: 57

I just used the 200A starting assist on my battery booster connected to the battery when I tried to start it, and the same buzzing/metallic grinding sound happened. Don't see how it can be the battery. Has to be the starter relay or a bad ground somewhere.

 
Rep Power: 221

If the battery terminals have been replaced with those crappy aftermarket ones that clamp the wire they can corrode underneath the clamp and you'd never know just looking at it

 
Rep Power: 57

I just bought a new starter relay because I found where the starter relay is under the dash in the fuse panel, and that's the one clicking and making the metallic grinding noise. New one should be in here tomorrow. Hoping that solves the problem.

 
Rep Power: 57

I got a temporary starter relay from Autozone, and the same problem/clicking/metallic grinding noise is happening. Now I have to take apart the negative battery connection and clean that really well to see if that solves the problem. I don't know what else I could really do after that to solve the problem other than taking it to the dealer.

 
Rep Power: 366

do same remove cleaning for all 3 grounds, engine/trans/chassis

 
Rep Power: 57

Took it to the Honda dealer. Problem was not the battery or grounds at all. It was the ignition base attached to the left side of the ignition switch. $23 part on Rockauto and 5 minutes to replace. Now I'm back in business, baby!

 
Rep Power: 366

wow, weird one to fail...
glad issue was found!