DC5R - grind on cold starts

[FR33K]

Ive had this issue since I bought the car and has never really been a problem.

Seems to be happening more as the weather cools down.. when i start the car cold, i occasionally get a grinding noise for about 1 second.. its a bit hard to explain and cant have the mechanic check it out coz it only happens when cold

ill have to record it so you guys can hear it but if anyone has any idea it would be much appreciated !

[[Type_R]]

Hmmm I think this happened to mine once when I started it up..but hasn't happened since.... Maybe starter motor? :S

[WATAJK]

hahaha someone with the same problem as me!!!
Well... your starter motor is on its way out... The ring has chewed one of its teeth so it will cause a loud CRUNCH sound when you start (will not always happen)
Btw... When this happens... your flywheel will be suffering as when your starter motor turns, its turn against the flywheel so basically by the time your starter breaks down your flywheel will be gone to... sadly to say...

Im waiting for mine to break as mines under warranty so yeah... (its getting really close as it's starting to get more frequent and more violent sadly :(

Hope that helps mate

[m3ntAL_l2]

not sure if its the same issue,

but i get the grind sound when i forget the release the key in time on engine start.. lol

[FR33K]

lol yeh it sounds like Im not releasing the key but i definitely am !!

Thanks WATAJK.. if what you're saying is true (sounds right) then i guess its a good excuse to upgrade my flywheel =D
clutch is going too so its good timing !!

[Lukey]

leave it at a mechanics over night?

[WATAJK]

I can tell u it is 100%...
yeah thats what i said aswell lol...
Just waiting for mine to give way haha :D

[DEMON83]

hahaha someone with the same problem as me!!!
Well... your starter motor is on its way out... The ring has chewed one of its teeth so it will cause a loud CRUNCH sound when you start (will not always happen)
Btw... When this happens... your flywheel will be suffering as when your starter motor turns, its turn against the flywheel so basically by the time your starter breaks down your flywheel will be gone to... sadly to say...

Im waiting for mine to break as mines under warranty so yeah... (its getting really close as it's starting to get more frequent and more violent sadly :(

Hope that helps mate

so its the flywheel getting damaged or the ring gear in starter motor...? I know Toda has a stronger replacement ring gear available...

[WATAJK]

so its the flywheel getting damaged or the ring gear in starter motor...? I know Toda has a stronger replacement ring gear available...

Okay...
lemme explain
When you start your car.. your starter motor has a ring which turns when your turn the key right. It turns against your flywheel so basically they turn against each other...
Generally when it makes this CRUNCH noise it is your starter motor (Honda faulted mine lol)...
Anyway the longer you let this problem go on as the ring in the starter motor has chewed a tooth... the more damage it will cause as it will damage your flywheel EVERYTIME you start your car...
Kinda bullshit but then again if your after a good time to change your clutch and flywheel now would be the time :)

[M@lew]

So if you change your flywheel it'll fix it? Because no point changing it if it's still going to grind and wreck your new one.

[Wez_R]

he would have to change the starter motor and the flywheel depending on how damaged the flywheel is

[2002 TeGgY]

this could also mean its losing oil pressure on start up...i had this problem back when i had the standard k20 bottom end and toda cams/supertech valve train...i reckon just to be sure take it to a mechanic, leave it over night and get them to connect an oil pressure guage before they start it in the morning...this should tell u if thats the problem...if not then its probably your starter motor as other have mentioned

[WATAJK]

this could also mean its losing oil pressure on start up...i had this problem back when i had the standard k20 bottom end and toda cams/supertech valve train...i reckon just to be sure take it to a mechanic, leave it over night and get them to connect an oil pressure guage before they start it in the morning...this should tell u if thats the problem...if not then its probably your starter motor as other have mentioned

I agree with you but i have oil pressure and oil temp gauges lol :P

[[Type_R]]

How much roughly would it cost for a new starter motor and flywheel?

