Van is making a noise...can it wait?

Question

My 2003 Honda Odyssey is making a weird nose when I try to start it. It will start, but acts like it doesn't want to. It takes it a few tries for it to catch.
My hubby is deployed and I have three toddlers, so it is extremely difficult for me to get to a mechanic....though I will if I have to.
I have to drive 1 hour to and from the airport tomorrow to pick up my father-in-law. Do you think it will make it there and back alright? Any ideas what it is and what I should do?

Thanks to everyone that took the time to answer. I just got back from Auto Zone. They tested the starter, alternator, and the battery. It was the battery; they replaced it.
By the way, thank you Skaizun for pointing out the "nose." You have no idea how much I hate misspelled words, so I was quite embarrassed!

Answer 1

Have you fed it, recently? ;)

Or, per your detail,
wiped it's "weird nose" with a tissue? ;)

Seriously, though, I can't imagine why you'd wait for strangers to diagnose a vehicle they can't see (and, as such, the year, make and model are pointless), and you don't even elaborate on the type of noise or where it's coming from, and especially when you have an important engagement, "tomorrow" (which means that you can't wait two more days for the potential "best" answer to come along)! And, even if it works for a while, sooner or later you're going to have to "bite the bullet" and bring the car in for repairs. "Sooner" is always best!

So, take the car to a trusted mechanic (if you don't know of one, ask a neighbor for guidance), and then ask a friend to borrow their car (or to drive you, toddlers (if no babysitter is available), and the in-law) or rent a car or have your in-law picked-up by a taxi or airport limo, etc.

P.S. I've never had to say anything like this about any response I've seen on this website, until now, but,
DO ***NOT*** PAY HEED
TO THE ADVICE GIVEN BY 'WISDOM', above.
Not only is it entirely bizarre
and completely without merit for ANY car repair situation,
it is potentially hazardous to the inexperienced
("feeling battery cables" (corroded or otherwise)???
"(driving a nail) between (a battery) post and the cable connector"?!?!
"Wisdom", have you been snorting battery acid, again???)

Answer 2

Firstly, thank you and your husband for him being deployed, although I still can't figure out what the hell for.

Agreed - sounds like a starter problem. If you can get it started, you should be fine - just may not be able to start it coming back. Once it's running, however, it'll keep going until you turn it off.

I would call AAA and get a membership since you're alone and may need assistance. And I would charge up the cell phone.

Good luck.

Answer 3

It sounds like the starter gear is worn, or the starter is going bad. If the car RUNS ok, but does that to start, if your just picking him up, there should be no reason not to make it. If you have to park, hope it starts that last time...

Answer 4

After starting the car, try feeling the battery cables (on the battery) to see if one or both are hot. (Cold start)
If so, get them cleaned. Remove them one at a time and scrape out the corrosion. Do this in a safe area so getting out quickly to touch the cables , is safe from accidents.

If cables are badly corroded, often a temporary fix is a nail driven between the post and the cable connector.

Answer 5

it seems to me that u may have more than one problem with that car.sounds like your starter may be going out u need to go on to the mechanic it possible he could rebuild it that would be a little cheaper.be sure to have him check your,transmission,altarnator

Answer 6

u can drive i also have the same prob but 1year over no problem.dont worry your car isnt in any problem

Answer 7

it sounds like your starter or it could be your altenator