1996 ACURA RL KA9 check engine

Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting Procedure s
Symptom Char t
Listed below are symptoms and probable causes for problems that DO NOT cause the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) to
come on. If the MIL was reported on, check the DTC.
Troubleshoot each probable cause in the order listed (from left to right) until the symptom is eliminated.
The probable cause and troubleshooting page reference can be found below.
SYMPTO M
Engine wil l no t star t
Hard startin g
Col d fas t idl e to o lo w
Col d fas t idl e to o hig h
Idl e spee d fluctuate s
Misfire o r roug h runnin g
Low powe r
Engin e stall s
Difficul t t o refue l
Fuel overflow s durin g refuelin g PROBABL
E CAUS E
2, 3 , 21 , 13 , 1
2 , 10 , 12 , 20 , 2 1
5, 6 , 7 , 4
5 , 6 , 7 , 9 , 8
5 , 14 , 15 , 6 , 7 , 9 , 8
Troubleshoo t fo r misfir e o n page
s 11-59 , 11-60
2 , 8 , 9 , 11 , 18,17 , 19 , 1 0
2, 5 , 10 , 21 , 7 , 3 , 1 6
20 , 2 2
20 , 2 2
Other Probable Causes for an engine that will not start:
— Compressio n — Starting syste m
— PGM-F I mai n rela y — Ignitio n syste m
— Engin e locke d u p — Overheatin g
— Timin g bel t — Battery
Probable Caus e
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
1 1
1 2
13
1 4
15
1 6
17
1 8
1 9
2 0
2 1
22
Pag e
11-6 6
(see DTC chart)
(see DTC chart)
(see DTC chart)
Sectio n 1 4
11-8 1
(see DTC chart)
11-10 6
System
Powertrai n Contro l Modul e (PCM )
Fue l pressur e
Crankshaf t Position/Camshaf t Positio n (CKP/CMP ) (Crankshaf t Position/Cylinde r Positio n
(CKP/CYP) ) senso r circui t
Intak e Ai r Temperatur e (IAT ) senso r circui t
Idl e Ai r Contro l (IAC ) valv e
Idl e Ai r Contro l (IAC ) therma l valv e
Idl e spee d adjustmen t
Throttl e bod y
Throttl e cabl e
Manifol d Absolut e Pressur e (MAP ) senso r
Throttl e Positio n (TP ) senso r
Barometri c pressur e (BARO ) senso r
Transmissio n rang e switc h signa l
Ai r conditionin g signa l
Alternato r F R Signa l
Brake peda l positio n switc h signa l
Ai r cleane r
Intak e Manifol d Runne r Contro l (IMRC ) syste m an d intak e ai r duc t
Thre e Wa y Catalyti c Converte r (TWC )
Evaporativ e emissio n (EVAP ) contro l
Contaminate d fue l
Fue l tan k vapo r contro l valv e
Probable Cause List (For the DTC Chart, see page 11-41)
(see DTC chart)
(see DTC chart)
(see DTC chart)
(see DTC chart)
11- 132
11- 123
11- 124
11- 155
11- 154
11- 116
11- 118
11- 155
11- 158
ProCarManuals.com

Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor

The HDS or the scan tool indicates Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0116: A range/performance problem in the

Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor.

The ECT Sensor is a temperature dependent resistor (thermistor). The resistance of the thermistor decreases as the engine

coolant temperature increases as shown below.

NOTE: If DTC P0117 and/or P0118 are stored at the same time as DTC P0116 and/or P0125, troubleshoot those DTCs first,

then troubleshoot DTC P0116 and/or P0125.

Possible Cause

• ECT sensor deterioration

• Malfunction in the thermostat and the cooling system

Troubleshooting Flowchart

— The MIL has been reported on.

— DTC P0116 is stored.

Problem verification:

1. Turn the ignition switch OFF.

2. Check the ETC output tempera-

ture or voltage with the HDS or

the scan tool.

Is about 176°F (80°C) or high-

er, or 0.86 V or less indicated?

YES

Problem verification:

1. Note current coolant

temperature.

2. Turn the ignition switch OFF.

3. Cool the engine for 1 hour.

4. Check the ETC output temper-

ature or voltage with the HDS

or the scan tool.

Does the ECT change 3.6°F

(2°C) or more?

NO

Replace the ECT sensor.
NO

YES
Problem verification:

1. Note current coolant

temperature.

2. Start the engine. Hold the

engine speed at 3,000 rpm

with no load (in Park or neu-

tral)
until
the
radiator
fan

comes on, then let it idle.

3. Check the ETC output temper-

ature or voltage with the HDS

or the scan tool.

Does the ECT change 3.6°F

(2°C) or more?
NO

YES

Intermittent failure, system is OK

at this time. Check the thermo-

stat and the cooling system.

Intermittent failure, system is OK

at this time. Check the thermo-

stat and the cooling system.

(cont'd)ProCarManuals.com

PGM-FI System

Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor (cont'd)

The HDS or the scan tool indicates Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0125: Engine Coolant Temperature

(ECT) sensor malfunction/slow response.

Is about 86°F (30°C) or less, or

2.61 V or higher indicated?
Intermittent failure, system is OK

at this time.

Check the thermostat and the

cooling system.

YES

Problem verification:

1. Let it idle for 6 minutes.

2. Check the ETC output temper-

ature or voltage with the HDS

or the scan tool.

Is about 86°F (30°C) or less, or

2.61 V or higher indicated?
Intermittent failure, system is OK

at this time.

