Note. Before performing starter function checks, make sure that the cause of difficult starting is not a low battery level.
1. If the starter does not rotate at all when the ignition key is turned to the START position, first of all, make the following simple checks:
- a) Check the battery charge level, as well as the reliability of the wires on the battery terminals and the starter traction relay;
- b) Check the condition of the battery wires (see Checking the condition and replacing the battery wires). Replace defective components;
- c) Check Battery Status (see Checking the condition and replacing the battery). If necessary, replace it with a new one;
- d) Check the condition of the starter wiring and terminal connections (see wiring diagrams in Chapter Onboard electrical equipment);
- e) Check up reliability of a tightening of bolts of fastening of a starter;
- f) With the appropriate configuration, check the condition of the fusible inserts in the mounting block in the engine compartment of the car (see chapter Onboard electrical equipment). If any of the inserts fail, investigate and correct the cause of the overload. Also check the function of the ignition switch circuit (see chapter Onboard electrical equipment);
- g) Check the operation of the start enable switch (models with AT) on/off starter circuit (models with manual transmission). The engine can only be started when the gear selector lever is in position "R" or "N" (AT), or the clutch pedal is fully depressed (RKPP).
2. If the starter does not start to rotate when the ignition key is turned to the START position, check the battery power supply to the traction relay. First, make sure the ignition switch is working properly. Connect a voltmeter to the traction relay terminals and ask an assistant to turn the engine over. The voltmeter should read 12.6V, otherwise refer to the relevant wiring diagrams (see chapter Onboard electrical equipment), check all relays and fuses in series with the starting system circuit. On Integra models, locate the relay/fuse panel under the instrument panel on the driver's side of the vehicle and check the condition of the No. 31 7.5A fuse. Also check the starter shutoff relay for proper operation. If power is supplied properly, but the starter does not rotate, remove it from the engine (see Removal and installation of a starter) and transfer for more detailed diagnostics to the workbench (see paragraph 4).
3. If the starter turns the crankshaft too slowly, it is necessary to check the amount of supply voltage supplied to it. The check is made without removing the starter from the engine. Do not turn on the starter for more than 10 seconds in a row. The voltage must not drop below 8.5 V while cranking the engine (Civic) /8.0 V (Integra). Using an ammeter, measure the current flowing in the circuit. Ratings are 350A or less for Civic models, 360A or less for AT-equipped Integra models, and 270A or less for MT-equipped Integra models. Starter cranking can be affected by various parameters. So, the battery must be fully charged, the terminal connections of its wires must not be damaged by corrosion, the engine block must not be supercooled.
4. If the starter motor does not rotate despite good power supply, remove the assembly and transfer it to a workbench. Most likely there is an internal defect in the electric motor. In some cases, the cause is engine jamming and to eliminate it, it is necessary to check the serviceability of turning the crankshaft manually by the pulley (see Engine repair without removal from the car - Civic models or Engine repair without removal from the car - Integra models). Clamp the starter assembly with the traction relay in a vise with soft jaws and connect the jumper wire to its negative terminal (-) with body (see accompanying illustration). Connect the second jumper wire from the positive battery terminal to the starter terminal B. Connect the starter switch and apply power to the S terminal of the traction relay (no more than 10 seconds). Make sure that the traction relay plunger moves forward, displacing the drive lever and overrunning clutch accordingly, and the extended starter drive gear begins to rotate properly. If the gear extends but does not rotate, then the electric motor is faulty. If the plunger does not extend despite the relay clicking properly, any of the assembly components may be faulty. When the starter motor is in good condition, the pinion gear should extend and rotate when power is applied.