Armature Inspection and Test Remove the starter, refer to '01 Civic Shop Manual (see page 4-9). Disassemble the starter as shown at the beginning of this procedure. Inspect the armature for wear or damage from contact with the permanent magnet. If there is wear or damage, replace the armature. Check the commutator (A) surface. If the surface is dirty or burnt, resurface with emery cloth or a lathe within the following specifications, or recondition with #500 or #600 sandpaper (B).

Check the commutator diameter. If the diameter is below the service limit, replace the armature. Commutator Diameter Standard (New): 27.9 - 28.0 mm (1.098 - 1.102 in.) Service Limit: 27.0 mm (1.142 in.) Measure the commutator (A) runout. If the commutator runout is within the service limit, check the commutator for carbon dust or brass chips between the segments. If the commutator runout is not within the service limit, replace the armature. Commutator Runout Standard (New):0.02 mm (0.001 in.) max. Service Limit:0.05 mm (0.002 in.)