[type_AHH]

x2... also like to know how much a new starter motor costs.
ive just recently experienced this noise for the first time.... happens on cold mornings or cold nights and im quite worried... ='(

[[Type_R]]

x2... also like to know how much a new starter motor costs.
ive just recently experienced this noise for the first time.... happens on cold mornings or cold nights and im quite worried... ='(

Yeah same, i'm going to blame it on winter. ha

[[Type_R]]

This morning I was driving to work and i heard a few grinding noises (same noise as when i start the car up), it then stopped and about 2mins after my engine light came on!!

Has this happened to anyone else? Will have to put it in for its 80k service early i think....

[Wez_R]

maybe you should let the car warm up everytime you start it up for abit?

[ekay1]

happens to me too when i start the car after a long period of time and its becoming worse...im worried

[WATAJK]

;2760566']How much roughly would it cost for a new starter motor and flywheel?

$1400 brand new through honda..
yes ridiculous..
if you going get a new flywheel i'd recommend a Exedy lightweight flywheel as it'll be cheaper then the OEM one but it depends if your going down the path of modifying your ITR...
If you wanna leave it standard then get an OEM one...


maybe you should let the car warm up everytime you start it up for abit?
Yes... i've tried this but turning the key and leaving it on accesories for abit but it still causes the same problem...
Oh well... im waiting for my starter to break down so my warranty will replace it..

[[Type_R]]

WATAJK i'd most defanitly go the Exedy lightweight flywheel. where can we source one of these?

[WATAJK]

If you really wanted to... try the traders here or hit up autobarn or something as they can get them in...

[type_AHH]

WATAJK, do you know if its possible to fix/repair the starter motor? rather than get a new one?

and i read somewhere on the forum that if you get a lightweight flywheel, its recommended to upgrade your engine mounts...? is that true?

[FR33K]

You probably read that you should upgrade your engine mounts if you get a heavy duty clutch

[M@lew]

Upgrading your engine mounts is probably one of the more recommended mods for K20 cars, especially if you have modified it.

[WATAJK]

WATAJK, do you know if its possible to fix/repair the starter motor? rather than get a new one?

and i read somewhere on the forum that if you get a lightweight flywheel, its recommended to upgrade your engine mounts...? is that true?

You can get it reconditioned maybe for around 300... (that may sound dear, but you need to remember labour costs and parts required to repair the starter) you can buy a DC5 Starter Motor on ebay cheap... (condition will vary so your probably best getting yours reconditioned)

If you get a lightweight flywheel, it DOESN'T mean you have to upgrade your engine mounts... I'd say when one of your mounts break, then it'd be time to upgrade them to something alot better.

If your going down the track of heavy modifying and tracking your ITR then i'd suggest upgrading your mounts but if it's for street driving then i'd say leave them OEM till one breaks then replace them all to either hasport or mugen.. (these are just some that have come to my mind)

Hope this helps :)

[AsHw3e]

Hey WATAJK..

Legend! .. lucky i found this thread as im experiencing the same problem. WATAJK how much is a Starter Motor itself at Honda? Was already on the process on looking for a HD Clutch + Flywheel. Ive found Exedy HD Sports Organic Clutch at JDMyard but no flywheel? Anyone else know where i could source these both? Also if people have prices aswel :) Thanks.

Ash.

[WATAJK]

^^ $1500 brand new through honda... Complete crap IMHO....
They so expensive... ask Yonas at JDMYard and he should be able to get one cheaper.

[GSi_PSi]

wow i think you guys just found the answer to my problem lol. what if it happens everytime wen cold? starter motor right, it goes on for like 1.5 secods then goes away right

[WATAJK]

Yup. Sounds about right.. If it's happening every single start like mine is now i'd say its just about to die and you prob got 50-100 start ups left and i'd say your flywheel will be needing to get changed aswell...

[AsHw3e]

WHOA!

$1500 just the starter motor itself. Far outt.. thats fcuked!! :( you got an e-mail or contact # for Yonas at JDMyard?

