Component Tests and General Diagnostics
Starter System Circuit TroubleshootingSpecial Tools Required
Alternator, Regulator, Battery & Starter tester OTC3131 Available through the Honda Tool and Equipment program 1-888-424-6857
NOTE:
- Air temperature must be within 59 - 100 °F (15 - 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 operating.
- The battery must be in good condition and fully charged.
1. Connect the alternator, regulator, battery & starter tester (OTC3131) to the battery as shown.
NOTE: The probe is not used for battery testing.
2. Do the BATTERY TEST.
Does the display indicate GOOD or GOOD, LOW CHARGE?
YES - The battery is OK. Go to step 3.
NO - If the tester indicates BAD BATTERY, replace the battery, then retest. If the tester indicates CHARGE & RETEST, do the Battery Test After Charge, then retest.
3. Connect the Honda Diagnostic System (HDS) to the data link connector (DLC).
4. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
5. Make sure the HDS communicates with the vehicle and the PCM. If it doesn't communicate, troubleshoot the DLC circuit.
6. Select PGM-FI, INSPECTION, then ALL INJECTORS STOP on the HDS.
7. Set the parking brake, then with the shift lever in N or P, turn the ignition switch to START (III).
Does the starter crank the engine normally?
YES - The starting system is OK. Go to step 15.
NO - Go to step 8.
8. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0).
9. 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 normally?
YES - Repairing the loose connection corrected the problem. The starting system is OK. Go to step 15.
NO - Based on the following symptoms, take the appropriate action:
- If the starter will not crank the engine at all, go to step 10.
- If the starter cranks the engine erratically or too slowly, go to step 12.
- If the starter will 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 and switch malfunction
- Dirty drive gear or damaged overrunning clutch
10. Make sure the shift lever is in N or P, then disconnect the BLK/WHT wire (A) from the starter S terminal. Connect a jumper wire from the battery positive terminal to the starter S terminal.
Does the starter crank the engine?
YES - Go to step 11.
NO - Remove the starter, and repair or replace it as necessary.
11. 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.
Does these items OK?
YES - Go to step 12.
NO - Repair or replace it, then go to step 12.
12. Connect the alternator, regulator, battery & starter tester (OTC3131) to the battery.
NOTE: The probe is not used for starter testing.
13. Do the STARTING TEST.
Does the display indicate 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 14.
NO - Replace the starter, or remove and disassemble it, then check for these problems:
- Drag in the starter armature
- Short in the armature winding
- Excessive drag in the engine
- 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 over running clutch
14. Remove the starter, and inspect its drive gear and the torque converter ring gear for damage. Replace any damaged parts.
15. Select PCM reset to cancel the ALL INJECTORS STOP on the HDS.