Before diagnosing starter problems, ensure the battery is fully charged. If the starter motor does not turn when the switch is operated, check that the shift lever is in Neutral or Park for automatic transmissions or that the clutch pedal is depressed for manual transmissions. Verify that the battery is charged and all cables at the battery and starter solenoid terminals are clean and secure. If the starter motor spins but the engine does not crank, the overrunning clutch in the starter motor may be slipping, necessitating replacement, and the ring gear on the flywheel or driveplate may be worn. If the starter motor does not operate at all but the solenoid clicks when the switch is actuated, the issue may be with the battery, the main solenoid contacts, or the starter motor itself, or the engine may be seized. If the solenoid plunger is not audible when the switch is actuated, the battery may be bad, the fusible link may be burned, or the solenoid itself may be defective. To check the solenoid, connect a jumper lead between the battery positive and the ignition switch wire terminal on the solenoid; if the starter motor operates, the solenoid is functioning, indicating a problem with the ignition switch, neutral start switch, or wiring. If the starter motor still does not operate, remove the starter/solenoid assembly for disassembly, testing, and repair. If the starter motor cranks the engine at an abnormally slow speed, ensure the battery is charged and all terminal connections are tight; a partially seized engine or incorrect oil viscosity can also cause slow cranking. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature, then disconnect the coil wire from the distributor cap and ground it on the engine. Connect a voltmeter positive lead to the positive battery post and the negative lead to the negative post. Crank the engine and take voltmeter readings as soon as a steady figure is indicated, avoiding more than 15 seconds of starter motor operation at a time. A reading of nine volts or more with normal cranking speed is normal; if the reading is nine volts or more but cranking speed is slow, the motor, solenoid contacts, or circuit connections may be faulty. If the reading is less than nine volts and cranking speed is slow, the starter motor is likely defective.
Posted by AcuraPartsWarehouse Specialist 