New starter motor + HD Clutch + Lightweight Flywheel ... that's really expensive!! I wasnt too fussed because i need a HD clutch + fly .. but this starter motor is holding me back :( .. Im getting the noises on the regular occasion but its starting to come more frequent from the last time i was with my R. Will check it once i get back from overseas, see if its more frequent since melb whether is freezing. Your 100% that is the issue yeah? Just hope that i dont get it fix and it wasnt that LOL.

[WATAJK]

Go to JDMYard and PM EG5 regarding a starter motor...
Im 100% sure about this mate, if you don't believe me.. take it to your nearest Honda dealership and let them diagnois the problem...
but in my case, the starter motor apparently didn't play up but conviently enough when i went to pick up my car and cranked the car over ******CRUNCHHHHHH******
Idiots... (Apparently they were trying all day...)

[AsHw3e]

Go to JDMYard and PM EG5 regarding a starter motor...
Im 100% sure about this mate, if you don't believe me.. take it to your nearest Honda dealership and let them diagnois the problem...
but in my case, the starter motor apparently didn't play up but conviently enough when i went to pick up my car and cranked the car over ******CRUNCHHHHHH******
Idiots... (Apparently they were trying all day...)

Yeah i braught it to Honda awhile ago because i was really concerned about the noise but they couldnt help me out... this was during my 90,000k service. Ok ill pm EG5.. hopefully the price isnt too dear :( .. Honda is way too pricey i remember paying $700 for my oxygen sensor.

Thanks heapz WATAJK.

[jj17]

cant u just replace the ring... =/ like replace it with the TODA one or something. or is it necessary to get a whole new starter motor.

[WATAJK]

cant u just replace the ring... =/ like replace it with the TODA one or something. or is it necessary to get a whole new starter motor.

They can rebuild it i guess but your prob just better off buying a new one that way u get a warranty on the part.

[TODA AU]

Pull the starter motor out yourself...
Just be careful not to bust the knock sensor when you take the inner bolt out.
Read the number off the side, punch it into a google...
Spend about 5~10 minutes seaching US suppliers & you'll find one that will send you the new OEM starter for approx $275 - landed (or less)
Only downside is a little time... (4~5 days on average)
Honda is usualy 3 weeks ex Japan with stuff like that.
You can also get them from local suppliers for around $720 incl GST
Anyway... Just thougfh I'd mention that.

[TODA AU]

They can rebuild it i guess but your prob just better off buying a new one that way u get a warranty on the part.
The TODA pert is good for built motors with high comp or larger capacity,
It replaces the plastic gear with a metal one, but it's best fitted to a motor that's not already rooted.
This part can't help you if you have an FN2 either
.

[WATAJK]

The TODA pert is good for built motors with high comp or larger capacity,
It replaces the plastic gear with a metal one, but it's best fitted to a motor that's not already rooted.
This part can't help you if you have an FN2 either
.

See my motor is just about rooted so yeah... I have warranty on the car and they will replace it so yeah...
I'll wait till the stupid thing blows up then replace it aswell as my flywheel etc etc

[AsHw3e]

How much would it be to get it reconditioned? Im not so fussed about the warranty.. just aslong as its better then now and good as brand new..

DIY for starter motor sounds abit =/ but saves alot of money. Got a friend whos a mechanic but still have that 50/50 thing about DIY. Anyway where could we find these? Prices sounds much better then $1500!! .. Im not good on finding these things >.<

[jj17]

thanks adrian for the info. For the record, oemacuraparts.com have them for i think 270 or 280 brand new. However im not sure whether rsx model starter is the same as AUDM dc5R's. Like u said, can remove the Starter and read the number but i read somewhere it requires u to remove the IM to get to the bolts easier and its quite a task just to get the number =/

[type_AHH]

Anyone know what is it about the coldness of winter that causes the grind?
Or is it just the starter motor having a sort of predetermined life span?

