Starting System - Starter Grinds While Engine Cranks
06-025May 18, 2006
Applies To:
2001-05 Civic 2-door - ALL except CVI
2001-05 Civic 4-door - ALL except Hybrid and GX
Starter Grinds While Cranking the Engine
SYMPTOM
The starter motor intermittently grinds while cranking the engine.
PROBABLE CAUSE
The female terminal at the starter solenoid may have spread apart, causing a loss of current to the solenoid.
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Replace the female terminal at the starter solenoid.
PARTS INFORMATION
Spade Receiver Terminal:
P/N 07JAZ-001420A, H/C 8362675
TOOL INFORMATION
Terminal Crimping Tool: T/N 07JAZ-001020A
WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
In warranty:
The normal warranty applies.
Operation Number: 7370C3
Flat Rate Time: 0.4 hour
Failed Part: P/N 31200-PLM-A51
H/C 6452429
Defect Code: 06601
Symptom Code: 09004
Template ID: 06-025A
Skill Level: Repair Technician
Out of warranty:
Any repair performed after warranty expiration may be eligible for goodwill consideration by the District Parts and Service Manager or your Zone Office. You must request consideration, and get a decision, before starting work.
DIAGNOSIS
1. If applicable, make sure you have the anti-theft code for the audio system. Write down the customer's audio unit presets.
2. Disconnect the negative cable from the battery, then disconnect the positive cable.
3. Remove the resonator:
^ Refer to page 11-199 of the 2001-2005 Civic Service Manual, or
^ Online, enter keyword RESONATOR, and select Resonator Removal/Replacement from the list.
4. Disconnect the female terminal (BLK/WHT wire) from the S terminal of the starter solenoid.
NOTE: A/T is shown. M/T is similar
5. Pull the boot back from the female S terminal, and check the terminal for signs of arcing.
6. Check the male S terminal at the starter for signs of arcing.
7. If either terminal has signs of arcing, go to REPAIR PROCEDURE. If neither terminal has signs of arcing, continue your diagnosis using the appropriate service manual.
REPAIR PROCEDURE
1. Cut off the female S terminal from the harness, making the cut as close to the terminal as possible.
2. Strip 6 mm of insulation from the wire using the 2.0 slot on the crimping tool.
NOTE:
Make sure no wire strands were removed when you stripped the insulation. If any were removed, cut the wire off even with the insulation, and strip it again.
3. Insert the wire into the new terminal so it fits as shown.
4. Using the 2.0 slot on the crimping tool, position the terminal in the tool slot with the solid portion of the terminal toward the anvil and the open section toward the former.
5. With the wire inserted in the new terminal as shown in step 3, crimp the wire by squeezing the tool with both hands until the stops make contact.
6. Crimp the insulation by positioning the 5.5 slot on the tool over the insulation crimp section of the terminal and squeezing the tool with both hands until the stops make contact.
7. Inspect the quality of the wire crimp. If it has any of the following NO GOOD crimps, cut it off and start over.
8. Clean the starter side of the S terminal as needed using electric contact cleaner and an electrical connector cleaning brush (Snap-on P/N YA385A or equivalent). Blow out any debris remaining on or around the terminal with compressed air.
9. Apply silicone dielectric grease (3M silicone paste P/N 08946, Permatex Dielectric Tune-up grease P/N 67VR, or equivalent) to the female side of the S terminal, then carefully insert the terminal into the S terminal on the starter side.
10. Slide the boot completely over the S terminal.
11. Reconnect the positive battery cable, then reconnect the negative battery cable.
12. Enter the anti-theft code for the audio unit (if applicable), then enter the customer's audio presets. Set the clock.
13. Confirm that the starter engages properly by starting the engine several times.
14. Do the idle learn procedure:
^ Make sure all electrical items (A/C, audio unit, defogger, lights, etc.) are off.
^ Start the engine, and let it warm up to its normal operating temperature (the cooling fans cycle twice).
^ Let the engine idle (throttle closed and all electrical items off) for 10 minutes.
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