Alternate Procedure

Use the following equipment:

• Ammeter, 0-400A
• Voltmeter, 0-20V (accurate within 0.1 volt)
• Tachometer, 0-1200 rpm
• Hook up voltmeter and ammeter as shown in Fig 1 .

Fig 1: Hooking Up Voltmeter & Ammeter

Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

1. Remove No. 13 (30A) fuse from main fuse box. See Fig 2 .
NOTE: On cars equipped with manual transmission, engine will not crank unless clutch pedal is fully depressed.
NOTE: Check No. 29 (50A) fuse and starter cut relay, and investigate security alarm system.
Fig 2: Identifying No. 13 (30A) Fuse
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Fig 3: Identifying Solenoid Terminal
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
2. Check starter engagement: Press clutch pedal all way (M/T only), and turn ignition switch to "Start." The starter should crank engine.
   • If starter still does not crank engine, check battery, battery positive cable, ground and wire connections for looseness or corrosion. Test again.
   • If starter still does not crank engine, bypass ignition switch circuit as follows: Unplug connector (BLK/WHT wire) from starter. Connect a jumper wire from battery positive (+) terminal to solenoid terminal. The starter should crank the engine. See Fig 3 . If starter still does not crank engine, remove starter and diagnose its internal problems.
   • If starter cranks engine, check for an open in BLK/WHT wire circuit between starter and ignition switch, and connectors. Check ignition switch. On cars with automatic transmission, check shift position console switch (neutral safety switch) and connector. On cars with manual transmission, check starter relay, clutch interlock switch and connectors.
3. Check for wear or damage: The starter should crank engine smoothly and steadily. If starter engages, but cranks engine erratically, remove starter motor. Inspect starter, drive gear and flywheel ring gear for damage. Check drive gear overrunning clutch for binding or slipping when armature is rotated with drive gear held.
4. Check cranking voltage and current draw: Voltage should be no less than 8.5 volts. Current should be no more than 350 amperes.

   If voltage is too low, or current draw too high, check for:

   • Battery fully charged.
   • Open circuit in starter armature commutator segments.
   • Starter armature dragging.
   • Shorted armature winding.
   • Excessive drag in engine.

5. Check cranking rpm:

   Engine speed during cranking should be above 100 rpm.

   • Loose battery or starter terminals.
   • Excessively worn starter brushes.
   • Open circuit in commutator segments.
   • Dirty or damaged helical spline or drive gear.
   • Defective drive gear overrunning clutch.

6. Check starter disengagement:

   Press clutch pedal all the way (M/T only), turn ignition switch to "Start" and release to "Run." The starter drive gear should disengage from flywheel ring gear.

   If drive gear hangs up on flywheel ring gear, check for:

   • Solenoid plunger and switch for malfunction.
   • Drive gear assembly, for dirt or damaged overrunning clutch.