[jj17]

the motor giving up

[AsHw3e]

JDMyard is selling used starter motors. Thinking about getting it as its $350 and he told me it was good conditioned.

Any inputs?

[mtonep3]

okay this has been happening to my ep3 alot nowadays.
so best way to deal with it is to replace starter motor???

[mtonep3]

okay this has been happening to my ep3 alot nowadays.
so best way to deal with it is to replace starter motor???

[jj17]

350 for used is kinda mmm... oemacuraparts.com sells it for like 269 USD for brand NEW. Even tho its for rsx's but im sure they are identical. someone correct me if im wrong.

[TODA AU]

350 for used is kinda mmm... oemacuraparts.com sells it for like 269 USD for brand NEW. Even tho its for rsx's but im sure they are identical. someone correct me if im wrong.
If it's from the RSX Type S you'll be fine...

[AsHw3e]

Even if we got Type R's? oemacuraparts.com is $309 aud. Guess we save abit. Just want to know if there for type r's.. hmm

[jj17]

as mentioned above, if its for rsx type S then its fine. im pretty sure the starter motor is identical.

[WATAJK]

You save alot buying it through Acura... HONDA WANTS $1500!!!! >.>

[gilby126]

LOL so this has happend to me alot ever since the cold weather came in....havnt been on ozhonda in a while so i thought id come on to search bout it or make a post on it...then here we are...
i cringe so much everytime before i start the car saying to myself "please dont do it" haha
but i feel your pain!

[WATAJK]

lol feels like the car is getting pissed off at you seriously :( Makes me sad lol..
Oh well either my starter or battery is dying as my DC5 is feeling like it doesn't wanna start now...
ughhh starter motor just die so it can get replaced pleasE!!!

[AsHw3e]

can someone please link me the rsx type S starter motor on oemacuraparts.com? .. for some reason im not finding it :(

thanks heapz.

damn WATAJK, id die if i were in your shoes now with the R.. least u aint gotta buy a new 1.. lucky **** :P

[WATAJK]

thats what u get when u buy ur car through a Honda dealership.. but my warranty is through some other dipstick... ****ing had so many issues but thats the ONLY reason into why i have put more mods into the car as i want the starter replaced before i do so lol :D <3

[AsHw3e]

hehe nice nice. missing the R.. cant wait to get home and see if its really that bad atm >.<

[type_AHH]

How are you guys faring with your starter motors now? Mines been making the grind noise a bit more frequently now. Searching through oemacuraparts, I came up with the the following result:

https://www.oemacuraparts.com/partlocator/index.cfm?action=getJointLocator&siteid=214055&chapter=&Sectionids=5,0&groupid=0&subgroupid=0&componentid=0&make=1&model=RSX&year=2002&graphicID=F618030&callout=1&catalogid=1&displayCatalogid=0

Year: 2002
Make: Acura
Model: RSX

RSX came up, but there is no option to search RSX "Type S". So does anyone know if this starter motor is identical to our aussie DC5R's?

[AsHw3e]

^^ would like to know aswell :D

[WATAJK]

Will let you know how i go... going to get my starter ripped out by my auto elec... he's going to have a look at it and give it a good service if it's not stuffed up...
Will give you the results within the month or early next month.

[thegame-01]

has anyone here replaced the starter motor as yet?

[WATAJK]

getting mine serviced once i get a few things fixed... Acura won't ship to Australia.. what a surprise...

[type_AHH]

getting mine serviced once i get a few things fixed... Acura won't ship to Australia.. what a surprise...

So does that mean oemacuraparts.com website is useless to us aussies? ='(

[WATAJK]

so it would seem m8

[bennjamin]

Too have noticed
this issue with my ep3 on cold mornings. For a brief second just as the engine STARTS - the noise is a sudden grind similar to
mis shifting a gear (synchro bounce).

Surely it's the Receeding of the ring gear in the starter that is the issue , correct ? The engine actually is turning over fine.

