Elect HONDA CIVIC 1996 6.G Workshop Manual

Charging System
Component Location Index
UNDER.HOOD FUSE/RELAY BOX/*Has replaceable ELECTRICAL LOAD II DETECTOR (ELD) UNIT '
Troubleshooting, page 23-1 14Replacement, page 23-120Bectifier Removal, page 23,121Rectifier Test, page 23-122Rear Bearing Replacement, page 23-j24
*ELD unit: USA
CHARGING SYSTEM LIGHT(ln the gauge assembly)Test, page 23- l14
BATTERYTest, page 23-91
ALTERNATOR BELTInspection and Adjustment, page 23-t25
[]
23-112

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.
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23-11A
To next page

The charging system is OK.ls the amperage 50 A or more?
Alternator/Regulator Test-4:
With the engine sPeed still at
2,000 rpm, fulltieid the alternator.
J
From previous page
CAUTION: The voltage will rise quickly when the allGrnator is flll-fielded Do not ellow
the vollage to exceed 18 V; il may damage the electrical syslem
NOTE: Attach a probe to a VAT 40 full field test lead, and insert the probe into the full field
access hole at the back of the alternator' Switch the field selector to the "A (GroLrnd)" posi
tion momentarilV, and check the amperage readlng
23-119

Interlock System
Control Unit Input Test
1. Disconnect the 8P connector from the interlock con-trol unit.
2. Inspect the connector and socket terminals to besure they are all making good contact.. lf the terminals are bent, loose or corroded, repairthem as necessary, and recheck the system.. lf the terminals look OK, make the followinginput tests at the connector.- lf a test indicates a problem, find and correctthe cause, then recheck the system.- lf all the input tests prove OK, substitute aknown-good control unit, and recheck the sys-tem. lf the check is OK, the control unit mustbe faulty; replace it.
NOTE: lf the shift lock solenoid clicks when theignition switch is turned ON {ll) and you step on thebrake pedal (with the shift lever in E), the shift locksystem is electronically normal; if the shift leve.cannot be shifted from E], test the Aff gear position
switch, park pin switch, and see section 14.
Key Interlock System:
CavityWireTest condition
Reconnect the 8P connector to the interlock control unit.
Shift Lock System:
Cavity WifsTest condition
INTERLOCKCONTROL UNIT
Test: Desired result
Test: Dgsired result
Wire side offemale terminals
Possible cause if result is not obtained
Possible cause if result is not obtained
WHT/BLU
lgnition switch turned toACC (lland key pushed inCheck for voltage to groundiThere should be baftery voltage.Blown No. 48 (30 A) fuse in the underhood fuse/relay boxBlown No. 33 (7.5 A) fuse in the underdash fuse/relay boxFaulty steering lock assemblylkey interlock solenoid)An open in the wire
5WHT
BLKUnder all conditionsCheck for continuity to ground:There should be continuity.
' Poor ground (G401, G402). An open in the wire
6BLK./BLUShift lever in ElCheck for continu;ty to ground:There should be continuity.Poor ground (G401, G402)Faulty Ay'T gear position switchAn open in the wire
2YELlgnition switch ON lll)Check for voltage to ground:There should be banery voltage.
. Blown No. 25 (7.5 A) fuse in the under,dash fuse/relay box. An open in the wire
3YEUBLK
lgnition swirch ON (ll)Check for voltage to ground:There should be baftery voltage.Blown No. 25 (7.5 A) fuse in the under-dash fuse/relay boxFaulty shift lock solenoidAn open in the wire
6BLI(BLUShift lever in ICheck for voltage to ground:There should be 1 V or less.Poor ground (G401, G402)Faulty A,/T gear position switchAn open in the wire
7WHT/RED
lgnition switch ON lll)Brake pedaldepressedCheck for voltage to ground:There should be 1 V or less.Blown No. 52 (15 A) Iuse in the underhood fuse/relay boxFaulty PCMFaulty brake switch (see section 1l)Faulty throttle position {TP) sensor(see section 1'l )An open in the wire
lgnition switch ON (ll)Brake pedalandaccelerator depressed atthe same time
Check for voltage to ground:There sho(Jld be battery voltage.
23-146

