Starting System Acura RSX I

Scheme 1

Symptom Troubleshooting Index

PROBLEM SYMPTOM CHART

Scheme 2

Starter Circuit Troubleshooting

Note. Air temperature must be between 59 and 100°F (15 and 38 °C) during this procedure. On 2002-2004 models: After this inspection, or any subsequent repair, reset the engine control module (ECM)/powertrain control module (PCM) to clear any diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) (see ECM/PCM RESET (2002-2004 MODELS) ). On 2005-2006 models: After this inspection, you must select ECM/PCM reset using the Honda Diagnostic System (HDS) (see ECM/PCM RESET (2002-2004 MODELS) ), otherwise the ECM/PCM continues to stop the fuel injectors. The battery must be in good condition and fully charged. If you disconnect the battery, do the ECM/PCM idle learn procedure. 2002-2004 models (see ECM/PCM IDLE LEARN PROCEDURE ) 2005-2006 models (see ECM/PCM IDLE LEARN PROCEDURE )

Recommended Procedure

1. Use a starter system tester.
2. Connect and operate the equipment in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

Scheme 3

Scheme 4

Scheme 5

1. Hook up the following equipment: Ammeter, 0-400 A Voltmeter, 0-20 V (accurate within 0.1 V) Tachometer, 0-1,200 RPM
2. 2002-2004 models: Remove the No. 17 (15 A) fuse from the under-dash fuse/relay box. 2005-2006 models: Connect the HDS to the data link connector (DLC) (see step 2 on «IF THE MIL (MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP) HAS COME ON»(/acura/rsx/i-2001-2004/remont/auxiliary-emission-control-systems/#fuel-system-emissions-systems) ). Turn the ignition switch ON (II), then select PGM-FI, INSPECTION, and then All INJECTORS OFF on the HDS.
3. With the shift lever in N or P (A/T) or the clutch pedal pressed (M/T), turn the ignition switch to START (III). Did the starter crank the engine normally? YES - The starting system is OK. Go to step 9 . NO - Go to step 4.
4. Check the battery condition. 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. Did the starter crank the engine? YES - Repairing the loose connection corrected the problem. The starting system is OK. Go to step 9 . NO - Check the following: If the starter will not crank the engine at all, go to step 5. If it cranks the engine erratically or too slowly, go to step 7 . If it won't disengage from the flywheel or torque converter ring gear when you release the key, check the following: Solenoid plunger and switch malfunction Dirty drive gear or damaged overrunning clutch
5. Make sure the transmission is in Neutral, then disconnect the BLK/WHT wire (A) from the starter solenoid S terminal (B). Connect a jumper wire from the battery positive terminal to the solenoid terminal. K20A3 engine K20A2, K20Z1 engines Did the starter crank the engine? YES - 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, and between the under-dash fuse/relay box and the starter. The ignition switch (see «TEST»(/acura/rsx/i-2001-2004/remont/steering-column-switches/#ignition-switch__test) ). The transmission range switch and connector (A/T) or the clutch interlock switch and connector (M/T). The starter cut relay (see «POWER RELAY TEST»(/acura/rsx/i-2001-2004/remont/body-electrical/#relays__power-relay-test) ). NO - Remove the starter, and repair or replace as necessary.
6. While cranking the engine, check the cranking voltage and current draw. Is cranking voltage greater than or equal to 8.5 V (K20A3 engine)/8.7 V (K20A2, K20Z1 engines) and current draw less than or equal to 350 A (K20A3 engine)/230 A (K20A2, K20Z1 engines). YES - Go to step 7. NO - Replace the starter, or remove and disassemble it, and check the following: Drag in the starter armature Shorted armature winding Excessive drag in engine
7. Check the engine speed while cranking the engine. Is the engine speed above 100 RPM? YES - Go to step 9 . NO - Replace the starter, or remove and disassemble it, and check the following until you find the cause: Open circuit in starter armature commutator segments Excessively worn starter brushes Open circuit in commutator brushes Dirty or damaged helical splines or drive gear Faulty drive gear clutch
8. Remove the starter, and inspect its drive gear and the flywheel or torque converter ring gear for damage. Replace any damaged parts.
9. 2002-2004 models: Reinstall the No. 17 (15 A) fuse in the under-dash fuse/relay box. 2005-2006 models: Select ECM/PCM reset (see «ECM/PCM RESET (2005-2006 MODELS)»(/acura/rsx/i-2001-2004/remont/auxiliary-emission-control-systems/#fuel-system-emissions-systems__ecmpcm-reset-2005-2006-models) ) to stop the ALL INJECTORS OFF function on the HDS.

