Starter Acura SLX I

DESCRIPTION & OPERATION

All starters are 4-brush, solenoid-actuated, gear-reduction type equipped with overrunning clutch. M/T models use a starter relay and a clutch interlock switch. A/T models use a starter relay and a neutral safety switch. Starter relay is plugged into underhood fuse relay panel.

Voltage from positive battery terminal is continuously applied to ignition switch. Starter solenoid contacts are normally open. When ignition switch is turned to the START position (clutch interlock switch or neutral safety switch closed), battery voltage is applied to the starter solenoid coils and starter engages.

1. Disconnect wiring harness connector from ignition control module. On M/T models, depress clutch pedal to floor. Turn ignition switch to START position. Starter should crank. NOTE: On M/T models, starter will not crank unless clutch pedal is fully depressed.
2. If starter does not crank, check battery condition. Check for loose or corroded battery cables and starter wires. Repair or replace as necessary. If starter still does not crank, unplug terminal "S" connector (Black/White wire) from starter solenoid.
3. Connect jumper wire between positive battery terminal and solenoid terminal "S". Starter should crank. If starter does not crank, remove starter and check for internal problems. If starter cranks, check Black/White wire, fuse, starter relay, ignition switch, clutch interlock switch (M/T) or neutral safety switch (A/T). Repair or replace as necessary.

CRANKING TEST

1. Connect a voltmeter and ammeter to battery. (Scheme 1) Disconnect two 3-pin connectors and one 4-pin connector from ignition control module. Ignition control module is located on rear of intake manifold.
2. Use remote starter switch to crank engine. Check cranking voltage and current draw. Ensure voltage is at least 8 volts. Current draw should be less than 350 amps. Cranking speed should be greater than 100 RPM.

Scheme 1

BRUSH HOLDER TEST

Ensure continuity does not exist between positive and negative brush holders. If continuity exists, replace brush holder assembly. Install brush into brush holder. Ensure brush contacts commutator.

BRUSHES & SPRINGS

1. Attach a spring scale to brush spring. Measure tension of spring as spring lifts off brush. If spring tension is not within specification, replace brush holder assembly. See «STARTER SPECIFICATIONS»(/acura/slx/i-1995-1999/remont/starter/#starter) .
2. Check brush length. If brush length is not within specification, replace brushes. See «STARTER SPECIFICATIONS»(/acura/slx/i-1995-1999/remont/starter/#starter) . If brushes are replaced, wrap No. 600 sandpaper around commutator. Rotate commutator across face of brushes to seat new starter brush assemblies.

COMMUTATOR TEST

1. Check for continuity between commutator segments. If continuity is not present, replace armature. Measure commutator mica depth. See «STARTER SPECIFICATIONS»(/acura/slx/i-1995-1999/remont/starter/#starter) . If mica depth not within specifications, replace commutator.
2. Measure commutator runout. See «STARTER SPECIFICATIONS»(/acura/slx/i-1995-1999/remont/starter/#starter) . If runout is not within specifications, replace armature assembly. If commutator is burnt or dirty, clean using emery cloth or a lathe. Measure commutator diameter. See «STARTER SPECIFICATIONS»(/acura/slx/i-1995-1999/remont/starter/#starter) . If diameter is less than minimum specification, replace armature assembly.

ARMATURE COIL TEST

Using an ohmmeter, check for continuity between commutator and armature coil core. Check for continuity between armature shaft and armature coil core. If continuity exists, replace armature. Using a growler, check armature for shorts. If continuity does not exist, replace armature.

NO-LOAD TEST

Clamp starter firmly in a vise. Connect volt meter and ammeter to battery. Connect ammeter positive lead to starter terminals "B" and "S". Connect battery negative lead to armature housing. Check voltage, amperage (amps) and RPM. See STARTER SPECIFICATIONS . If no-load test is not to specification, repair or replace starter as needed.

PINION TRAVEL

Disconnect terminal "M" wire from starter solenoid. Connect battery voltage to starter solenoid terminal "S". Ground terminal "M". With pinion gear fully extended, pull pinion gear out from starter and measure pinion travel between points "A" and "B". (Scheme 2) If pinion travel is not to specification, add or remove shims b etween starter solenoid and gear housing cover as needed. See STARTER SPECIFICATIONS.

Scheme 2

Remove starter solenoid from starter. With starter solenoid plunger in released position, continuity should exist between terminals "M" and "S" and solenoid housing (ground). (Scheme 3) With starter solenoid plunger pushed in, continuity should exist between terminals "B", "M" and "S" and solenoid housing. If continuity is not present, replace solenoid.

Scheme 3

TROUBLE SHOOTING

Note. See TROUBLE SHOOTING - BASIC PROCEDURES article in the GENERAL TROUBLE SHOOTING section.

OVERHAUL

Note. See exploded views of starters. (Scheme 4)

Scheme 4

STARTER SPECIFICATIONS

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

See also:
• TROUBLE SHOOTING - BASIC PROCEDURES
• STARTER SPECIFICATIONS