Description
)
The sRS is a safety device which, when used in coniunction with the seat belt, is designed to help protect the driver land
front passenger) in a frontal impact exceeding a certain set limit. The system consists of the sRS unit {including safing
sensor and impact sensor), the cable reel, the driver's airbag (and front passenger's airbag)
FRONT PASSENGEB'SAIRAAG
DRIVER'S AIRBAG
CABLE REEL
SRS UNtT
t
Operation
The main circuit in the SRS unit senses and judges the force of impact and, if necessary, ignites the inflator charge(s) lf
battery voltage is too low or power is disconnected due to the impact, the voltage regulator and the back-up power clrcult
resoectivelv will keep voltage at a constant level.
For the SRS to operate:
(1) The impact sensor must activate. and send electric signals to the mlcroprocessor'
(2) The microprocessor must compute the signals' and must send signals to the airbag inflator(s)'
{3) The inflator(s) must ignite and deploy the airbag(s)'
_"-_-l
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Self-diagnosis System
A self-diagnosis circuit is built into the SRS unit; when the ignition switch is turned ON (ll), the SRS indicator light comes
on and goes off after about six seconds if the system is operating normally
lf the liglt does not come on, or does not go off after six seconds, or if it comes on while driving, it indicates an abnormal-
ity in the system. The system must be inspected and repaired as soon as possible
For better serviceability, the memory will store the cause of the malfunctlon, and the data link circuit passes on the infor-
mation from the memory to the data link connector (DLC). This intormation can be read with the Honda PGM Tesler con-
nected to the DLC (16P).
l,
24-5

Precautions/ Procedures
)General Precautions
r Carefully inspect any SRS part before you install it Do
not install any part that shows signs of being dropped
or improperly handled' such as dents, cracks or defor-
mation:
- Airbags- Cable reel
- SRS unit
-
Use only a digital multimeter to check the system lf
it's not a Honda multimeter, make sure its output ls
1O mA (0.01 A) or less when switched to the smallest
value in the ohmmeter range. A tester with a higher
output could damage the airbag circuit or cause acci-
dental deployment and possible injury'
I Do not install used SRS parts from another vehicle
When making SRS repairs, use only new pans'
) Except when performing electrical inspections'
always disconnect both the negative cable and posl-
tive cable from the battery, and wait at least three
minutes before beginning work
r Replacement of the combination light and wiper/
washer switches and cruise control switch can be
done without removing the steering wheel:
- Combinalion light and wiper/washer switch replace
ment, see section 23
- Cruise control sevresume switch replacement' see
section 23.
. Whenever the ignition switch is ON {ll), or has been
turned OFF for less than three minutes' be careful not
to bump the SRS unit; the airbag(s) could accidental-
ly deploy and cause damage or injury'
. Whenever the airbag{s) has(have) been activated'
replace the SRS unit.l,
2+7
Airbag Handling and Storage
Do not try to disassemble the airbag assembly. lt has no
serviceable parts Once an airbag has been operated
(deployed). it cannot be repaired or reused'
For temporary storage of the airbag assembly during ser-
vice. olease observe the following precauttons:
. store the .emoved airbag assemblv with the pad sur-
face uo The driver's (and front passenger's) airbag
connecto''s'-as {have) a built.in short contact (see
page 2a-l 1
: | ..r r-+r-a k imninncrlv slorcd lace down,-""dd.r6t dtatltt-,tl could propel the unit whh enough
force lo c.usa 3a.ix! intury
AIRBAG CONNECTORS(With built in shon contact)
. Store the removed airbag assembly on a secure flat
surface away from any high heat source {exceeding
212"FI1OO"CJ and free of any oil' grease, detergent or
water.
CAUTION: lmproper handling or storage can intern'lJy
damage the airbag assembly, making it inoperativo
lf you suspect the airbag assembly has been dam€cd'
inslall a new unit. and relsr lo the Deployment/DisPG'l
olocedules for disposing ol the damaged airbag

How To Use This Manual
The next few pages describe how this manual is organized. They also
explain what kind of information the manual contains, what that
informalion means, and how to use it to troubleshoot electrical problems.
Circuit schematics break the entire electrical system into individual
systems, like the Low Fuel lndicator Light on the nelit page.
Only electrical components that work together are shown together,
so you won't be distracted by unrelated wires.
Explanations of the abbreviations and svmbols used in the schematics
begin on page [Fl. You'll need to know what they mean before you can use
a schematic effectively.

