Starter Performance Test

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.

Remove the starter (see STARTER REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION ).
Disconnect the motor wire from the M terminal.
Clamp the starter firmly in a vise.
Make the connections for this test using the thickest (gauge) wire possible (preferably the same gauge as used on the vehicle).
NOTE: To avoid damaging the starter, never leave the battery connected for more than 5 seconds.

Fig 1: Testing Starter Performance - Connect Battery To Starter Motor Terminals
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Connect the battery as shown. Make sure you disconnect the starter motor wire from the M terminal. If the starter pinion moves out, it is working properly.
Disconnect the battery from the M terminal. If the pinion does not retract, the hold-in coil of the solenoid is working properly.

Fig 2: Testing Starter Performance - Disconnect Battery From M Terminal
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Disconnect the battery from the starter body as shown. If the pinion retracts immediately, it is working properly.

Fig 3: Testing Starter Performance - Disconnect Battery From Starter Body
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Reconnect the motor wire to the M terminal.
Connect the starter to the battery as shown, and confirm that the motor runs.

Fig 4: Testing Starter Performance - Connect Starter To Battery
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
If the electric current meets the specification when the battery voltage is at 11.5 V, the starter is working properly.
Specification

Electric Current: 90 A or less