[bennjamin]

Btw eBay has a few oem used and new aftermarket items
for sale. Ranging from 150-300 plus shipping. Pretty much all eBay sellers will send to AU

[type_AHH]

These are some results that I found on ebay:

http://shop.ebay.com/i.html?_trkparms=65%253A12%257C66%253A2%257C39%253 A1%257C72%253A3018&rt=nc&_nkw=rsx%20starter&_dmpt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14.l1581&_pgn=1

Searching DC5 came up with nothing so I searched RSX. Would anyone want to volunteer and give one of these a go? lol

[WATAJK]

Too have noticed
this issue with my ep3 on cold mornings. For a brief second just as the engine STARTS - the noise is a sudden grind similar to
mis shifting a gear (synchro bounce).

Surely it's the Receeding of the ring gear in the starter that is the issue , correct ? The engine actually is turning over fine.

It's perfectly fine Ben but eventually the starter ring will begin to chew your flywheel... and idea might be to get your starter motor serviced because if the ring gear is damaged they will change it to prevent further damage to your flywheel...
But overall it's at your discretion as it's money lol :)

Hope this helps mate

[type_AHH]

getting mine serviced once i get a few things fixed... Acura won't ship to Australia.. what a surprise...

UPDATE!!

So I looked through acuraoemparts recently, the FAQ section: http://www.oemacuraparts.com/faqs. In the middle of the page, "Do you ship outside the United State? Yes, we ship anywhere". Great news, looks like we can order from Acura now (^_^).

I emailed them regarding the need to register an account with them in order from them; you don't have to, but they recommend that you do because registering allows you to check the status of your order plus receive emails of when you order ships.

Result for DC5R/RSX Type-S starter motor came to this: https://www.oemacuraparts.com/index.php?p=page&page_id=part_picker&make=Acura&model=RSX&year=2002&version=3DR%20TYPE-S&transmission=KA6MT&system=PARTS&component=STARTER%20MOTOR%20%28DENSO%29%20%28TYPE-S%29

Part number: 31200-PRB-A11 (DSDHL) (DENSO)
Price is $469.89 USD plus around $83 USD shipped to Australia

Just out of interest for others in Melbourne, the cheapest place to buy the starter motor from Honda Australia I found was from Northway Honda at $1380.43. The most expensive being Eastern Honda at $1518.47. Saying we're getting ripped off is a massive understatement :eek:

So what do you guys think? It really benefits those of us having really bad starter grinds.

[bennjamin]

used that site quite abit - reliable and fast shipping.

Yes - AU is a rip off compared to everywhere else in the world.

just make sure that part number IS the exact part you need...then go for it.

Note -i too have a grinding starter motor sometimes (usually when really cold outside) and no real issue. just annoying once in awhile....

[type_AHH]

used that site quite abit - reliable and fast shipping.

Yes - AU is a rip off compared to everywhere else in the world.

just make sure that part number IS the exact part you need...then go for it.

Note -i too have a grinding starter motor sometimes (usually when really cold outside) and no real issue. just annoying once in awhile....

Yeah very true. Actually, I forgot to mention that I also emailed a few Honda dealers to get the exact part number also and now that you mention it, the part number is ever so slightly different:

Acura RSX Type-S part number: 31200-PRB-A11 (DSDHL) (DENSO)
Honda DC5 Type R part number: 31200-PRB-A11 (DSDH9) (DENSO)

Hmmm now I'm uncertain whether they are same thing or whether the slight difference will mean they're not compatible :(

[WATAJK]

should b the same dude.

[munkaii]

I get starter motor grind every now and then as well. Have you opened up your starter motor by any chance yet benny?

I've got a spare one sitting here and I'm thinking about swapping it in. (Don't bother PM-ing. Not selling!)

[type_AHH]

should b the same dude.

I guess I'll keep trying to research and see if it's the same. Has your starter been fixed under your warranty yet?

[WATAJK]

I guess I'll keep trying to research and see if it's the same. Has your starter been fixed under your warranty yet?

