Starter Circuit Troubleshooting
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Honda Pilot, 2007 Honda Pilot, and 2006 Honda Pilot. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE:
- Air temperature must be between 59 and 100°F (15 and 38°C) during this procedure.
- After this inspection, you must reset the powertrain control module (PCM), otherwise the PCM will continue to stop the injectors from functioning. Select PCM reset using the Honda Diagnostic System (HDS) (see HDS CLEAR COMMAND ).
- The battery must be in good condition and fully charged.
- Hook up the following equipment:
- Ammeter, 0-400 A
- Voltmeter, 0-20 V (accurate within 0.1 volt)
- Connect the HDS to the data link connector (DLC) (see step 2 in HOW TO USE THE HDS (HONDA DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM) ).
- Turn the ignition switch ON (II), and select PGM-FI, INSPECTION, then ALL INJECTORS OFF on the HDS.
- Set the parking brake, then with the shift lever in the N or P position, turn the ignition switch to START (III)
Does the starter crank the engine normally?
YES - The starting system is OK. Go to step 10.
NO - Go to step 5.
- Check the battery condition (see BATTERY TEST
). Check electrical connections at the battery, the negative battery cable to body, the engine ground cables, and the starter for looseness and corrosion. Then try cranking the engine again.
Does the starter crank the engine?
YES - Repairing the loose connection corrected the problem. The starting system is OK. Go to step 10.
NO - Based on the following symptoms, take the appropriate action:
- If the starter will not crank the engine at all, go to step 6.
- If it cranks the engine erratically or too slowly, go to step 8.
- If it 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:
- - Solenoid plunger and switch malfunction
- - Dirty drive gear or damaged overrunning clutch
- Make sure the transmission is in Park or Neutral, and set the parking brake. Disconnect the BLK/WHT wire from the starter solenoid S terminal. Connect a jumper wire from the battery positive terminal to the solenoid terminal.
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Does the starter crank the engine?
YES - Go to step 7.
NO - Remove the starter, and repair or replace as necessary.
- Check the following items in the order listed until you find the open circuit:
- The BLK/WHT wire and connectors between the under-dash fuse/relay box and the ignition switch.
- The BLK/WHT wire and connectors between the under-dash fuse/relay box and the starter.
- The ignition switch (see IGNITION SWITCH ).
- The transmission range switch and connector (see TRANSMISSION RANGE SWITCH TEST ).
- The starter cut relay (see POWER RELAY TEST ).
- While cranking the engine, check the cranking voltage and the current draw.
Is the cranking voltage greater than or equal to 7.7 V and is the current draw less than or equal to 400 A?
YES - Go to step 9.
NO - Replace the starter, or remove and disassemble it, and check for the following:
- Drag in the starter armature
- Shorted armature winding
- Excessive drag in the engine
- Open circuit in starter armature commutator segments
- Excessive worn starter brushes
- Open circuit in the starter brushes
- Dirty or damaged helical splines or driver gear
- Faulty driver gear clutch
- Remove the starter, and inspect its drive gear and torque converter ring gear for damage. Replace any damaged parts.
- Select PCM Reset (see PCM RESET ) to cancel ALL INJECTORS OFF on the HDS.