1996 HONDA CIVIC engine ground

-Starter Test
NOTE; The air temoerature must be between 59 and
100'F (15 and 38"C) before testing.
Recommended Procedure:
. Use a staner system tester.
. Connect and operate the equipment in accordance
with the manufacturer's instructions.
. Test and troubleshoot as described,
Alternate Procedurg:
. Use the following equipment:- Ammeter, 0 - 400 A
- Voltmeter, 0 - 20 V (accurate within 0.1 volt)
- Tachometer, 0 - 1,200 rpm
. Hook up a voltmeter and ammeter as shown.
NEGATIVETERMINAL
NOTE: After this test, or any subsequent repair. reset
the ECM/PCM to clear any codes (see section l1)
Check the Start€r Engagemont:
1. Remove the No. 44 (15 A) fuse from the under-hood
fuse/relay box,
2. Turn the ignition switch to START (llll with the shift
lever in E or E position (rVT) or with the clutch pedal
depressed {M/T). The starter should crank the engine.
. lf the starter does not crank the engine, go to
step 3.
. lf itcranksthe engineerraticallyortooslowly, go
to "Check for Wear and Damage" on the next
page.
Check the battery. battery positive cable, ground,
starter cut relay, and the wire connections for loose-
ness and corrosion, Test again.
lf the starter still does not crank the engine, go to
step 4,
Unplug the connector (BLK,/WHT wire and solenoid
terminal) from the starter,
Connect a jumper wire from the battery positive (+)
terminal to the solenoid terminal.
The starter should crank the engine.
. lf the starter still does not crank the engine,
remove it, and diagnose its internal problem
. lf the startercranksthe engine, goto step 6.
Check the ignition switch (see page 23-891.
Check the starter cut relay and clutch interlock switch
(see page 23-86,87).
Check the A/f gear position switch (see page 23-154).
Check for an open in the wire between the ignition
switch and starter.
7.
(cont'd)
23-95
9.

Starting System
Starter Test lcont'dl
Ch€ck tor Wear and Damage
The starter should crank the engine smoothly and
steadily, lf the starter engages. but cranks the engine
erratically, remove it, and inspect the starter drive gear
and torque converter or flywheel ring gear for damage.
. Check the drive gear overrunning clutch for binding
or slipping when the armature is rotated with the
drive gear held,- lf damaged. replace the gears.
Check Cranking Voltsge and Curr€nt Draw
Cranking voltage should be no less than 8.5 volts.
Current draw should be no more than 350 amperes.
lf cranking voltage is too low, or current draw too high,
check for;
. dead or low batterv.
. open circuit in starter armature commutator seg-
ments,
. starter armature dragging.
. shorted armature winding.
o excessive drag in engine.
Check Cranking rpm
Engine speed during cranking should be above 100 rpm,
lf speed is too low, check for:
. loose battery or stanerterminals.
. excessively worn starter brushes,
. open circuit in commutator segments.
o dirty or damaged helical spline or drive gear.
. defective drive gear overrunning clutch.
Check Siarter Disengag€ment
With the shift lever in El or @ position (A/T) or with the
clutch pedal depressed (M/T), turn the ignition switch to
START (lll), and release to ON (ll).
The starter drive gear should disengage from the torque
converter or flywheel ring gear when you release the
Key.
lf the drive gear hangs up on the torque converter or fly-
wheel ring gear, check for:
. solenoid plunger and switch malfunction,
. dirty drive gear assembly or damaged overrunning
clutch.
Starter Solenoid Test
1. Check the hold-in coil for continuitv between the S
terminal and the armature housing (ground). The
coil is OK if there is continuitv,
ARMATUREHOUSING(GROUND)
S TERMINAL
M TERMINAL
B TERMINAL
STARTERCAELE B TERMINALMOUNTING NUTI N.m {0.9 kgf.m,7 tbf.ft)
Check the pull-in coil for continuity between the S
and M terminals. The coil is OK if there is continuity.

