This procedure covers removal and replacement of the starter motor on a 2018-2024 Honda Accord with the 1.5L turbocharged engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Starter motor assembly × 1 — 31200-5AA-A51 or equivalent
• Starter heat shield (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and apply parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Allow engine to cool completely if vehicle was recently driven
4. Disconnect negative battery cable first, then positive cable
5. Raise front of vehicle and secure on jack stands rated for vehicle weight
6. Remove engine splash shield/under cover if equipped

Procedure

1. 1

   Access starter from underneath
   Position yourself under the front-right side of the vehicle. Locate the starter motor mounted on the transmission bellhousing near the front of the engine, below the intake manifold. The starter will have a cylindrical shape with electrical connections on the rear.
2. 2

   Remove starter heat shield
   Remove the heat shield bolts securing the protective heat shield over the starter motor. There are typically 2-3 bolts. Set heat shield aside and inspect for damage or excessive heat warping.
   Torque spec

   Heat Shield Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect starter electrical connections
   Locate the solenoid connector on the rear of the starter. Press the tab and disconnect the small connector from the solenoid. Then remove the nut securing the B+ cable terminal to the solenoid stud. Support the cable to prevent it from falling and contacting ground.
   ⚠B+ cable carries full battery voltage when reconnected. Ensure cable is positioned away from grounding points
   Torque spec

   Starter Solenoid Nut12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove upper starter mounting bolt
   Using a 14mm socket with a long extension, access the upper starter mounting bolt from underneath. This bolt is located at the top of the starter body where it mounts to the transmission. The bolt threads into the bellhousing. This may require a universal joint for access.
   Torque spec

   Starter Mounting Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove lower starter mounting bolt
   Remove the lower starter mounting bolt using a 14mm socket. This bolt is more accessible than the upper bolt. Support the starter motor with one hand as you remove this bolt to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

   Starter Mounting Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove starter motor
   Carefully maneuver the starter motor out from its mounting position between the engine and transmission. Tilt and rotate as needed to clear surrounding components. The starter may be tight against the bellhousing; gently wiggle it free while pulling away from the transmission.
7. 7

   Inspect mounting surfaces and connections
   Clean the mounting surface on the transmission bellhousing with a wire brush. Inspect the gear teeth on the replacement starter pinion. Check that the B+ cable terminal and connector are clean and free of corrosion. Wire brush terminals if necessary.
8. 8

   Install new starter motor
   Position the new starter motor into the mounting location, aligning the mounting bolt holes with the transmission bellhousing. Ensure the starter nose is fully seated into the bellhousing pilot hole and that the mounting flange sits flush against the transmission.
9. 9

   Install starter mounting bolts
   Thread both starter mounting bolts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Install the lower bolt first, then the upper bolt. Tighten bolts evenly in alternating pattern to specified torque using a torque wrench. The longer bolt may require an extension to access properly.
   Torque spec

   Starter Mounting Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect electrical connections
    Connect the B+ cable terminal to the solenoid stud and secure with the nut. Torque to specification. Then reconnect the small connector to the solenoid, ensuring it clicks into place fully.
    Torque spec

    Starter Solenoid Nut12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall heat shield
    Position the heat shield over the starter motor and install the mounting bolts. Torque to specification. Ensure the shield does not contact any moving parts or wiring.
    Torque spec

    Heat Shield Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect battery and lower vehicle
    Reinstall engine splash shield if removed. Lower vehicle from jack stands. Reconnect positive battery cable first, then negative cable. Torque battery cable nuts to specification.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connections are secure and properly routed away from hot exhaust components
2. Verify heat shield is properly installed and not contacting moving parts
3. Double-check that both starter mounting bolts are torqued to specification

Verification

• Turn ignition key to START position and verify engine cranks smoothly without unusual noises
• Listen for proper starter engagement and disengagement - should be a smooth whirring sound followed by immediate disengagement when engine starts
• Check for any abnormal grinding, clicking, or scraping sounds during cranking that would indicate misalignment
• Verify no warning lights remain illuminated on instrument cluster
• Inspect underneath vehicle for any loose wiring or hardware that may have been disturbed during repair

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