Scheme 6

Scheme 7

1. Disconnect the clutch interlock switch 2P connector.
2. Remove the clutch interlock switch (A).
3. Check for continuity between the terminals according to the table. If the continuity is not as specified, replace the clutch interlock switch. If OK, install clutch interlock switch and adjust the clutch pedal height (see «CLUTCH PEDAL, CLUTCH PEDAL POSITION SWITCH, AND CLUTCH INTERLOCK SWITCH ADJUSTMENT»(/acura/rsx/i-2001-2004/remont/clutches-manual-hydraulic/#clutch-system__clutch-pedal-clutch-pedal-position-switch) ).

Scheme 8

1. Make sure you have the anti-theft codes for the radio, then write down the customer's radio station presets.
2. Disconnect the negative cable from the battery first, then disconnect the positive cable.
3. Disconnect the S and M connectors from the starter solenoid.
4. Check the hold-in coil for continuity between the S terminal and the armature housing (ground). There should be continuity. If there is continuity, go to step 5. If there is no continuity, replace the solenoid.
5. Check the pull-in coil for continuity between the S terminal and M terminal. There should be continuity. If there is continuity, the solenoid is OK. If there is no continuity, replace the solenoid.
6. Connect the positive cable to the battery first, and then the negative cable.
7. Enter the anti-theft codes for the radio, then enter the customer's radio station presets.
8. Set the clock.
9. K20A2 engine: Do the engine control module (ECM)/powertrain control module (PCM) idle learn procedure. 2002-2004 models (see «ECM/PCM IDLE LEARN PROCEDURE»(/acura/rsx/i-2001-2004/remont/testing-diagnostics/#idle-control-system) ) 2005-2006 models (see «ECM/PCM IDLE LEARN PROCEDURE»(/acura/rsx/i-2001-2004/remont/testing-diagnostics/#idle-control-system) )
10. Do the power window control unit reset procedure (see «RESETTING THE POWER WINDOW CONTROL UNIT»(/acura/rsx/i-2001-2004/remont/windows/#power-windows__resetting-the-power-window-control-unit) ).

Scheme 9

Scheme 10

Scheme 11

1. Disconnect the wire from the S terminal.
2. Make the connections as shown using as heavy a wire as possible (preferably equivalent to the wire used for the vehicle). To avoid damaging the starter, never leave the battery connected for more than 10 seconds.
3. Connect the battery as shown. If the starter pinion moves out, it is working properly.
4. Disconnect the negative battery terminal from the body as shown. If the pinion retracts immediately, it is working properly.
5. Clamp the starter firmly in a vise.
6. Connect the starter to the battery as shown, and make sure the motor turns and keeps rotating.
7. If the electric current and motor speed meet the specifications when the battery voltage is at 11.5 V, the starter is working properly. Specifications Electric current: 80 A or less Motor speed: 2,600 RPM or more

Scheme 12

Scheme 13

Scheme 14

Scheme 15

1. Disconnect the wires from the S terminal and the M terminal.
2. Make the connections as shown using as heavy a wire as possible (preferably equivalent to the wire used for the vehicle). To avoid damaging the starter, never leave the battery connected for more than 10 seconds.
3. Connect the battery as shown. Make sure you disconnect the starter motor wire from the solenoid. If the starter pinion moves out, it is working properly.
4. Disconnect the negative battery terminal from the M terminal as shown. If the pinion does not retract, the hold-in coil of the solenoid is working properly.
5. Disconnect the negative battery terminal from the body as shown. If the pinion retracts immediately, it is working properly.
6. Clamp the starter firmly in a vise.
7. Reconnect the wire to the M terminal.
8. Connect the starter to the battery as shown in the diagram, and make sure the motor turns and keeps rotating.
9. If the electric current and motor speed meet the specifications when the battery voltage is at 11.5 V, the starter is working properly. Specifications Electric Current: 90 A or less Motor Speed: 3,000 RPM or more

