Disconnect the wires from the "S" terminal and the "M" terminal.
Make the connections as described below using as heavy a wire as possible (preferably equivalent to the wire used for the vehicle). To avoid damaging the starter, never leave the battery connected for more than 10 seconds.
Connect the battery. See Fig 1 . Be sure to disconnect the starter motor wire from the solenoid. If the starter pinion moves out, it is working properly.
Disconnect the battery from the "M" terminal. If the pinion does not retract, the hold-in coil of the solenoid is working properly. See Fig 2 .
Disconnect the battery from the starter body. If the pinion retracts immediately, it is working properly. See Fig 3 .
Clamp the starter firmly in a vise.
Connect the starter to the battery, and confirm that the motor starts and keeps rotating. See Fig 4 .
If the electric current and motor speed meet the specifications when the battery voltage is at 11.5 V, the starter is working properly. See STARTER PERFORMANCE TEST SPECIFICATIONS .

STARTER PERFORMANCE TEST SPECIFICATIONS

Application

⁽¹⁾ Maximum Amps @ Minimum RPM

Starter

80 @ 2600

⁽¹⁾	Battery voltage must stay at 11.5 volts or more during test.

Fig 1: Connecting Battery To Starter

Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

• You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.

• Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.

• The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.

• You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.

• You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.

Safety Warning

Starter Performance Test