2004 Acura TL AutomaticFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Starter Performance Test

  1. Disconnect the wire from the M terminal.
  2. Make a connection as shown 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: Disconnecting Wire From M Terminal
    G03653655Courtesy 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 battery from the M terminal. If the pinion does not retract, the hold-in coil of the solenoid is working properly.
    Fig 2: Disconnecting Battery From M Terminal
    G03653656Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  5. Disconnect the battery from the starter body. If the pinion retracts immediately, it is working properly.
    Fig 3: Disconnecting Battery From Starter Body
    G03653657Courtesy 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 the diagram, and check that the motor starts and keeps rotating.
    Fig 4: Connecting Starter To Battery
    G03653658Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  9. If the electric current and motor speed meet the specifications when the battery voltage is at 11.5 V, the starter is working properly.

    Specifications 

    Electric Current: 80 A or less 

    Motor Speed: 2,600 RPM or more 

Factory Service Tools

Use the Manual With the Right Hardware

Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.

Disclosure: Verified tool recommendations may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.

Shop Manual-Ready ToolsCompare Repair QuoteQuote Shield Pro

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.