Installation Method of Starter Solenoid Switch (31210-PAA-A02) for 12V 1998-2002 Acura CL 2.3L AT / Honda Accord 2.3L AT / Odyssey 2.3L / Isuzu Oasis 2.3L

I. Preparation Work

1. Tools: 10/12/14mm socket + ratchet, Phillips/flathead screwdriver, torque wrench, insulated gloves, starter mounting bolts (OEM specification: M8×1.25, torque 22–25 N·m), solenoid switch fixing screws (3 Phillips-head screws, torque 4–6 N·m), contact nuts (M8×1.25, torque 8–10 N·m).

2. Consumables: Conductive grease (for terminals), low-strength thread locker (for fixing screws), cleaning cloths, carburetor cleaner (for cleaning starter housing).

3. Verification: Confirm that the new solenoid switch model is 31210-PAA-A02, which is compatible with 2.3L L4 engine, and the terminal layout (large battery cable + small control wire) is consistent.

II. Removal of Old Solenoid Switch (Remove the starter first, then the switch)

1. Power Off: Disconnect the negative terminal (black) of the battery first, then the positive terminal (red), and place them away from metal parts.

2. Remove the Starter:

• Locate the starter (at the front end of the transmission housing, close to the engine side), loosen the 2 mounting bolts (12/14mm), and remove the starter assembly.

• Disconnect the following components on the starter: ① Large battery cable (M8 nut); ② Small control wire plug/terminal (unplug).

3. Remove the Solenoid Switch Assembly:

• Unscrew the 3 Phillips-head fixing screws of the solenoid switch (on the top/side of the starter housing) and remove the switch cover plate.

• Take out the solenoid switch core and return spring, paying attention to the spring direction (the large end faces the housing).

• Unscrew the 2 M8 nuts of the switch contacts, remove the battery cable terminals and contact plates, and clean the contact base and terminals.

• Inspect the starter gear, overrunning clutch and armature shaft. Install the new switch only if there is no jamming or wear.

III. Installation of New Solenoid Switch (Reverse the removal sequence, focus on torque and insulation)

Step 1 Install Contacts and Terminals

1. Clean the contact base and new contact plates, and apply a thin layer of conductive grease (to prevent oxidation and reduce resistance).

2. Install the new contact plates, thread through the battery cable terminals, screw on the M8 nuts, and tighten to a torque of 8–10 N·m (do not over-tighten to avoid cracking the plastic base).

3. Reinstall the small control wire terminal and ensure it is fully inserted and not loose.

Step 2 Install Solenoid Switch Core and Spring

1. Apply a small amount of grease to the new switch core (at the journal) and install it into the housing in the original direction (the iron core push rod faces the starter gear side).

2. Install the return spring (the large end faces the housing, the small end abuts the iron core) and ensure the spring is not twisted and is in place.

3. Reinstall the switch cover plate, screw on the 3 Phillips-head screws, and tighten to a torque of 4–6 N·m (tighten evenly to prevent cover plate deformation and dust ingress).

Step 3 Reinstall the Starter Assembly

1. Starter Positioning: Align with the mounting holes of the transmission housing, push into place (ensure smooth meshing between the gear and flywheel ring gear without jamming).

2. Screw on the 2 mounting bolts, hand-tighten first, then torque to 22–25 N·m (tighten evenly diagonally to prevent housing deformation).

3. Connect Wires: ① Large battery cable (M8 nut, torque 8–10 N·m); ② Small control wire (fully inserted with the lock in place).

4. Reconnect Battery: Connect the positive terminal (red) first, then the negative terminal (black), and tighten the terminal nuts securely.

IV. Testing and Acceptance

1. No-Load Test: Turn the ignition switch to the "START" position. The starter should run smoothly, with the gear extending and retracting normally without abnormal noise, smoke or overheating.

2. Vehicle-Mounted Test: Start the engine; it should start successfully on the first attempt. After the starter is powered off, the gear should retract immediately (no gear grinding noise).

3. Re-Inspection: Check that all connections are tight and free from interference, the starter housing is free from oil leakage, and the battery terminals are not overheating.

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Installation Precautions for Starter Solenoid Switch of 12V 1998-2002 Acura CL/Honda Accord/Odyssey/Isuzu Oasis 2.3L

I. Safety Operation Precautions

Mandatory Power-off Operation

1. Before installation, disconnect the negative battery cable and move the cable end away from the battery terminal to prevent accidental ground short circuit. After installation, connect the positive terminal first, then the negative terminal—the sequence must not be reversed.

