2004 Acura MDX BaseFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Starter Performance Test

  1. Disconnect the wire from the M terminal.
  2. Make a connection as shown in Fig 1 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.
    Fig 1: Making Connection Using Heavy Wire Possible
    G03639134Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  3. Connect the battery as shown. Make sure you disconnect the starter motor wire from the solenoid. If the starter pinion moves out, it is working properly.
  4. Disconnect the negative battery terminal from the M terminal. If the pinion does not retract, the hold-in coil of the solenoid is working properly.
    Fig 2: Disconnecting Negative Battery Terminal From M Terminal
    G03639135Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  5. Disconnect the negative battery terminal from the starter body. If the pinion retracts immediately, it is working properly.
    Fig 3: Disconnecting Negative Battery Terminal From Starter Body
    G03639136Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  6. Clamp the starter firmly in a vise.
  7. Reconnect the wire to the M terminal.
  8. Connect the starter to the battery as shown in Fig 4 , and check that the motor starts and keeps rotating.
    Fig 4: Connecting Starter To Battery
    G03639137Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  9. If the electric current and motor speed meet the specifications when the battery voltage is at 11 V, the starter is working properly.

    Specifications 

    • Electric Current: 80 A or less 
    • Motor Speed: 1,180 rpm or more 
Factory Service Tools

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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.