Starter Test

Recommended Procedure: 

• Use a starter system tester.
• Connect and operate the equipment in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
• Test and troubleshoot as described.

Alternate Procedure: 

• Use following equipment:
  • Ammeter, 0 - 400 A
  • Voltmeter, 0 - 20 V (accurate within 0.1 volt)
  • Tachometer, 0 - 1,200 rpm
• Hook up a voltmeter and ammeter as shown.
  Fig 1: Identifying Voltmeter And Ammeter Location

  Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Check the Starter Engagement: 

1. Remove the No. 44 (15 A) fuse from the under-hood fuse/relay box.
2. Turn the ignition switch to START (III) with the shift lever in [N] or [P] position (A/T) or with the clutch pedal depressed (M/T). The starter should crank the engine.
   • If the starter does not crank the engine, go to step 3.
   • If it cranks the engine erratically or too slowly, go to "CHECK FOR WEAR AND DAMAGE " on the next page.
3. Check the battery, battery positive cable, ground, starter cut relay, and the wire connections for looseness and corrosion. Test again.

   If the starter still does not crank the engine, go to step 4.

4. Unplug the connector (BLK/WHT wire and solenoid terminal) from the starter.
5. Connect a jumper wire from the battery positive (+) terminal to the solenoid terminal.

   The starter should crank the engine.

   Fig 2: Connecting Jumper Wire From Battery Positive Terminal To Solenoid Terminal

   Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
   • If the starter still does not crank the engine, remove it, and diagnose its internal problem.
   • If the starter cranks the engine, go to step 6.
6. Check the ignition switch (see TEST ).
7. Check the starter cut relay and clutch interlock switch (see Circuit Diagram  ).
8. Check the A/T gear position switch (see A/T GEAR POSITION SWITCH ).
9. Check for an open in the wire between the ignition switch and starter.

Check for Wear and Damage 

The starter should crank the engine smoothly and steadily, If the starter engages, but cranks the engine erratically, remove it, and inspect the starter drive gear and torque converter or flywheel ring gear for damage.

Check the drive gear overrunning clutch for binding or slipping when the armature is rotated with the drive gear held. If damaged, replace the gears.

Check Cranking Voltage and Current Draw 

Cranking voltage should be no less than 8.5 volts. Current draw should be no more than 350 amperes.

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

• dead or low battery.
• open circuit in starter armature commutator segments.
• starter armature dragging.
• shorted armature winding.
• excessive drag in engine.

Check Cranking rpm 

Engine speed during cranking should be above 100 rpm. If speed is too low, check for:

• 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.

Check Starter Disengagement 

With the shift lever in [N] or [P] position (A/T) or with the clutch pedal depressed (M/T), turn the ignition switch to START (III), and release to ON (II).

The starter drive gear should disengage from the torque converter or flywheel ring gear when you release the key.

If the drive gear hangs up on the torque converter or flywheel ring gear, check for:

• solenoid plunger and switch malfunction.
• dirty drive gear assembly or damaged overrunning clutch.