Honda Civic. Manual — part 1052

1. Hook up the following equipment:

Ammeter, 0-400 A

Voltmeter, 0-20 V (accurate within 0.1 V)

Fig. 3: Connecting Ammeter And Voltmeter
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

2. Connect the HDS to the data link connector (DLC) (see step 2 in HOW TO

USE THE HDS (HONDA DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM) ).

3. Turn the ignition switch ON (II).
4. Make sure the HDS communicates with the vehicle and the ECM/PCM. If it

doesn't, troubleshoot the DLC circuit (see DLC CIRCUIT
TROUBLESHOOTING ).

5. Select PGM-FI, INSPECTION, then ALL INJECTORS OFF on the HDS.

After this inspection, you must reset engine control
module (ECM)/powertrain control module (PCM),
otherwise the ECM/PCM will continue to stop the fuel
injectors from functioning.

The battery must be in good condition and fully
charged.

2008 Honda Civic GX

2006-08 ENGINE Starting System (R18A1) - Civic (All Except Hybrid)

6. Set the parking brake, then with the shift lever in the P or N position (A/T) or

the clutch pedal pressed (M/T), turn the ignition switch to START (III).

Does the starter crank the engine normally?

YES - The starting system is OK. Go to step 13.

NO - Go to step 7.

7. Check the battery condition (see BATTERY TEST ). 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?

YES - Repairing the loose connection corrected the problem. The starting
system is OK. Go to step 13.

NO - Check the following:

If the starter will not crank the engine at all, go to step 8.

If the starter cranks the engine erratically or too slowly, go to step 10.

If the starter does not disengage from the flywheel or torque converter ring
gear when you release the key, replace the starter, or remove and
disassemble it and check for the following:

Solenoid plunger and switch malfunction

Dirty drive gear or damaged overrunning clutch

8. Make sure the shift lever is in the N or P position (A/T) or neutral (M/T), and

set the parking brake. Disconnect the connector from the starter solenoid S
terminal. Connect a jumper wire from the battery positive terminal to the
solenoid terminal.

2008 Honda Civic GX

2006-08 ENGINE Starting System (R18A1) - Civic (All Except Hybrid)

Fig. 4: Making Sure Shift Lever Is In N Or P Position
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Does the starter crank the engine?

YES - Go to step 9.

NO - Remove the starter, and repair or replace as necessary.

9. Check the following items in the order listed until you find the open circuit:

The YEL wire and connectors between the under-dash fuse/relay box and

2008 Honda Civic GX

2006-08 ENGINE Starting System (R18A1) - Civic (All Except Hybrid)

the ignition switch.

The RED and BLK/WHT wire and connectors between the under-dash
fuse/relay box and the starter.

The ignition switch (see IGNITION SWITCH (ALL EXCEPT
HYBRID) ).

The transmission range switch and connector (A/T) or the clutch interlock
switch and connector (M/T).

The starter cut relay.

10. While cranking the engine, check the cranking voltage and the current draw.

Is the cranking voltage greater than or equal to 8.7 V (M/T)/8.5 V (A/T) and is
the current draw less than or equal to 230 A (M/T)/350 A (A/T)?

YES - Go to step 11.

NO - Replace the starter, or remove and disassemble it, and check for the
following:

Drag in the starter armature

Shorted armature winding

Excessive drag in the engine

11. Check the engine speed while cranking the engine.

Is the engine speed above 100 rpm?

YES - Go to step 12.

NO - Replace the starter, or remove and disassemble it, and check for the
following:

Open circuit in the starter armature commutator segments

Excessively worn starter brushes

Open circuit in the starter brushes

Dirty or damaged helical splines or drive gear

Faulty drive gear clutch

2008 Honda Civic GX

2006-08 ENGINE Starting System (R18A1) - Civic (All Except Hybrid)