Scheme 16

Scheme 17

Scheme 18

Scheme 19

Scheme 20

1. Make sure you have the anti-theft codes for the radio, then write down the customer's radio station presets.
2. Disconnect the negative cable from the battery first, then disconnect the positive cable.
3. Disconnect the knock sensor connector.
4. K20A3 engine: Disconnect the bolt securing the harness bracket.
5. K20A2, K20Z1 engines: Remove the front subframe damper.
6. K20A2, K20Z1 engines: Remove the bolt (A) securing the harness bracket, then remove the intake manifold brackets (B).
7. Disconnect the starter cable (A) from the B terminal on the solenoid, then disconnect the BLK/WHT wire (B) from the S terminal. K20A3 engine K20A2, K20Z1 engines
8. Remove the two bolts holding the starter, then remove the starter.

Scheme 21

Scheme 22

Scheme 23

Scheme 24

Scheme 25

1. Install the two bolts holding the starter.
2. Connect the starter cable (A) from the B terminal on the solenoid, then connect the BLK/WHT wire (B) from the S terminal. Make sure the crimped side of the ring terminal is facing out. K20A3 engine K20A2, k20Z1 engines
3. K20A2, K20Z1 engines: Install the bolt (A) securing the harness bracket, then Install the intake manifold brackets (B).
4. K20A2, K20Z1 engines: Install the front subframe damper.
5. K20A3 engine: Connect the bolt securing the harness bracket.
6. Connect the knock sensor connector.
7. Connect the positive cable to the battery first, then connect the negative cable.
8. Start the engine to make sure the starter operates properly.
9. Enter the anti-theft codes for the radio, then enter the customer's radio station presets.
10. Set the clock.
11. 2002-2004 models: Do the engine control module (ECM) /powertrain control module (PCM) idle learn procedure (see «ECM/PCM IDLE LEARN PROCEDURE»(/acura/rsx/i-2001-2004/remont/testing-diagnostics/#idle-control-system) ).
12. Do the power window control unit reset procedure (see «RESETTING THE POWER WINDOW CONTROL UNIT»(/acura/rsx/i-2001-2004/remont/windows/#power-windows__resetting-the-power-window-control-unit) ).

Scheme 26

Scheme 27

Scheme 28

Scheme 29

Scheme 30

Scheme 31

Scheme 32

Scheme 33

Scheme 34

Scheme 35

1. Remove the starter (see «STARTER REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION»(/acura/rsx/i-2001-2004/remont/starter/#starting-system) ).
2. Disassemble the starter as shown at the beginning of this procedure.
3. Inspect the armature for wear or damage from contact with the permanent magnet. If there is wear or damage, replace the armature.
4. Check the commutator (A) surface. If the surface is dirty or burnt, resurface with emery cloth or a lathe within the following specifications, or recondition with #500 or #600 sandpaper (B).
5. Check the commutator diameter. If the diameter is below the service limit, replace the armature.
6. Measure the commutator (A) runout. If the commutator runout is within the service limit, check the commutator for carbon dust or brass chips between the segments. If the commutator runout is not within the service limit, replace the armature.
7. Check the mica depth (A). If the mica is too high (B), undercut the mica with a hacksaw blade to the proper depth. Cut away all the mica (C) between the commutator segments. The undercut should not be too shallow, too narrow, or V-shaped (D).
8. Check for continuity between the segments of the commutator. If there is an open circuit between any segments, replace the armature.
9. Place the armature (A) on an armature tester (B). Hold a hacksaw blade (C) on the armature core. If the blade is attracted to the core or vibrates while the core is turned, the armature is shorted. Replace the armature.
10. Check with an ohmmeter for continuity between the commutator (A) and armature coil core (B), and between the commutator and armature shaft (C). If there is continuity, replace the armature.

Scheme 36

1. 11. Measure the brush length. If it is not within the service limit, replace the brush holder assembly. Brush Length K20A3 Engine: Standard (New): 11.1-11.5 mm (0.44-0.45 in.) Service Limit: 4.3 mm (0.17 in.) K20A2, K20Z1 Engines: Standard (New): 14.0-14.5 mm (0.55-0.57 in.) Service Limit: 9.0 mm (0.35 in.)