Charging System
Troubleshooting (cont'd)
Alternator Control System Test (USA): ,96 - 98 modets, ,99 _ 00 Dl6y5 (M/Tl engine
NorE: Before testing. check proper operation of the ELD by confirming with the MrL {see section r 1).
BATTERY
CAUTION: Be 3ure to use a voltmot€.with its plus terminal connected to b.t-tery plus and its minus terminal to the{P connectoi tgmrinal No. 2.c
{WHT/GRNt
Wire side oIfemale terminals
ALTERNATOR.P CONNECTOB
Check for a 3hort in the circuitIALTC linel:1. Reconnect the 4P connectorto the alternator,2. Stan the engine, and turn theheadlights {high beam) ON.3. Measure voltage between the4P connector terminal No. 2and the positive terminal ofthe battery.
ls there 1V or less?
Check for rn opon in tha wire(ALTC linol:1. Turn the headlight and igni-tion switch OFF.2. Disconnect the 32P connectortrom the ECM/PCN4.3. Check tor continuity betweenthe ECM/PCM 32P connectorterminal No. 19 and alternator4P connector terminal No. 2.
Bspair open in thg wire lrstweenthe rhern.tor .nd ECM/PCM.
Check for short in the wire (ALTClinel:1. Turn the headlight and ignition switch OFF.2. Disconnect the 32P connectortrom the ECM/PCM.3. Check tor continuity betweenthe ECM/PCM 32P connectorterminal No. 19 and bodyground.
Subslitute a known-good ECM/PCM, .nd .och6ck.It p.escribod vohago i! now avail-able, replace the original ECM/PCM.
Ropair 3hort in the wiro betweonthe ahe.nator and ECM/PCM.
ECM/PCM CONNECTOR A I32PI
'Ia18I1011
121314151718t9
7
202'l2221
262730
Wire side offemale terminalsALTC(WHT/GRNI
c{WHT/GRNI
ALTERNATORWire side oIfemale terminals
([l
T
12
1
ECM/PCM CONNECTOB A (32PI
I23478910t1
1213 14151617182021222321
262730
Wire side of I AITCfemate terminats
A
(WHT/GRN|
23-116

-
Alternator Control System Test {USA}: '99 - 0O models, except Dl6Y5 {M/T} engine
NOTE: Before testing, check proper operation ofthe ELD by confirming with the MIL (see section 11)'
BATTERY
CAUTION: Be sura lo use a voltmeter
with its plus te.minal conneqted io bat-
tery plus and it3 minus tgrminal to ths
4P connoctot tomrinal No. 2.
Wire side of
female terminals
c(WHT/GRNI
wire side offemale terminals
ALTERNATOR.P CONNECTOR
ECM/PCM CONNECTOR C 13lPI
ECM/PCM CONNECTOR C (31PI
(cont'd)
23-117
Check lor a sho.t in the circuit
{ALTC line):1, Beconnect the 4P connector
to the alternator.
2. Start the engine, and turn the
headlights (high beam) ON.
3. Measure voltage between the
4P connector terminal No. 2
and the Positive terminal of
the battery.
ls there 1 V or less?
Chcck for rn opon in the wire(ALTC lin6l:1. Turn the headlight and igni-
tion switch OFF
2. Disconnect the 31P connector
trom the ECM/PCM.
3. Check for continuity betlveen
the ECM/PCM 31P connectorterminal No. 2 and alternator
4P connector terminal No. 2
Repair opcn in the wire botweon
the alternstoi.nd ECM/PCM.ls there continuity?
Check tor short in the wire IALTC
line):1. Turn the headlight and igni-
tion switch OFF2. Disconnect the 31P connector
from the ECM/PCM.
3. Check for continuity between
the ECM/PCM 31P connector
terminal No. 2 and body
ground.
Substitute a known'good ECM/
PCM, and recheck.It prscribed voltagg is now avail'
abl€, replace tho original ECM/
PCM.
Raoair short in the wite between
the alle.nator and ECM/PCM,
1235618I10
/11611lo191 zo2122
23252621?82930JI
ALTC Wire side of(WHT/GRN) female terminals
o

