Honda Element. Manual - part 747

Fig. 15: Checking Commutator Diameter 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

6. 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.)  

Fig. 16: Measuring Commutator Runout 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

7. Check the mica depth (A). If the mica is too high (B), undercut the mica with a hacksaw blade to the 

proper depth. Cut away all the mica (C) between the commutator segments. The undercut should not be 
too shallow, too narrow, or V-shaped (D). 

Commutator Mica Depth  

 

2007 Honda Element EX 

2007-08 ENGINE Starting System - Element

  

Standard (New): 0.40-0.50 mm (0.016-0.020 in.)

Service Limit: 0.15 mm (0.006 in.)  

Fig. 17: Identifying Mica Depth 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

8. Check for continuity between the segments of the commutator. If there is an open circuit between any 

segments, replace the armature. 

Fig. 18: Checking Continuity Between Segments Of Commutator 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

9. Place the armature (A) on an armature tester (B). Hold a hacksaw blade (C) on the armature core. If the 

blade is attracted to the core or vibrates while the core is turned, the armature is shorted. Replace the 
armature. 

 

2007 Honda Element EX 

2007-08 ENGINE Starting System - Element

  

Fig. 19: Placing Armature On Armature Tester 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

10. Use an ohmmeter to check for continuity between the commutator (A) and the armature coil core (B), and 

between the commutator and the armature shaft (C). If there is continuity, replace the armature. 

Fig. 20: Checking Continuity Between Commutator And Armature Coil Core 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

Starter Brush Inspection  

11. Measure the brush length. If it is shorter than the service limit, replace the brush holder assembly. 

Brush Length  

Standard (New): 11.1-11.5 mm (0.44-0.45 in.)  

Service Limit: 4.3 mm (0.17 in.)  

 

2007 Honda Element EX 

2007-08 ENGINE Starting System - Element

  

Fig. 21: Measuring Brush Length 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

Starter Brush Holder Test  

12. Check for continuity between the (+) brushes (A) and (-) brushes (B). If there is continuity, replace the 

brush holder assembly. 

Fig. 22: Checking Continuity Between Brushes 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

Planetary Gear Inspection  

13. Check the planetary gears (A) and internal ring gear (B)for wear or damage. Replace them if they are 

worn or damaged. 

 

2007 Honda Element EX 

2007-08 ENGINE Starting System - Element