2. Do not touch the solenoid switch terminals without power-off, to avoid burns from instantaneous high current or damage to the equipment.

Protective Equipment Wearing

1. Wear insulated gloves throughout the operation to prevent poor terminal contact caused by hand oil stains, and avoid the risk of electric shock and scalding.

2. It is recommended to wear safety goggles when removing the starter to prevent parts from falling off or oil stains from splashing.

Working Environment Requirements

1. Avoid operating in humid, flammable and explosive environments to prevent sparks caused by short circuits.

2. Clean up debris in the work area and reserve sufficient operating space to prevent tools from slipping and damaging parts.

II. Parts Matching Precautions

Strict Model Compatibility

1. The solenoid switch must use the original OE number 31210-PAA-A02, which is exclusively suitable for 2.3L L4 engine models.

2. Never mix it with solenoid switches for 3.0L V6 models (e.g., 31210-P2C-J61), as their terminal layouts and mounting hole positions are completely different.

3. Before installation, check the push rod length and return spring elasticity of the new switch to ensure it matches the original vehicle starter (Mitsuba PMGR model), so as to prevent abnormal gear meshing clearance.

Parts Condition Inspection

1. Check that the contact plates of the new solenoid switch are free of oxidation and ablation, and the plastic housing is free of cracks.

2. Check that the fixing screws and nuts are not stripped or deformed; it is recommended to replace them with new lock washers.

3. Confirm that the reused starter gear and overrunning clutch are free of jamming and wear. If there are chipping on the gear surface, replace them simultaneously, otherwise it will cause gear grinding during startup.

III. Installation Process Precautions

Accurate Torque Control

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References：

I. Core Original Factory Manuals (Primary Authority)

1. Honda Factory Service Manual (FSM) 1998–2002 Accord 2.3L (F23A)

• Publisher: Helm, Inc. (Officially authorized maintenance manual publisher for Honda North America)

• Chapter: Engine Electrical → Starter Motor → Solenoid Switch Replacement/Installation

• Core Source Material: Power-off specifications, torque values (4–6 N·m/8–10 N·m/22–25 N·m), model compatibility (31210-PAA-A02), installation procedures, testing processes, and safety warnings.

• Applicability: Accord 2.3L AT (CF8/CG3/CG5 chassis), covering the full production cycle from 1998 to 2002.

2. Honda Factory Service Manual 1998 Odyssey 2.3L (F23A)

• Publisher: Helm, Inc.

• Chapter: Engine Electrical → Starter Motor → Solenoid Switch

• Core Source Material: Shared 2.3L L4 platform; the starter/solenoid switch assembly is fully interchangeable with the Accord. Installation specifications, torque values, and safety requirements are identical.

3. Acura Factory Service Manual 1998–1999 CL 2.3L (F23A)

• Publisher: Helm, Inc. (Officially authorized by Acura)

• Chapter: Engine Electrical → Starter Motor → Solenoid Switch

• Core Source Material: The CL 2.3L shares the same powertrain as the Accord 2.3L, with identical solenoid switch OE numbers, installation steps, and torque standards. Acura Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) supplement the replacement specifications for ablated contacts.

4. Isuzu Oasis 1998 Factory Service Manual

• Publisher: Isuzu Motors (Co-developed with Honda)

• Core Source Material: The Oasis 2.3L is a rebadged version of the Honda Odyssey 2.3L. The starter system is 90% interchangeable, and maintenance specifications directly reference the Honda FSM without any differences.

II. Official Parts and Technical Specifications (Secondary Authority)

1. Honda Parts Catalog (EPC) 1998–2002

• Source: Honda North America/Japan Original Equipment Electronic Parts Catalog

• Core Content: Specifies the solenoid switch OE number 31210-PAA-A02 (exclusive to 2.3L L4 engines) and differentiates it from V6 models (e.g., 31210-P2C-J61), providing the basis for the strict prohibition of cross-model usage.

2. Acura Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)

• Source: Acura Official Technical Service Bulletins (covering replacement specifications for faults such as starter solenoid switch contact ablation and weak starting)

• Core Content: Supplements precautions for contact cleaning, conductive grease application, torque control, and wiring anti-loosening measures.

3. Mitsuba Starter Motor Service Manual (PMGR Series)

• Source: Original Factory Service Manual from Mitsuba (Honda's OEM starter supplier)

• Core Content: Provides original factory standards for the structure, installation clearance, spring orientation, and no-load test specifications (≤5-second test duration with cooling intervals) of PMGR starter solenoid switches.