Scheme 37

1. 12. Check for continuity between the brushes (A). If there is no continuity, replace the armature housing (B).
2. 13. Check for continuity between each brush (A) and the armature housing (B). If there is continuity, replace the armature housing.

Scheme 38

Scheme 39

1. 14. Check for continuity between the (+) brush holder (A) and (-) brush holder (B). If there is continuity, replace the brush holder assembly. K20A3 engine K20A2, K20Z1 engines

Scheme 40

1. 15. Insert the brush (A) into the brush holder, and bring the brush into contact with the commutator, then attach a spring scale (B) to the spring (C). Measure the spring tension at the moment the spring lifts off the brush. If the spring tension is not within specification, replace the spring.

Scheme 41

1. 16. Check the planetary gears (A) and ring gear (B). Replace them if they are worn or damaged.

Scheme 42

1. 17. Holding the drive gear (A), turn the gear shaft (B) clockwise. Check that the drive gear comes out to the other end. If the drive gear does not move smoothly, replace the gear cover assembly.
2. 18. Holding the drive gear, turn the gear shaft counterclockwise. The gear shaft should rotate freely. If the gear shaft does not rotate smoothly, replace the gear cover assembly.
3. 19. If the starter drive gear is worn or damaged, replace the overrunning clutch assembly; the gear is not available separately. Check the condition of the flywheel or torque converter ring gear. Replace it if the starter drive gear teeth are damaged.

Scheme 43

1. 20. Slide the overrunning clutch (A) along the shaft. Replace it if it does not slide smoothly.
2. 21. Hold the overrunning clutch, and turn the drive gear (B) in the direction shown to be sure it turns freely. Also make sure the drive gear locks in the opposite direction. If it does not lock in either direction or it locks in both directions, replace it.
3. 22. If the starter drive gear is worn or damaged, replace the overrunning clutch assembly; the gear is not available separately. Check the condition of the flywheel ring gear. Replace it if the starter drive gear teeth are damaged.

Scheme 44

1. 23. Install the brush into the brush holder, and set the armature (A) in the brush holder (B). NOTE: To seat the new brushes, slip a strip of #500 or #600 sandpaper, with the grit side up, between the commutator and each brush, and smoothly rotate the armature. The contact surface of the brushes will be sanded to the same contour as the commutator.
2. 24. Squeezing a spring (C), insert it in the hole on the brush holder, and push it until it bottoms. Repeat this for the other three springs (D, E, and F).
3. 25. Install the armature and brush holder assembly into the housing. NOTE: Make sure the armature stays in the holder.

Scheme 45

Scheme 46

1. 26. Pry back each brush spring with a screwdriver, then position the brush about halfway out of its holder, and release the spring to hold it there. NOTE: To seat the new brushes, slip a strip of #500 or #600 sandpaper, with the grit side up, between the commutator and each brush, and smoothly rotate the armature. The contact surface of the brushes will be sanded to the same contour as the commutator.
2. 27. Install the armature in the housing, and install the brush holder. Next, pry back each brush spring again, and push the brush down until it seats against the commutator, then release the spring against the end of the brush.
3. 28. Install the starter end cover to retain the brush holder.

See also:
• BATTERY TEST
• POWER RELAY TEST
• TRANSMISSION RANGE SWITCH TEST
• TEST
• GENERAL TROUBLESHOOTING INFORMATION
• 2002-2004 MODELS
• FUEL LINE INSPECTION
• THROTTLE BODY TEST
• ENGINE COMPRESSION INSPECTION
• ECM/PCM RESET (2002-2004 MODELS)
• ECM/PCM IDLE LEARN PROCEDURE
• ECM/PCM RESET (2005-2006 MODELS)
• CLUTCH PEDAL, CLUTCH PEDAL POSITION SWITCH, AND CLUTCH INTERLOCK SWITCH ADJUSTMENT
• RESETTING THE POWER WINDOW CONTROL UNIT
• STARTER CIRCUIT TROUBLESHOOTING
• CLUTCH INTERLOCK SWITCH TEST