Starter System Circuit Troubleshooting (Without Keyless Access System)

Special Tools Required

Alternator, Regulator, Battery, and Starter Tester OTC3131*

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

NOTE:

Air temperature must be between 59-100°F (15-38°C) during this procedure.
After the inspection, you must reset the PCM . Otherwise, the PCM will continue to stop the fuel injectors from operating.
The 12 volt battery must be in good condition and fully charged.

PGM-FI and CVT system DTC check

-1. Connect the HDS to the DLC .

-2. Check for PGM-FI and CVT system DTCs with the HDS.

PGM-FI system

DTC Description	Confirmed DTC	Pending DTC

CVT system

DTC Description	Confirmed DTC	Pending DTC	Freeze Frame

Are any DTCs indicated?

YES

Go to the indicated DTC's troubleshooting.

Go to step 2.

Starting system check 1
-1. Select All INJECTORS STOP in the PGM-FI INSPECTION menu with the HDS.

ALL INJECTORS

With the transmission in P or N position/mode, and with the brake pedal pressed, turn the vehicle to the START mode to crank the engine.

Did the starter crank the engine?

YES

Do the PCM reset in the PGM-FI mode menu to cancel All INJECTORS STOP with the HDS.

NO

Go to step 3.
Starting system check 2
-1. Turn the vehicle to the OFF (LOCK) mode.

-2. Check the 12 volt battery condition . Check the electrical connections at the 12 volt battery, the 12 volt battery negative cable to the body, the engine ground cables, and the starter for looseness and corrosion. Then try starting the engine again.

Did the starter crank the engine?

Starter cranks normally

Repairing the loose connection corrected the problem. Do the PCM reset in the PGM-FI MODE menu to All INJECTORS STOP with the HDS.

Starter does not crank engine at all

If the starter does not crank the engine at all, go to step 4.

Starter cranks abnormally

If the starter cranks the engine erratically or too slowly, go to step 6.

Starter overruns

If the starter does not disengage from the torque converter ring gear when you release the key, remove the starter , and check for the following:
- Dirty drive gear or damaged overrunning clutch
- Damaged torque converter ring gear
Fuse check
-1. Check the following fuses.

Fuse No. A3-5

No. D20

No. D30

Are the fuses OK?

YES

Reinstall the fuses, then go to step 5.

NO

Replace the fuse(s), and recheck. If the fuse(s) blows again, repair the short to ground on the No. A3-5 fuse, the No. D20 fuse, and/or the No. D30 fuse circuit(s).

Determine possible failure area (starter, others)

-1. Make sure the transmission is in P or N position/mode.

-2. Disconnect the following connector.

Starter S terminal 1P connector (A)

-3. Connect terminals A and B with a jumper wire.

Terminal A	Starter S terminal 1P connector (male terminals) No. 1:
Terminal B	12 volt battery positive terminal:

Courtesy of HONDA, U.S.A., INC.

Courtesy of HONDA, U.S.A., INC.

Did the starter crank the engine?

YES

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

Check for an open or short in the wire and connectors between the under-hood fuse/relay box and the relay circuit board.
Check for an open or short in the wire and connectors between the under-dash fuse/relay box and the relay circuit board.
Check for an open or short in the wire and connectors between the relay circuit board and the PCM.
Check for an open or short in the wire and connectors between the relay circuit board and the starter.
Check for an open or short in the wire and connectors between the under-dash fuse/relay box and the PCM (STS line).
Check for an open or short in the wire and connectors between the transmission range switch and the PCM.
Check for poor connections or loose terminals at the transmission range switch and body ground G101 or G151.
Check for a faulty relay circuit board .
Check for a faulty ignition switch .
Check for faulty transmission range switch .

Check for an open or short in the wire and connectors between the 12 volt battery and the starter. Test or replace the starter .

NOTE: Do not inspect the component parts inside the starter if disassembly is prohibited.

Starter test

-1. Connect the alternator, regulator, battery, and starter tester to the battery.

Courtesy of HONDA, U.S.A., INC.

-2. Do the STARTING TEST, check the cranking voltage and the current draw from the following service limit table.

Voltage (V)	Current (A)
8.5 or more	380 or less

Are the cranking voltage and the current draw within the service limits?

YES

Remove the starter , and inspect its drive gear and the torque converter ring gear for damage. Replace any damaged parts.

Check the starter and if there is no problem, check the engine rotational load:

NOTE: The following are assumed as abnormalities of the starter.

Drag in the starter armature
Shorted armature winding
Open circuit in the 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