Starter Motor: Testing and Inspection

Ensure that air temperature is between 59 and 100° before testing.
1. Connect a suitable battery-starter tester according to manufacturers instructions.
2. On 1989 Accord models, disconnect coil wire at distributor and connect it to a suitable ground.

Fig. 6 Distributor 4-P Connector Location. 1992 Prelude:

3. On 1992 Civic models, disconnect 4-P connector from distributor, Fig. 6.

Fig. 7 Distributor 2-P Connector Location. Except 1989 Accord & 1992 Prelude:

4. On all other models, disconnect 2-P connector from distributor, Fig. 7.
5. On all models, press clutch pedal to floor, if equipped, and turn ignition switch to start position. If starter does not crank engine, check battery condition, battery positive wire, ground and wire connections for looseness or corrosion.
6. If starter still does not crank engine, by-pass ignition switch circuit as follows:
a. Disconnect BLK/WHT wire from solenoid terminal on starter.
b. Connect a jumper wire from battery positive terminal to solenoid terminal.
c. If starter cranks engine, check for an open in BLK/WHT wire circuit between starter and ignition switch. If circuit is satisfactory, check connectors and ignition switch.
d. On automatic transmission models, check neutral safety switch and connector.
e. On manual transmission models, check starter relay, clutch interlock switch and connectors.
7. If starter still does not crank engine, remove and diagnose for internal problems.
8. Check voltage and current draw, then compare as follows:
a. On except 1992 Civic, cranking voltage on 1.0kw starters should be no less than 8.5 volts and current draw should not be more than 230 amps.
b. On except 1992 Civic, cranking voltage on 1.4kw starters should be no less than 8 volts and current draw should not be more than 350 amps.
c. On 1992 Civic, all starters should have a cranking voltage of no less than 8 volts and current draw should be no more than 400 amps.
d. Cranking voltage on 1.6kw starters should be no less than 8 volts and current draw should not be more than 380 amps.
d. Engine speed when cranking on all starters should be above 100 RPM. If engine speed is not at least 100 RPM, check for loose battery or starter terminals, worn starter brushes, open circuit in commuter segments, dirty or damaged helical spline or drive gear, and defective drive gear overrunning clutch.
9. Check for starter disengagement as follows:
a. On models with manual transmission, press clutch pedal to floor.
b. On all models, turn ignition switch to start and release to run.
c. If starter drive gear hangs up on flywheel or flex plate, check solenoid plunger and switch for malfunction or drive gear assembly for dirty or damaged overrunning clutch.