How to Replace the Starter in a Honda CR-V

When the 2.0L or 2.4L engine in your 2001 to 2006 Honda CR-V fails to start, check the starter motor. While it might turn, the starter motor might not be outputting the amps to start a Honda CR-V. The correct amps are necessary in order for a starter to ignite the fuel, and maintain the correct position for the ignition and crankshaft. If a bench test reveals that to be so, then you need to replace the starter.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Torque wrench

Remove the Malfunctioning Starter

1. Park your Honda CR-V on a level surface, activate the emergency brake and place blocks behind the back tires for safety. Disconnect the negative battery cable with a terminal puller. Raise the front end of the car with a jack for easier access to the starter.

2. Disconnect the knock sensor connector in a 2.4L engine. Next, in both engine sizes, remove the wiring harness connectors from the starter, including the battery cable nut. Place the nut in the jar to prevent loss, since you will need it later.

3. Unfasten the starter mounting bolts and place them in the jar as well. Remove the starter from the engine.

4. Take your malfunctioning starter to the parts store with you. Aftermarket distributors remanufacture most of the starters they sell, so you can likely obtain a partial credit toward your new starter by exchanging your old one. Be sure that you take care not to damage the starter in transit, because the better condition it is in, the more you can get for it.

5. Purchase a replacement starter that has the same or higher cranking capacity (power rating) as the original starter in your Honda CR-V. Also, match the bolt patterns, drive gears and electrical connections. Your owner's manual may list specifications or the auto parts technician will help you determine them. Download a free owner's manual at Honda Service Express.

Install the New Starter

6. Position the starter motor and secure with the mounting bolts. Torque the bolts in a 2.0L engine and the upper bolt in a 2.4L engine to 33 foot pounds (44 Nm). Tighten the lower mounting bolt on a 2.4L engine to 47 foot pounds (64 Nm).

7. Replace the starter wiring harness connectors. Torque the battery cable nut to 84 inch pounds in a 2.4L engine and 79 inch pounds in a 2.0L engine (nine Nm for both engines). Reinstall the knock sensor connector in the 2.4L engine.

8. Lower your Honda CR-V back to the ground. Reconnect the negative battery cable. Turn the key in the ignition to see if your new starter motor functions correctly.

Tips & Warnings

• If your Honda CR-V is older and/or has high mileage, you should also replace the solenoid.
• Never operate the starter for more than 30 seconds at a time. Allow the starter motor to cool for at least two minutes in between starting attempts to prevent permanent damage.
• The starter replacement process is different for later models or those with a different sized engine than the 2001 to 2006 Honda CR-V with a 2.0L or 2.4L engine. Consult your owner's manual or a mechanic for details.

Resources

• Download the owner's manual for your Honda CR-V.

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