Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
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HOMESERVICE MANUALSACURA20043.5RLREPAIR AND DIAGNOSIS (SINGLE PAGE)ENGINE MECHANICALSTARTERSBENCH TESTINGARMATURE TEST
2004 Acura 3.5RL
Armature Test
2004 Acura 3.5RLSECTION Armature Test
- Inspect the armature for wear or damage from contact with the permanent magnet. If there is wear or damage, replace the armature. See Fig 1 .
- Check the commutator (A) surface. If the surface is dirty or burnt, resurface with emery cloth or a lathe within the following specifications, or recondition with # 500 or # 600 sandpaper (B). See Fig 2 .
- Check the commutator diameter. See STARTER SPECIFICATIONS . If the diameter is below the service limit, replace the armature. See Fig 3 .
- Measure the commutator runout. See STARTER SPECIFICATIONS . 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. See Fig 4 .
- 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). See Fig 5 .
- Check for continuity between the segments of the commutator. If an open circuit exists between any segments, replace the armature. See Fig 6 .
- 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. See Fig 7 .
- Check with an ohmmeter that no continuity exists between the commutator (A) and armature coil core (B), and between the commutator and armature shaft (C)". If continuity exists, replace the armature. See Fig 8 .
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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.