Starting System: Diagnosis Honda Prelude V

TROUBLE SHOOTING

Note. On models with theft protection system, obtain radio security code from vehicle owner, before disconnecting battery cable.

STARTER TEST

Note. Test starter at an ambient temperature of 59-100°F (15-38°C) as readings may vary in different temperature conditions.

Scheme 1

1. Remove PGM-FI fuse, to disable ignition system. On Accord, PGM-FI (15-amp) fuse is No. 46, on Civic and CR-V, PGM-FI (15-amp) fuse is No. 44, on Odyssey and Oasis, PGM-FI (15-amp or 20-amp) fuse is No. 33 in underhood fuse/relay block. On Prelude, PGM-FI (10-amp) fuse is located in under dash fuse/relay block, behind left kick panel. Connect a Voltage/Amperage Tester (VAT), or connect a voltmeter and an ammeter to battery. (Scheme 1)
2. Place shift lever in Park or Neutral position (A/T), or depress clutch (M/T). While observing VAT, or meters, crank engine. If cranking voltage does not drop below specification, and current draw does not exceed specification, starter is okay. See «CRANKING TEST SPECIFICATIONS»(ref-96809-S04163675312001041900000) table. If starter does not crank engine, go to next step. If starter cranks erratically or too slowly, go to step 6). CRANKING TEST SPECIFICATIONS Application Cranking Volts Current Draw (Amps) Accord 2.3L A/T 8.5 380 M/T 8.0 280 3.0L 8.5 380 Civic 8.5 350 CR-V A/T 8.7 230 M/T 8.0 200 Odyssey & Oasis 8.5 350 Prelude 8.5 380
3. Load test battery. Check battery cable terminal ends for poor, loose or corroded connections. Check gear position switch (A/T), clutch interlock switch (M/T) or starter relay for poor, loose or corroded electrical connections. Repair or replace as necessary. If all connections are okay, turn ignition switch to START position. If starter cranks engine, system is okay. If starter does not crank engine, go to next step.
4. Remove Black/White wire connector from terminal "S" of starter solenoid. (Scheme 2) Connect a remote starter switch between positive battery terminal and terminal "S" of starter solenoid. Depress remote starter switch. If starter does not crank engine, remove starter and diagnose internal problem, or replace starter. See «BENCH TESTING»(ref-96809-S40554532572001041900000). If starter cranks engine, locate and repair open in Black/White wire. If Black/White wire is okay, go to next step.
5. Check components of starting circuit. See «CLUTCH INTERLOCK SWITCH TEST (M/T)»(ref-96809-S17073666232001041900000), «GEAR POSITION SWITCH TEST (A/T)»(ref-96809-S37392871082001041900000), «IGNITION SWITCH TEST»(ref-96809-S01511583002001041900000) and «STARTER RELAY TEST»(ref-96809-S28576954132001041900000) in ON-VEHICLE TESTING.
6. Remove starter. Inspect starter drive gear for damaged teeth. Inspect ring gear of flywheel or flexplate for damaged teeth. If teeth are not damaged, bench test starter. See «BENCH TESTING»(ref-96809-S40554532572001041900000). If either ring gear or drive gear have damaged teeth, replace as necessary.

Scheme 2

ON-VEHICLE TESTING

Note. On models with theft protection system, obtain radio security code from vehicle owner, before disconnecting battery cable.

CLUTCH INTERLOCK SWITCH TEST (M/T)

Remove lower instrument panel cover and driver's side knee bolster to gain access to clutch interlock switch connector. Disconnect 2-pin connector from clutch interlock switch. Using a DVOM, check continuity between switch terminals. Ensure continuity exists when clutch pedal is depressed. Continuity should not exist when clutch pedal is released. If readings are not as specified, replace clutch interlockswitch.

GEAR POSITION SWITCH TEST (A/T)

Note. Civic gear position switch test is not available at time of publication. See WIRING DIAGRAMS .

