Starter System Circuit Troubleshooting

Special Tools Required 

Alternator, Regulator, Battery, and Starter Tester OTC3131*

*Available through the Honda Tool and Equipment Program 888-424-6857

1. Connect the alternator, regulator, battery and starter tester (OTC3131) to the battery as shown.
   NOTE: The probe is not used for battery testing.
   Fig 1: Connecting Alternator, Regulator, Battery And Starter Tester (OTC3131) To Battery

   Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
2. Do the BATTERY TEST.

   Does the display indicate GOOD or GOOD, LOW CHARGE? 

   YES  -The battery is OK. Charge the battery if necessary, then go to next step.

   NO  -If the display indicates BAD BATTERY, replace the battery, then retest. If the display indicates CHARGE & RETEST, charge the battery, 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 does not communicate, troubleshoot the DLC circuit (see DLC CIRCUIT TROUBLESHOOTING ).
6. Select ALL INJECTORS STOP in the PGM-FI INSPECTION menu with the HDS.
7. Set the parking brake, then with the shift lever in N or P, turn the ignition switch to START (III) to crank the engine.

   Does the starter crank the engine normally? 

   YES  -The starting system is OK. Go to  15

   NO  -Go to next step.

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  15 .

   NO  -Based on the following symptoms, take the appropriate action:

   • If the starter does not crank the engine at all, go to next step.
   • If the starter cranks the engine erratically or too slowly, go to step  13.
   • 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 and switch malfunction.
     • Dirty drive gear or damaged overrunning clutch.
     • Damage torque converter ring gear.
10. Make sure the shift lever is in N or P, then disconnect the connector (A) from the starter S terminal. Connect a jumper wire from the battery positive terminal to the S terminal.
    Fig 2: Identifying Starter Connector Terminal

    Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

    Does the starter crank the engine? 

    YES  -Go to next step.

    NO  -Remove the starter (see STARTER REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION  ), then repair or replace it (see STARTER OVERHAUL  ) as necessary.

11. Check the following items in the order listed until you find the problem in the circuit:
    NOTE:

    • After the problem in the circuit or high resistance in the circuit is found and repaired, go to step  15.
    • Check for an open or short in the YEL wire and connectors between the driver's under-dash fuse/relay box and the ignition switch.
    • Check for an open or short in the WHT wire and connectors between the driver's under-dash fuse/relay box and the starter.
    • Check for an open or short in the LT GRN wire, LT BLU wire and connectors between the driver's under-dash fuse/relay box and the transmission range switch.
    • Check for poor ground at G101.
    • Check for a faulty ignition switch (see PARK PIN SWITCH TEST ).
    • Check for a faulty transmission range switch (see TRANSMISSION RANGE SWITCH TEST ).
    • Check for a faulty starter cut relay (see POWER RELAY TEST ).
12. Connect the alternator, regulator, battery, and started tester to the battery.
    NOTE: The probe is used for starter testing.

    Fig 3: Identifying Starter Tester (OTC3131)

    Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
13. Do the STARTING TEST.

    Does the display indicate cranking voltage is greater than or equal to 8.0 V and is the current draw is less than or equal to 375 A? 

    YES  -Go to next step.

    NO  -Replace the starter (see STARTER REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION  ), or remove and disassemble it (see STARTER OVERHAUL  ), and 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 overrunning clutch
14. Remove the starter (see STARTER REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION  ), and inspect its drive gear and the torque converter ring gear for damage. Replace any damaged parts.
15. Select PCM reset (see HDS CLEAR COMMAND ) in the PGM-FI INSPECTION menu to cancel ALL INJECTORS STOP with the HDS.