Without Keyless Access System

1. Remove the engine compartment covers (see ENGINE COMPARTMENT COVER REPLACEMENT ).
2. Connect the alternator, regulator, battery, and starter tester (OTC3131) to the battery as shown.
   NOTE: The probe is not used for battery testing.
   Fig 1: Identifying Alternator, Regulator, Battery And Starter Tester

   Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
3. Do the BATTERY TEST.

   Does the display indicate GOOD or GOOD, LOW CHARGE? 

   YES  - The battery is OK. Charge the battery if necessary, then go to step 4.

   NO  - If the display indicates BAD BATTERY, replace the battery, then retest. If the display indicates CHARGE&RETEST, charge the battery, then retest.

4. Connect the HDS to the DLC (see HOW TO USE THE HDS (HONDA DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM) ).
5. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
6. Make sure the HDS communicates with the vehicle and the PCM. If it does not communicate, troubleshoot the DLC circuit (see DLC CIRCUIT TROUBLESHOOTING ).
7. Select ALL INJECTORS STOP in the PGM-FI INSPECTION menu with the HDS.
8. Set the parking brake, then with the shift lever in P or N, turn the ignition switch to START (III) to crank the engine.

   Does the starter crank the engine normally? 

   YES  - The starting system is OK. Go to step  16.

   NO  - Go to step 9.

9. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0).
10. Check the electrical connections at the battery, the negative battery cable to the body, the engine ground cables, and the starter for looseness and corrosion. Then try cranking the engine again.

    Does the starter crank the engine normally? 

    YES  - Repairing the loose connection corrected the problem. The starting system is OK. Go to step  16.

    NO  - Based on the following symptoms, take the appropriate action:

    • If the starter does not crank the engine at all, go to step 11.
    • If the starter cranks the engine erratically or too slowly, go to step  13.
    • If the starter does not disengage from the torque converter ring gear when you release the key after 15 seconds, replace the starter , or remove and disassemble  it, and check for the following:
      • Starter solenoid and switch malfunction.
      • Dirty drive gear or damaged overrunning clutch.
      • Damaged torque converter ring gear.
11. Make sure the shift lever is in P or N, then disconnect the connector (A) from the starter S terminal. Connect a jumper wire from the battery positive terminal to the S terminal.
    Fig 2: Identifying Starter And Connector

    Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

    Does the starter crank the engine? 

    YES  - Go to step 12.

    NO  - Replace the starter  or remove and disassemble  it as necessary. ■

12. Check the following items in the order listed until you find the problem in the circuit:
    NOTE: After the problem in the circuit is found and repaired, go to step  16.
    • A blown STS (7.5 A) fuse in the auxiliary under-dash fuse holder located below the driver's under-dash fuse/relay box.
    • A blown No. 8 (7.5 A) fuse in the driver's under-dash fuse/relay box.
    • Check for an open or short in the WHT wire and connectors between starter cut relay 1, the ignition switch, and the under-hood fuse/relay box.
    • Check for an open or short in the PNK wire and connectors between starter cut relay 1 socket terminal No. 1 and the PCM.
    • Check for an open or short in the BRN wire and connectors between starter cut relay 1 socket terminal No. 1 and starter cut relay 2 socket terminal No. 1.
    • Check for an open or short in the WHT wire, BLK/WHT wire, and connectors between starter cut relay 2 socket terminal No. 2 and the starter.
    • Check for an open or short in the YEL wire, LT GRN wire, and connectors between the ignition switch and the PCM.
    • Check for an open or short in the LT GRN wire and connectors between the PCM, starter cut relay 1 socket terminal No. 4, and starter cut relay 2 socket terminal No. 4.
    • Check for an open or short in the PNK wire, BLU/WHT wire, and connectors between starter cut relay 1 socket terminal No. 3, starter cut relay 2 socket terminal No. 3, and the transmission range switch.
    • Check for poor connections or loose terminals at the transmission range switch and body ground G101.
    • Check for a faulty ignition switch (see IGNITION SWITCH TEST ).
    • Check for a faulty transmission range switch (see TRANSMISSION RANGE SWITCH TEST ).
    • Check for faulty starter cut relay 1 and starter cut relay 2 (see POWER RELAY TEST ).
13. Connect the alternator, regulator, battery, and starter tester to the battery.
    NOTE: The probe is used for starter testing.
    Fig 3: Identifying Starter Tester, Battery, Regulator And Alternator

    Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
14. Do the STARTING TEST.

    Does the display indicate cranking voltage greater than or equal to 8.0 V and is the current draw less than or equal to 375 A? 

    YES  - Go to step 15.

    NO  - Replace the starter  or remove and disassemble  it, and check for these problems: ■

    • Drag in the starter armature
    • Short in the armature winding
    • Excessive drag in the engine
    • Open circuit in 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
15. Remove the starter , and inspect its drive gear and the torque converter ring gear for damage. Replace any damaged parts.
16. Select PCM reset (see HDS CLEAR COMMAND ) in the PGM-FI INSPECTION menu to cancel ALL INJECTORS STOP with the HDS.
17. Install the engine compartment covers (see ENGINE COMPARTMENT COVER REPLACEMENT ).

Special Tools Required 

Alternator, Regulator, Battery, and Starter Tester OTC3131*

*: Available through the Acura Tool and Equipment Program, 888-424-6857.