Nope they only cover $1000, I had to pay the extra $500 for the part plus then the labour...
**** that.. may aswell rebuild it with a heavy duty TODA starter motor ring... haven't done it yet since im spendin money in other places such as 2 new bars and a major service that i keep not doing >.>

[type_AHH]

Fark, Honda is a tightass.Would have thought they would at least cover the full cost of the part =\

[mrntegra]

So did any1 buy this from oemacuraparts?? Mine has done this noise like 2-3 times this winter and wanna change it ASAP!

[k24]

Subscribed

I am currently experiencing the same thing - hopefully not worse than expected, but wil definitely keep this as a reference

[Symphorced]

I get this a fair bit in my EP3 too. :(

[type_AHH]

So did any1 buy this from oemacuraparts?? Mine has done this noise like 2-3 times this winter and wanna change it ASAP!

This was my original intention. I emailed them asking if they would by any chance know if the RSX Type-S starter is the same as our Australian spec DC5R. Unfortunately, they don't know. They told me the only part numbers they have in their database is for US-spec cars only; meaning they can't cross reference part numbers for international models.

Since both cars use k20a2, you could assume the starters are the same but of course, its a $550ish gamble to find out

[WATAJK]

gamble!!!

[munkaii]

If you guys have read through the whole thread, Adrian from Toda has confirmed that the starter motors are the same I believe.

[type_AHH]

If it's from the RSX Type S you'll be fine...

^ You mean that? I guess I missed that bit =P


gamble!!!

Hmmm... Maybe I should volunteer to be the first to roll the dice.. :cool:

[Poeter]

Happens on both my ep3's. It's a flaw of the k20a starter motor I believe.

[AK Type R]

aha thats funny i used to have this same problem with my dc5r sounded more like a blow off valve .. it was due to the starter motor .. so just change it youll be fine.!

[k24]

so anyone waited until the starter motor to break before changing? or is it better to change now and to salvage the flywheel?

I am in a dilemma if I will change now or later on - well I cant put any funds at the moment towards the motor as rego is coming up.

[type_AHH]

so anyone waited until the starter motor to break before changing? or is it better to change now and to salvage the flywheel?

I am in a dilemma if I will change now or later on - well I cant put any funds at the moment towards the motor as rego is coming up.

I guess that will depend solely on what flywheel you have.

If you have a lightweight flywheel already in your car (or want to save your OEM), I would in your position change it and prevent any/further damage to the flywheel.

Or if you're like me and upgrading flywheel soon, you could put it off for a bit.

[blk_shadow]

so, has anyone tried the acura starter motor yet?
mine is starting to make this noise at times

[type_AHH]

so, has anyone tried the acura starter motor yet?
mine is starting to make this noise at times

^ Don't think anyone has tried yet and if they have, they're holding out info on us haha.

Well, as soon as my money transfers from my bank account into my PayPal, I'll be making an order.

[blk_shadow]

sweet...let us know :) cos i think i will need it too. as well as a new ring gear

[type_AHH]

Is the ring gear sold seperately? Is it not sold as part of the starter?

[blk_shadow]

the resin ring gear came with the starter motor assembly.

[bennjamin]

the resin ring gear came with the starter motor assembly.


and you can replace this plastic ring with a metal one - TODA makes one i believe?!

BTW guys the flywheel isnt relevant , my car has been doing this from a few months before and after i installed a light weight flywheel.

[blk_shadow]

yep thats right :)

yeah, I've been told that the grinding noise is caused by the motor or the bearing inside, not because of grinding against the flywheel

[type_AHH]

Isn't the TODA ring gear recommended only if your car is highly modded/tuned?

[bennjamin]

For those interested - the TODA ring gear is a replacement part moulded on a own part


Parts No. 31214-AP2-000
Price ¥18,000
Remarks This product was designed based on P/N 31214-P3F-003 (HONDA genuine parts ring gear).