1. Disconnect gear position switch connector, located above transaxle, near gear position switch. (Scheme 3)
2. Using a DVOM, check for continuity between specified terminals of gear position switch. See «GEAR POSITION SWITCH CONTINUITY»(ref-96809-S00107078652001041900000) table. Replace gear position switch if continuity is not as specified.

GEAR POSITION SWITCH CONTINUITY

Scheme 3

STARTER RELAY TEST

Note. Relay connector appearance may differ between individual vehicles. Test procedures are the same.

1. Locate and remove starter relay from vehicle. Connect power and ground to relay terminals "C" and "D". (Scheme 4) Ensure continuity exists between relay terminals "A" and "B".
2. Disconnect power and ground from terminals "C" and "D". Continuity should no longer exist between terminals "A" and "B". Replace starter relay if it does not test as specified.

Scheme 4

IGNITION SWITCH TEST

Note. For Civic ignition switch test, see STARTERS - HITACHI DIRECT DRIVE article.

1. Remove lower instrument panel cover and driver-side knee bolster. On Accord, Odyssey and Oasis, disconnect 7-pin connector from steering column harness. On CR-V and Prelude, disconnect 6-pin and 3-pin connector from steering column harness. (Scheme 5)or (Scheme 6).
2. On all models, using DVOM, check continuity between specified connector terminals, with ignition switch in appropriate position. If continuity is not as specified, replace ignition switch.

Scheme 5

Scheme 6

Pull-In Test

Check continuity between starter solenoid terminals "S" and "M". (Scheme 2) If continuity exists, pull-in coil is okay. If continuity does not exist, replace starter solenoid.

Hold-In Test

Check continuity between terminal "S" and armature housing (ground). (Scheme 2) If continuity exists, hold-in coil is okay. If continuity does not exist, replace starter solenoid.

ARMATURE TEST

1. Place armature in growler. Turn on growler and hold hacksaw blade over armature. Slowly rotate armature. If armature attracts hacksaw blade or if hacksaw blade vibrates, armature is defective and must be replaced. If blade does not respond as described, go to next step.
2. Remove armature from growler. Using a DVOM, check continuity between commutator and armature, and between commutator and shaft. Continuity should not exist. If continuity exists in either case, replace armature.
3. Check for continuity between each commutator segment. Continuity should exist. If an open circuit exists between any 2 segments, replace armature.
4. Inspect armature for wear or damage due to contact with field coil magnets. Clean commutator surface, and polish with No. 500-600 sandpaper if necessary. If surface is scored, out-of-round or pitted, turn commutator on a lathe.
5. If mica depth is not within specification, undercut with a hacksaw blade to minimum depth. See «STARTER SPECIFICATIONS»(ref-96809-S23143720592001041900000) .

BRUSH HOLDER TEST

1. Using a DVOM, check continuity between positive and negative brush holders (brackets). Continuity should not exist. If continuity exists, brush holder assembly is shorted and must be replaced.
2. Check brush length and spring tension. If brush length or spring tension is less than specification, replace brushes. See «STARTER SPECIFICATIONS»(ref-96809-S23143720592001041900000) . Ensure brushes move freely in holders.

FIELD WINDINGS TEST

1. Check continuity between brushes of field winding in armature housing. Ensure continuity exists. If continuity does not exist, replace field winding/armature housing assembly. (Scheme 7)
2. Check continuity between each brush and armature housing (ground). Continuity should not exist. If continuity exists, replace field winding/armature housing assembly.

Scheme 7

OVERRUNNING CLUTCH TEST

1. Rotate overrunning clutch on shaft. (Scheme 8) If clutch does not lock when rotated in one direction and rotates smoothly in other direction, replace overrunning clutch assembly.
2. Inspect starter drive gear for wear or damage. If gear is damaged, replace overrunning clutch assembly. Drive gear is not available separately.

Note. If starter drive gear teeth are damaged, check condition of flywheel or torque converter ring gear.

Scheme 8