Charging System
Troubleshooting (cont'd)
Alt6rnator/Regulator Test
NOTE: Make sure the baftery is sufficiently charged (see page 23-9j).
FIELDSELECTOR
LOAD AOJUSTER{CARAON PILEI
FULL FIELOTESTERLEAD IBLUI
VOLTMETERNEGATIVELEAD IBLKI
VOLTMETERPOStTtVELEAD (REDI
NEGATIVE TESTERCABLE IBLKI
POSITIVE TESTERCABLE IREDI
TEST SELECTORswrTcH
INDUCTIVEPICK-UP
IGRNI
INDUCNVEPICK.UP
TIVETEBMINAL
Alte.nator/Regulator Test'1 :L Connect a Sun VAT 40 (orequivalent tester), and tu rnthe selector sw;tch to position1(staning).2. Shift to neutral (A/T in E orE) position, and start theengine. Hold the engine at3,000 rpm with no load untilthe radiator fan comes on,then let it idle.3. Raise the engine speed to2,000 rpm, and hold it there.
ls the voltage over 15.1 V?
Alternalor/Regulator Te3t-2:1. Release the accelerator pedal,and let the engine idle.2. Make sure all accessories areturned ofi. Turn the selectorswitch to position 2 (charging).3. Bemove the inductive pick-up,and zero the ammeter,4. Place the inductive pick-upover the battery ground cableso that the arrow points to thebattery negatlve terminal.5. Raise the engine speed to2,000 rpm, and hold it there.
ls the voltage less than 13.5 V?
Alternator/Regulator Test-3:Apply a load with a VAT-40 untilthe battery voltage drops tobetween 12 - 13.5 V.
tffil rCI
[ @lBt* . ,*n 'aHrl
L-;-;l rs-
23-11A
To next page

Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSSI
Troubleshooting
Before testing, inspect the No. 15 (7.5 A) fuse in the under-dash fuse/relay box.
TEST HARNESSOTLAJ _ PT3O2OAREO TEST HARNESSCLIP
PROTECTIVETAPE
TEST HARNESSOTLA' . PT3O2OA
(To next page)
Test the BLK wire:1. Disconnect the 3P connectorfrom the vehicle speed sensor(vss).
2. Connect the test harness(07LAJ PT30200) only to theengine wire harness,3. Connect the RED test harnessclip to the positive probe of a
4. Check for continuity betweenthe RED test harness clip andbody ground.
Repair opon in the BLK wireb€twe€n the VSS and G101.ls there continuity?
Te3t the BLK/YEL wire:1. Connect the WHT test harnessclip to the positive probe of avoltmeter, and connectthe REDtest harness clip to the negativeprobe.2. Turn the ignition switch ON {ll).
Repair open in iho BLK/YEL wirebetween the VSS and the under-d6sh tuse/relav box.
vss
GRN TEST HARNESS
RED TEST HARNESS
WHT TEST HARNESS CLIP
23-140

