DTC P16BE: Starter Cut Relay 1 Malfunction

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Acura MDX, 2012 Acura MDX, 2011 Acura MDX, and 2010 Acura MDX. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Before you troubleshoot, record all freeze data and any on-board snapshot, and review the general troubleshooting information (see GENERAL TROUBLESHOOTING INFORMATION ).

Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
Clear the DTC with the HDS, and wait 5 seconds.
Check the STARTER CUT RELAY in the DATA LIST with the HDS.
Is 3.2 V or more indicated?

YES -Go to step 4.

NO -Intermittent failure, the system is OK at this time. Check for poor connections or loose terminals at starter cut relay 1, starter cut relay 2, and the PCM.
Remove starter cut relay 1 (A) from the auxiliary under-dash relay block A.

Fig 1: Identifying Starter Cut Relay 1
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Check the STARTER CUT RELAY in the DATA LIST with the HDS.
Is 3.2 V or more indicated?

YES -Go to step 6.

NO -Replace starter cut relay 1, then go to step 7.
Measure the voltage between starter cut relay 1 4P connector terminal No. 2 and body ground.

Fig 2: Measuring Voltage Between Starter Cut Relay 1 4P Connector Terminal No. 2 And Body Ground
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Is there 3.2V or more?

YES -Repair a short to power in the wire between starter cut relay 1, starter cut relay 2, and the PCM, then go to step 7.

NO -Go to step 11.
Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
Reset the PCM with the HDS.
Do the PCM idle learn procedure (see PCM IDLE LEARN PROCEDURE ).
Check for Pending or Confirmed DTCs with the HDS.
Is DTC P16BE indicated?

YES -Check for poor connections or loose terminals at starter cut relay 1, starter cut relay 2, and the PCM, then go to step 1.

NO -Troubleshooting is complete. If any other Pending or Confirmed DTCs are indicated, go to the indicated DTC'S TROUBLESHOOTING .
Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0).
Reconnect all connectors.
Update the PCM if it does not have the latest software (see PCM UPDATE ), or substitute a known-good PCM (see SUBSTITUTING THE PCM ).
Check for Pending or Confirmed DTCs with the HDS.
Is DTC P16BE indicated?

YES -Check for poor connections or loose terminals at starter cut relay 1, starter cut relay 2, and the PCM. If the PCM was updated, substitute a known-good PCM (see SUBSTITUTING THE PCM ), then recheck. If the PCM was substituted, go to step 1.

NO -If the PCM was updated, troubleshooting is complete. If the PCM was substituted, replace the original PCM (see PCM REPLACEMENT ). If any other Pending or Confirmed DTCs are indicated, go to the indicated DTC'S TROUBLESHOOTING .