Starting System

Starter Circuit Troubleshooting

 4-5  

NOTE:

  • Air temperature must be between 15o and 38oF (59o and 100oF) during this procedure.
  • After this test, or any subsequent repair, reset the Engine Control Module (ECM)/Powertrain Control Module (PCM) to clear any Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), 4-door (see page 11-3) or 5-door (see page 11-3).

Recommended Procedure:

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

Alternate Procedure

  1. Hook up the following equipment:
  • Ammeter, 0 - 400 A
  • Voltmeter, 0 - 20 V (accurate within 0.1 volt)
  • Tachometer, 0 - 1200 rpm (min-1)

  1. Remove the No. 46 (15 A) fuse from the under-dash fuse/relay box.
  1. With the shift lever in N or P (A/T, HONDA MULTI MATIC), or the clutch pedal pressed (M/T with KX model), turn the ignition switch to start (III).

Did the starter crank the engine normally?

YES - The starting system is OK.

NO - If the starter will not crank at all, go to step 4. If it cranks the engine erratically or too slowly, go to step 7. If it will not disengage from the flywheel or torque converter ring gear when you release the key, check for the following until you find the cause.

  • Solenoid plunger and switch malfunction
  • Dirty drive gear or damaged overrunning clutch
  1. Check the battery condition. Check electrical connections at the battery and the starter for looseness and corrosion. Then check the starter again.

Did the starter crank the engine?

YES - The starting system is OK.

NO - Go to step 5.

  1. Make sure the transmission is in neutral, then disconnect the BLK/WHT wire (A) from the starter solenoid (B). Connect a jumper wire from the battery positive terminal to the solenoid terminal.

Did the starter crank the engine?

YES - Go to step 6.

NO - Remove the starter, and diagnose its internal problems.

  1. Check the following items in the order listed until you find the open circuit.
  • Check 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.
  • Check the ignition switch (see page 22-83).
  • With A/T, HONDA MULTIMATIC, check the transmission range switch and connector. With M/T (KX model), check the clutch inter lock switch and connector.
  • Check the starter cat-relay (A/T, HONDA MULTI MATIC, and M/T [KX model]).