Five-Step Troubleshooting
L Verify The Complaint
Turn on all the components in the problem
circuil lo check the accuracy of the customer
complaint. Note the symptoms. Do not begin
disassembly or testing until you have
narrowed down the problem area.
2. Analyze The Schematic
Look up the schematic for the problem
circuit. Determine how the circuit is
supposed to work by tracing the current
paths lrom the power source through the
circuit components to ground. Also, trace
circuits that share wiring with the problem
circuit. The names of circuits that share the
same fuse, ground, or switch, and so on, are
referred to in each circuit schematic. Try to
operate any shared circuits you didn't check
in step 1 . lt the shared circuits work, the
shared wiring is OK, and the cause must be
in the wiring used only by the problem
circuit. lf several circuits fail at the same
time, the fuse or ground is a likely cause.
Based on the symptoms and your
understanding of the circuit's operation,
identify one or more possible causes.
3. lsolate The Problem By Testing The Circuit
Make circuit tests to check the diagnosis
you made in step 2. Keep in mind that a
logical, simple procedure is the key to
efficient troubleshooting. Test for the most
likely cause of failure first. Try to make tests
at points that are easily accessible.
4. Fix The Problem
Once the specific problem is identified,
make the repair. Be sure to use proper tools
and safe procedures.
5. Make Sure The Circuit Works
Turn on all components in the repaired
circuit in all modes to make sure you've
fixed the entire problem. ll the problem was
a blown fuse, be sure to test all of the
circuits on that fuse. Make sure no new
problems turn up and the original problem
does not recur.
Test Equipment
Most circuits include solid-state devices.
Test the voltages in these circuits only with
a 1o-megaohm or higher impedance digital
mUltimeter. Never use a test light or analog
meter on circuits that contain solid-state
devices. Damage to the devices may result.
Test Light and DVOM
On circuits without solid-state devices, use a
test light to check for voltage. A test light is
made up of a 12 volt bulb with a pair of leads
attached. After grounding one lead, touch the
other lead to various points along the circuit
where voltage should be present. The bulb
will go on if there is voltage at the point being
tested. lf you need to know how much
voltage is present, use a digital
volVohmmeter (DVOM).
Self-Powered Test Light and DVOM
Use a self-powered test light to check for
continuity. This tool is made up of a light bulb,
battery, and tlvo leads. To test it, touch the
leads together: the light should go on.
Use a self-powered test light only on an
unoowered circuit. First, disconnect the
battery, or remove the fuse that feeds the
circuit you are working on. Select two points
in the circuit belween which you want to
check continuity. Connecl one lead of the
self-powered test light to each point. lf there
is continuity, the test light's circuit will be
completed, and the light will go on.
SELF-POWERED TEST LIGHT
lf, in addition, you need lo know exacW hc'.
much resistance there is between two oo'^=
use a digital volUohmmeter (DVOM)
acdrt'Cn
t1

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

Troubleshooting Tests
Testing for Voltage
When testing for voltage at a connector
without wire seals, you do not have to
seoarate the two halves of the connector.
Instead, probe the connector from the back.
Always check both sides of the connector
because dirty, corroded, and bent terminals
can cause problems (no electrical contact =
an open).
1 . Connect one lead of the test light to a
known good ground, or, if you're using a
digital volt ohmmeter (DVOM), place it in
the appropriate DC volts range, and
connect its negative lead to ground.
Connect the other lead of the test light or
DVOM to the point you want to check.
lf the test light glows, there is voltage
present. lf you're using a DVOM, note the
voltage reading. lt should be within one
volt of measured battery voltage.
A loss of more than one volt indicates
a problem.
NOTE: Always use a DVOM on high
impedance circuits. A test light may not
glow (even with baftery voltage present).
connecthere [fl5tst-tand light should IJJcomeon.
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lhl
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6m""*soLENo,DI connect here I { lll
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Testing for Continuity
When testing for continuity at a connector
without wire seals, you do not have to
separate the two halves of the connector.
lnstead. Drobe the connector Jrom the back.
Always check both sides of the connector
because dirty, conoded, and bent terminals
can cause problems (no electrical contacl =
an open).
1. Disconnect the negative cable from the car
battery. lf you're using a DVOM, place it in
the lowest "OHMS" range.
2. Connect one lead of a self-powered test
light or DVOM to one end of the part of the
circuit vou want lo test.
Connect the other lead to the other end.
lf the self-powered test light glows, there is
continuity. lf you're using a DVOM, a low
reading or no reading (zero), means
good continuity.
.t.
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