Contents
How to Use This Manual ICircuit Schematics (see Circuit Index)Fuse/Relaylnformation 6Ground-to-Componentslndex 6-6ComponentLocationPhotooraohs 201Conriector Views 202
Circuit Index
Accessory power socket 155Air conditionerAir delivery'96198 models 61'99-'00 models 61-2Blower controls'96198 models 60'99100 models 60-1Compressor controls 62Fans 63Anti-lock brake system (ABS) 44A/T gear position indicatorCVT 89All except CVT 89-1Automatic transmission controlsAll '96-'98 models except CVT and GX 39All '99100 models except CVT 39-8All GX models 39-8'96-'98 CVT 39-4'99100 cw 39-12Back-up lightsCoupe and Sedan 110Hatchback l'10-1Brake lightsAll Coupes and'96-'98 Sedans 110-15'99-'00 Sedans 110-16Hatchback 110-17Brake system indicator light'96198 models 7'1'99100 models 71-1Ceiling light 114-3Charging system 22Condenser fan 63Console lights 114Cruise control 34Dash lights 114Daytime running lights 110- 13Engine coolant temperature gauge 81-1Fog lights 110-10Front parking lights 110-2Fuel gauge 81-1Fuse/relay boxUnder-dash 6Under-hood 6-4Underhood ABS 6-3Gauges 81Ground distribution 14Ground-to-Componentslndex 6-6Hazard warning lightsAll except '99100 Sedans 110-6'99100 Sedans 110-8Headlights 110-12Headlight switch 100Heater - See Air ConditionerHorn'96197 models 40'98 model 40-1'99100 models 40-2lgnition key reminder 73lgnition systemAll '96198 models except Dl685 20All '99100 models except D16Y5 with Mn 2O-2All D1685 engines 20-2'99-'00 D 16Y5 with M/T 20
lndicators 80Integrated control unit 70lnterlock systemAll except'96J98 CVT 138'96198CVT 138-1License plate lightsAll Coupes and '96-'98 Sedans I l0-3'99100 Sedans 1 10-4Hatchback 110-5Low fuel indicator light 74Moonrool'96197 models |22'98-'00 models 122-1Odometer 81Oil pressure indicator light 80-3Power distributionBattery to ignition switch, fuses, and relaysFuses to relays and components 10-2Power door locksAll models without keyless entry 130'96-'98 models with keyless entry 130-2'99100 models with keyless entry 130-12Power mirrorsWithout detogger 141With defogger '141-2
Power windows 120Programmed fuel injection system (PGNr-Fl)All '96-98 models except D1685 23All '99-'00 models except D16Y5with M/T and D1685 24All D1685 engines 25'99100 D16Y5 with M/T 23Radiator fan 63Rear window defogger'96-,98 models 64'99100 models 64-1Seat belt reminder 73Security system'96.'98 USA HX, LX, EX 133'96-'98 Canada EX, Si 133'99TOO USA HX, LX, EX, DX.V Si 133-4'99100 Canada EX, Si 133-4All CX and DX models 133-8Speedometer 81Starting systemA./T (All except Dl685) 21A"/r (D16Bs) 21-1Manualtransmission 21-2Slereo sound system 150Supplemental rastraint system (SRS) 47Tachometer 81TailliqhtsAllboupes and'96-'98 Sedans 110-3'99100 Sedans 1 10-4Hatchback 110-5Trunk light 114-3Turn signal lightsAll except'99100 Sedans 110-6'99-'00 Sedans 1 10-8Vehicle speed sensor (VSS) 33Wiper/washerFront 91Rear 92
10

In the "OHMS" range, the DVOM will measure
resistance between two points along a circuit.
Low resistance means good continuity.
Diodes and solid-state devices in a circuit can
make a DVOM give a false reading. To check
a reading, reverse the leads, and take a
second reading. lf the readings differ, the
component is affecting lhe measurement.
Jumper Wire
Use a jumper wire to bypass an open circuit.
A iumper wire is made up ot an in-line fuse
holder connected to a set of test leads. lt
should have a five amoere fuse. Never
connect a jumper wire across a short circuit.
The direct battery short will blow the fuse.
Short Finder (Short Circuit Locater)
Short finders are available to locale shorts to
ground. The short tinder creates a pulsing
magnetic field in the shorted circuit whlch you
can follow to the location of the short. lts use
is explained on page 15.
SHORT FINDER
To ordei any test equipment shown above,
contact your local tool supplier. For a list of
suppliers and tool numbers, refer to Honda
Required Special Tools and Equipment
Service Bulletin.
How To Use This Manual
Test Equipment (cont'd)
oa
Troubleshooting Precautions
Before Troubleshooting
1. Check the main fuse and the fuse box.
2. Check the battery for damage, state of
charge, and clean and tight connections.
CAUTION:
. Do not quick-charge a battery unlers
the battery ground cable has been
disconnected, or you will damage the
alternator diodes.
. Do not attempt to crank the engine wlth
the ground cable disconnected or you
will severely damage the wiring.
While You're Working
1. Make sure connectors are clean, and have
no loose terminals or receptacles.
2. Make sure lhat connectors without wire
seals are packed with dielectric (silicone)
grease. Part Number: 08798-9001 .
Pack wllh dlelectrlc (sillcons) greass
When connecting a connector, push it until it"clicks" into place.
Do not pull on the wires when
disconnecting a connector. Pull
only on the connector houslngs.
Most circuits Include solid-state
devlces. Test the voltages In these
circuits only with a lo-megaohm or
higher impedance digital multlm6ter.
Never use a test light or analog meter
on chcuits that contain solld-state
devices. Damage to the devices
may result.
oo