How to Check & Install a Starter 1990 Honda Civic CRX HF

The 1990 Honda Civic CRX uses a gear reduction starter located on the rear of the engine. It is placed on the topside of the bellhousing where it is bolted directly below the cylinder head. The starter motor is offset from the bendix by a set of gears. This way, a small, low-draw motor can multiply its force to easily turn over the engine. Checking or replacing the starter is not a complicated process.

Instructions

1

Open the hood. Check the battery terminals for looseness or corrosion. If the terminals are loose, tighten them with a wrench. If the terminals are corroded, wet them down with water and pour some baking soda on them. Allow it to finish reacting (turns green as it neutralizes the acid) and flush the terminal with water.

2

Check the battery voltage with the voltmeter. Place the red voltmeter probe on the positive battery terminal; and the black lead on the negative battery terminal. The battery should have 12.20 to 12.75 volts. If the voltage is 10.8 or lower, charge the battery, and then retest it.

3

Check to see if power is reaching the starter through the large red positive wire on the positive terminal on the battery, by placing the voltmeter's black lead on the negative terminal on the battery. Place the red lead on the red wire at the point it is connected to the "B+" terminal in the center of the starter solenoid, located on top of the starter. It should have 12 volts at this point if the wire is good and has a good connection. If the voltage is wrong, repair or replace the wire from the battery to solenoid.

4

Check to see if the black-and-white wire on the solenoid "S" terminal from the ignition switch is getting power when the key is in the "Start" position. This is the wire that actuates the starter. Leave the black voltmeter lead on the negative terminal on the battery. The black-and-white wire on the "S" terminal has a blade connector.

5

Pull the wire off the solenoid and probe the wire's connector with the voltmeter. Have a helper turn the ignition switch to the "Start' position. The wire should have battery voltage when the key is in start mode and no power when the key is released. If there is power the starter is indeed bad. If there isn't power the problem is in the ignition switch. The starter can be actuated to start the car to get to the parts store if necessary by jumping a wire from the red positive terminal on the battery to the "S" terminal on the solenoid with the ignition on. This will start the car. It will shut off normally with the key.

6

Unfasten the large red wire from the solenoid, using a socket. Pull the black and white wire off the starter solenoid, using your fingers. Remove the small wiring harness bracket hold the harness in place using a wrench.

7

Remove the two bolts securing the starter to the bellhousing, using a socket and short extension. Pull the starter straight out of the bellhousing.

8

Install the new starter and align the holes. Install and tighten the two bolts to 33 foot-pounds of torque. Install the positive red wire to the "B+" center terminal on the solenoid and tighten the nut to the point it is snug with a socket or wrench. Install the black-and-white wire by simply pushing its connector onto the blade terminal. Place the wiring harness support-bracket back in place and tighten the small bolt with a wrench.