Remove the Malfunctioning Starter

• 1). Determine the reset code for your factory installed stereo system. The anti-theft system in place will shut down when you disconnect the battery cables. You will need the reset code for your stereo to work following starter replacement.
  
  
• 2). Park your Honda Accord 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. Disconnect the positive battery cable. Raise the front end of the car with a jack for easier access to the starter.
  
  
• 3). Remove the starter motor wiring harness in 2.2L, 2.3L and 2.7L engines. In 2.2L and 2.3L engines, your next step is to find the bracket on the starter motor and disconnect the lower radiator hose. In 3.0L engines, you need to remove the Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) cooler.
  
  
• 4). Locate and remove the starter cable from terminal-B on the back of the solenoid (for all four engine sizes). Disconnect the black and white cable from the S-terminal.
  
  
• 5). Unfasten the two starter mounting bolts from the transaxle assembly. Remove the third mounting bolt at the back of the starter. Place all bolts and nuts in the baby food jar to prevent loss. Remove the malfunctioning starter.
  
  
• 6). 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.
  
  
• 7). Purchase a replacement starter that has the same or higher cranking capacity (power rating) as the original starter in your Honda Accord. 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

• 1). Position the starter next to the transaxle assembly and replace all three mounting bolts. For 2.2L, 2.3L and 3.0L engines, torque the mounting bolts to 33 foot pounds (45 Nm) and the wire terminal nut to seven foot pounds (nine Nm). For 2.7L engines, torque the mounting bolts to 47 foot pounds (64 Nm) and the wire terminal nut to 6.5 foot pounds (nine Nm).
  
  
• 2). Reconnect the wire cable to terminal-S and the starter cable to terminal-B. Be sure that the crimped side of the terminal end is facing out when reinstalling the heavy gauge starter cable. If applicable, replace the lower radiator hose (2.2L and 2.3L engines) and the ATF cooler (3.0L engines). Reinstall the starter motor wiring harness.
  
  
• 3). Lower your Honda Accord back to the ground. Reconnect the positive battery cable, followed by the negative battery cable. Turn the key in the ignition to see if your new starter motor functions correctly.
  
  
• 4). Enter the anti-theft code for your stereo system and any presets.