Matching (reference data)
AP1/2 all
DC5 (including AT) all
CL7-EuroR
FD1/2 (including AT) all


I guess this means it will suit EP3 and dc5r s !

Might be a cheaper alternative than a whole new starter motor

[bennjamin]

Found this - could be relevant


From Alldata. A technical service bulletin straight from Honda.
06-025

May 18, 2006
Applies To:
2001-05 Civic 2-door - ALL except CVI
2001-05 Civic 4-door - ALL except Hybrid and GX

Starter Grinds While Cranking the Engine

SYMPTOM
The starter motor intermittently grinds while cranking the engine.

PROBABLE CAUSE
The female terminal at the starter solenoid may have spread apart, causing a loss of current to the solenoid.

CORRECTIVE ACTION
Replace the female terminal at the starter solenoid.

PARTS INFORMATION
Spade Receiver Terminal/N 07JAZ-001420A, H/C 8362675

TOOL INFORMATION

Terminal Crimping Tool: T/N 07JAZ-001020A

WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
In warranty:
The normal warranty applies.
Operation Number: 7370C3
Flat Rate Time: 0.4 hour
Failed Part: P/N 31200-PLM-A51
H/C 6452429
Defect Code: 06601
Symptom Code: 09004
Template ID: 06-025A
Skill Level: Repair Technician

Out of warranty:
Any repair performed after warranty expiration may be eligible for goodwill consideration by the District Parts and Service Manager or your Zone Office. You must request consideration, and get a decision, before starting work.

DIAGNOSIS
1. If applicable, make sure you have the anti-theft code for the audio system. Write down the customer's audio unit presets.
2. Disconnect the negative cable from the battery, then disconnect the positive cable.
3. Remove the resonator:
^ Refer to page 11-199 of the 2001-2005 Civic Service Manual, or
^ Online, enter keyword RESONATOR, and select Resonator Removal/Replacement from the list.

4. Disconnect the female terminal (BLK/WHT wire) from the S terminal of the starter solenoid.
NOTE : A/T is shown. M/T is similar

5. Pull the boot back from the female S terminal, and check the terminal for signs of arcing.
6. Check the male S terminal at the starter for signs of arcing.
7. If either terminal has signs of arcing, go to REPAIR PROCEDURE. If neither terminal has signs of arcing, continue your diagnosis using the appropriate service manual.

REPAIR PROCEDURE

1. Cut off the female S terminal from the harness, making the cut as close to the terminal as possible.

2. Strip 6 mm of insulation from the wire using the 2.0 slot on the crimping tool.
NOTE :Make sure no wire strands were removed when you stripped the insulation. If any were removed, cut the wire off even with the insulation, and strip it again.

3. Insert the wire into the new terminal so it fits as shown.

4. Using the 2.0 slot on the crimping tool, position the terminal in the tool slot with the solid portion of the terminal toward the anvil and the open section toward the former.

5. With the wire inserted in the new terminal as shown in step 3, crimp the wire by squeezing the tool with both hands until the stops make contact.
6. Crimp the insulation by positioning the 5.5 slot on the tool over the insulation crimp section of the terminal and squeezing the tool with both hands until the stops make contact.

7. Inspect the quality of the wire crimp. If it has any of the following NO GOOD crimps, cut it off and start over.
8. Clean the starter side of the S terminal as needed using electric contact cleaner and an electrical connector cleaning brush (Snap-on P/N YA385A or equivalent). Blow out any debris remaining on or around the terminal with compressed air.
9. Apply silicone dielectric grease (3M silicone paste P/N 08946, Permatex Dielectric Tune-up grease P/N 67VR, or equivalent) to the female side of the S terminal, then carefully insert the terminal into the S terminal on the starter side.
10. Slide the boot completely over the S terminal.
11. Reconnect the positive battery cable, then reconnect the negative battery cable.
12. Enter the anti-theft code for the audio unit (if applicable), then enter the customer's audio presets. Set the clock.
13. Confirm that the starter engages properly by starting the engine several times.
14. Do the idle learn procedure:
^ Make sure all electrical items (A/C, audio unit, defogger, lights, etc.) are off.
^ Start the engine, and let it warm up to its normal operating temperature (the cooling fans cycle twice).
^ Let the engine idle (throttle closed and all electrical items off) for 10 minutes.
Disclaimer:


Just figured I would share the love.

