Component Tests and General Diagnostics

Starter Circuit Troubleshooting

NOTE:
- Air temperature must be between 59 and 100 °F (15 and 38 °C) during this procedure.
- After the inspection, you must reset the powertrain control module (PCM), otherwise, the PCM will continue to stop the fuel injectors from functioning.
- The battery must be in good condition and fully charged.




1. Hook up the following equipment:
- Ammeter, 0 - 400 A
- Voltmeter, 0 - 20 V (accurate within 0.1 V)

2. Connect the Honda Diagnostic System (HDS) to the data link connector (DLC).
3. Turn the ignition switch ON (II).
4. Make sure the HDS communicates with the vehicle and the PCM. If it doesn't communicate, troubleshoot the DLC circuit.
5. Select PGM-FI, INSPECTION, then ALL INJECTORS OFF on the HDS.
6. Set the parking brake, then with the shift lever in the N or P position, turn the ignition switch to START (III).

Does the starter crank the engine normally?

YES - The starting system is OK. Go to step 12.

NO - Go to step 7.

7. Check the battery condition. Check the electrical connections at the battery, the negative battery cable to the body, the engine ground cables, and the starter for looseness and corrosion. Then try cranking the engine again.

Does the starter crank the engine?

YES - Repairing the loose connection corrected the problem. The starting system is OK. Go to step 12.

NO - Check the following:
- If the starter will not crank the engine at all, go to step 8.
- If the starter cranks the engine erratically or too slowly, go to step 9.
- If the starter does not disengage from the torque converter ring gear when you release the key, replace the starter, or remove and disassemble it, and check for the following:
- Starter solenoid malfunction
- Dirty drive gear or damaged overrunning clutch




8, Make sure the transmission is in the N or P position, and set the parking brake. Disconnect the connector (A) from the solenoid S terminal. Connect a jumper wire from the battery positive terminal to the solenoid S terminal.

Does the starter crank the engine?

YES - Check the following items in the order listed until you find the open circuit:
- The BLK/WHT wire and connectors between the driver's under-dash fuse/relay box and the ignition switch
- The BLK/WHT wire and connectors between the driver's under-dash fuse/relay box and the starter
- The ignition switch
- The transmission range switch and connector
- The starter cut relay

NO - Remove the starter, and repair or replace as necessary.

9. While cranking the engine, check the cranking voltage and the current draw.

Is the cranking voltage greater than or equal to 7.7 V and is the current draw less than or equal to 400 A?

YES - Go to step 10.

NO - Replace the starter, or remove and disassemble it, and check for the following:
- Drag in the starter armature
- Shorted armature winding
- Excessive drag in the engine

10. Check the engine speed while cranking the engine.

Is the engine speed above 100 rpm?

YES - Go to step 11.

NO - Replace the starter, or remove and disassemble it, and check for the following:
- Open circuit in starter armature commutator segments
- Excessively worn starter brushes
- Open circuit in the starter brushes
- Dirty or damaged helical splines or drive gear
- Faulty drive gear clutch

11. Remove the starter, and inspect its drive gear and the torque converter ring gear for damage. Replace any damaged parts.
12. Select PCM reset to cancel the ALL INJECTORS OFF function on the HDS.