Third Generation Honda Fit, 2015-2020: Starter Replacement

Honda Fit Jazz 2017

My 2016 Honda Fit has been quite reliable, with one exception: the starter. Every 5 years the starter dies and needs a replacement. Even the original starter that came with the new car died after 5 years. The starter replacement is non-trivial, requiring a hoist and about 1.5 hrs of work.

Symptoms:

1. Start the car but you hear nothing (from the driver’s seat). Repeatedly start the car and it will eventually start.
2. It seems like if you repeatedly pump the clutch (my car is manual), then the car will eventually start. This is false, as there is nothing wrong with the clutch safety switch.
3. The battery will be still good
4. The Fit’s alternator will read 14.25v at idle, and 14.65v when revved. The alternator is good.
5. Have someone else start the car, with you outside, and you will hear a “click”. You will not be able to hear the click from inside the car.

Starter replacement:

1. From the top facing down into the engine, remove the dustcap from the top nut
2. Hoist the car up, remove the oil filter, then there are 2 bolts to remove the starter.
3. Squeeze the starter into place. The space there is quite tight
4. Tighten the two bolts from under the car
5. Reinstall the oil filter
6. Lower the car to the ground, tighten the upper bolt and replace the dust cap
7. Refill some oil that was drained from your oil filter

This is a non-trivial fix, one that you cannot do in your driveway with ramps and jack stands.

Honda Fit Jazz 2017