Alternate Procedure

• Ammeter, 0-400 A
• Voltmeter, 0-20 V (accurate within 0.1 V)
• Tachometer, 0-1,200 RPM
  Fig 1: Checking Battery With Ammeter And Voltmeter

  Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

2005-2006 models: Connect the HDS to the data link connector (DLC) (see step 2 on IF THE MIL (MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP) HAS COME ON ). Turn the ignition switch ON (II), then select PGM-FI, INSPECTION, and then All INJECTORS OFF on the HDS.

Did the starter crank the engine normally? 

1. YES -  The starting system is OK. Go to step  9 .
2. NO -  Go to step 4.

Did the starter crank the engine? 

1. YES -  Repairing the loose connection corrected the problem. The starting system is OK. Go to step  9 .
2. NO -  Check the following:
   • If the starter will not crank the engine at all, go to step 5.
   • If it cranks the engine erratically or too slowly, go to step  7 .
   • If it won't disengage from the flywheel or torque converter ring gear when you release the key, check the following:
     • Solenoid plunger and switch malfunction
     • Dirty drive gear or damaged overrunning clutch

K20A3 engine 

Fig 2: Disconnecting BLK/WHT Wire From Starter Solenoid S Terminal (K20A3 Engine)

Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

K20A2, K20Z1 engines 

Fig 3: Disconnecting BLK/WHT Wire From Starter Solenoid S Terminal (K20A2, K20Z1 Engines)

Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Did the starter crank the engine? 

1. YES -  Check the following items in the order listed until you find the open circuit:
   • The BLK/WHT wire and connectors between the under-dash fuse/relay box and the ignition switch, and between the under-dash fuse/relay box and the starter.
   • The ignition switch (see TEST ).
   • The transmission range switch and connector (A/T) or the clutch interlock switch and connector (M/T).
   • The starter cut relay (see POWER RELAY TEST ).
2. NO -  Remove the starter, and repair or replace as necessary.

Is cranking voltage greater than or equal to 8.5 V (K20A3 engine)/8.7 V (K20A2, K20Z1 engines) and current draw less than or equal to 350 A (K20A3 engine)/230 A (K20A2, K20Z1 engines). 

1. YES -  Go to step 7.
2. NO -  Replace the starter, or remove and disassemble it, and check the following:
   • Drag in the starter armature
   • Shorted armature winding
   • Excessive drag in engine

Is the engine speed above 100 RPM? 

1. YES -  Go to step  9 .
2. NO -  Replace the starter, or remove and disassemble it, and check the following until you find the cause:
   • Open circuit in starter armature commutator segments
   • Excessively worn starter brushes
   • Open circuit in commutator brushes
   • Dirty or damaged helical splines or drive gear
   • Faulty drive gear clutch

2005-2006 models: Select ECM/PCM reset (see ECM/PCM RESET (2005-2006 MODELS) ) to stop the ALL INJECTORS OFF function on the HDS.