[type_AHH]

For those interested - the TODA ring gear is a replacement part moulded on a own part



I guess this means it will suit EP3 and dc5r s !

Might be a cheaper alternative than a whole new starter motor

That would be awesome if the only thing we had to do was replace the ring gear, save so much money.

[type_AHH]

Update

So my new starter motor from oemacuraparts has arrived today:
19781

Hopefully it will fit straight in with no problem and be fitted sometime by the end of the month (just got no time atm =P), then the rest of you can decide if you want to buy a new one.

[blk_shadow]

Update

So my new starter motor from oemacuraparts has arrived today:
19781

Hopefully it will fit straight in with no problem and be fitted sometime by the end of the month (just got no time atm =P), then the rest of you can decide if you want to buy a new one.

very nice!!

keep us posted :)

[rossirider]

Benjamin, that bulletin doesn't explain why these grinds only happen when it's cold. I have had the grinds for years and I only drive the car in cold environments. Obviously it's a problem but the car starts every time

[itsdenny]

i get a grinding noise in my b18c2 aswell, sometimes it grinds while warm aswell...sometimes in neutral, sometimes while in gear...

[type_AHH]

Update

So I got the starter motor replaced last week. The RSX Type-S starter motor is indeed the same as our AUDM DC5R, which meant installation was straight forward and relatively pain free (my mechanic said it's tricky to reach because it's located under the intake manifold). Whether the RSX Type-S starter is the same as EP3R and AUDM DC5S, I do not know.

I'm absolutely thrilled to say that there is no longer any start-up grind, it even feels like the car starts up "stronger", if you get what I mean.

So if you're thinking of replacing your AUDM DC5R starter, I highly recommend buying the RSX Type-S starter from oemacuraparts.com, and it'll only cost you a 1/3 of the price that Honda Australia wants to rip you off.

I hope this answers your questions and clears up any uncertainty =)

[bennjamin]

Update

So I got the starter motor replaced last week. The RSX Type-S starter motor is indeed the same as our AUDM DC5R, which meant installation was straight forward and relatively pain free (my mechanic said it's tricky to reach because it's located under the intake manifold). Whether the RSX Type-S starter is the same as EP3R and AUDM DC5S, I do not know.

I'm absolutely thrilled to say that there is no longer any start-up grind, it even feels like the car starts up "stronger", if you get what I mean.

So if you're thinking of replacing your AUDM DC5R starter, I highly recommend buying the RSX Type-S starter from oemacuraparts.com, and it'll only cost you a 1/3 of the price that Honda Australia wants to rip you off.

I hope this answers your questions and clears up any uncertainty =)


how much did it set you back ?

[type_AHH]

how much did it set you back ?

The starter + shipping all up came to $553 (rounded off) =)

[Azz86]

Awesome buying parts from Acura :)
Same thing happens on my EP3.

Just wondering if anyone has considered overhauling their starter motor?
Thinking the noise occurs when the gear doesn't disengage from the fly straight away. Might mean it just needs to be lubed up. The service manual mentions using molybdenum disulphide grease on the spline.

Any thoughts??

[JDM EP3]

I have no idea why people seem to believe that the starter motor issue would damage your flywheel in anyway. Nor do I see a reason for the starter motor to be damaged due to the ring gear.
The ring gear is made of plastic or resin I dont understand why honda would use resin on a part that takes load to crank the engine over. My suggestion is to replace the OEM gear with the Toda metal one and be done with it. Will save alot more than buying a whole new motor with the OEM ring gear in it only for it to happen again later on down the track.