Honda Element. Manual — part 747

Fig. 15: Checking Commutator Diameter
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

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.

Commutator Runout

Standard (New): 0.02 mm (0.001 in.) max.

Service Limit: 0.05 mm (0.002 in.)

Fig. 16: Measuring Commutator Runout
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

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).

Commutator Mica Depth

2007 Honda Element EX

2007-08 ENGINE Starting System - Element

Standard (New): 0.40-0.50 mm (0.016-0.020 in.)

Service Limit: 0.15 mm (0.006 in.)

Fig. 17: Identifying Mica Depth
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

8. Check for continuity between the segments of the commutator. If there is an open circuit between any

segments, replace the armature.

Fig. 18: Checking Continuity Between Segments Of Commutator
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

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.

2007 Honda Element EX

2007-08 ENGINE Starting System - Element

Fig. 19: Placing Armature On Armature Tester
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

10. Use an ohmmeter to check for continuity between the commutator (A) and the armature coil core (B), and

between the commutator and the armature shaft (C). If there is continuity, replace the armature.

Fig. 20: Checking Continuity Between Commutator And Armature Coil Core
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Starter Brush Inspection

11. Measure the brush length. If it is shorter than the service limit, replace the brush holder assembly.

Brush Length

Standard (New): 11.1-11.5 mm (0.44-0.45 in.)

Service Limit: 4.3 mm (0.17 in.)

2007 Honda Element EX

2007-08 ENGINE Starting System - Element

Fig. 21: Measuring Brush Length
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Starter Brush Holder Test

12. Check for continuity between the (+) brushes (A) and (-) brushes (B). If there is continuity, replace the

brush holder assembly.

Fig. 22: Checking Continuity Between Brushes
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Planetary Gear Inspection

13. Check the planetary gears (A) and internal ring gear (B)for wear or damage. Replace them if they are

worn or damaged.

2007 Honda Element EX

2007-08 ENGINE Starting System - Element