Check the thermostat and the

cooling system.

YES

Replace the ECT sensor.

11-50
Problem verification:

1. Start the engine, and let it idle.

2. Check the ETC output temper-

ature or voltage with the HDS

or the scan tool.
— The MIL has been reported on

— DTC P0125 is stored.ProCarManuals.com

PGM-FI System

Primary Heated Oxygen Sensor (HO2S) (Sensor 1) (cont'd)

Troubleshooting Flowchart

Is DTC P0133 and/or P0153

indicated?
NO

YES
Intermittent failure, system is OK

at this time. Check for poor con-

nections or loose terminals at

C251, C254 (located at right shock

tower), C119 (right primary H02S

(Bank 1, Sensor 1)) or C126 (left

primary H02S (Bank 2, Sensor

1))*
and
PCM.
— The MIL has been reported on.

— DTC P0133 and/or P0153

stored.

Problem verification:

1. Do the PCM Reset Procedure.

2. Start the engine. Hold the

engine at 3,000 rpm with no

load (in Park or neutral) until

the radiator fan comes on.

3. Connect the SCS service con-

nector.

4. Test-drive under following

conditions.

— 55 mph (88 km/h) steady

speed

— Transmission in posi-

tion

— Until readiness code comes

on

Replace the primary HO2S (Sen-

sor 1).ProCarManuals.com

The HDS or the scan tool indicates Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0134: Right Primary Heated Oxygen Sensor

(Right Primary HO2S) (Bank 1, Sensor 1) heater system malfunction.

The HDS or the scan tool indicates Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0154: Left Primary Heated Oxygen Sensor

(Left Primary H02S) (Bank 2, Sensor 1) heater system malfunction.

The MIL has been reported on.

DTC P0134 and/or P0154 are

stored.

Problem verification:

1. Do the PCM Reset Procedure.

2. Start the engine. Hold the

engine at 3,000 rpm with no

load (in Park or neutral) until

the
radiator
fan
comes
on.

Is DTC P0134 and/or P0154

indicated?

YES

Check for an open in the HO2S:

1. Turn the ignition switch OFF.

2.
Disconnect
the
right primary

H02S (Bank 1, Sensor 1) or left

primary HO2S* (Bank2, Sen-

sor 1) connector.

3. Install a jumper wire on the

harness side of the right prima-

ry H02S (Bank 1,Sensor 1) or

left primary H02S*connector

between terminals No. 1 and

No. 2.

4. Turn the ignition switch ON (II).

5. Check the right primary HO2S

(Bank 1, Sensor 1) or left pri-

mary HO2S*(Bank2, Sensorl)

output voltage with the HDS

or the scan tool.

Is there 1.5 V or more?

YES

Check for an open in the wires

(PHO2S line):

1. Turn the ignition switch OFF.

2. Install a jumper wire on the

PCM connector between D19,

orD18*andD22.

3. Turn the ignition switch ON (II).

4. Check the right primary H02S

(Bank 1, Sensor 1) or left pri-

mary H02S* (Bank 2, Sensor 1)

output voltage with the HDS

or the scan tool.

Is there 1.5 V or more?

YES
NO
Intermittent failure, system is OK

at this time. Check for poor con-

nections or loose terminals at

C251, C254 (located at right shock

tower), C119 (right primary H02S

(Bank 1, Sensor 1)) or C126 (left

primary H02S (Bank 2, Sensor 1))*

and
PCM.

Replace the HO2S.

Repair open in the wire between

PCM (019 or D18*) and right pri-

mary HO2S (Bank 1, Sensor 1) or

left primary HO2S* (Bank 2,

Sensor 1).

Substitute a known-good PCM and

recheck. If symptom/indication

goes away, replace the original

PCM.ProCarManuals.com

PGM-FI Syste m
Primar y Heate d Oxyge n Senso r (HO2S ) (Senso r 1 ) (cont'd )
The HD S o r th e sca n too l indicate s Diagnosti c Troubl e Cod e (DTC ) P2195 : A lo w voltag e proble m in th e Righ t
Primar y Heate d Oxyge n Senso r (H02S ) (Ban k 1 , Senso r 1 ) circuit .
The HD S o r th e sca n too l indicate s Diagnosti c Troubl e Cod e (DTC ) P2197 : A lo w voltag e proble m in th e Lef t
Primar y Heate d Oxyge n Senso r (HO2S ) (Ban k 2 , Senso r 1 ) circuit .
— Th e MI L ha s bee n reporte d on .— DT C P219 5 and/o r P219 7 ar e
stored .
Proble m verification :
1 . D o th e PC M Rese t Procedure .
2 . Star t th e engine . Hol d th e
engin e a t 3,00 0 rp m wit h n oloa d (i n Par k o r neutral ) unti lthe radiato r fa n come s on .3. Test-driv e wit h th e transmis -sion in [2 ] position .4. Chec k th e righ t primar y HO2 S
(Ban k 1 , Senso r 1 ) o r lef t pri -
mar y HO2S * (Ban k 2 , Senso r
1 ) outpu t voltag e wit h th e sca n
too l durin g acceleratio n usin g
wide ope n throttle .
Is DT C P219 5 and/o r P219 7indicated ?
Does i t sta y a t 0. 5 V or less ?
YES
(To pag e 11-55 )
NO
Intermitten t failure , syste m is O K
a t thi s time . Chec k fo r poo r con -
nection s o r loos e terminal s a tC251 , C25 4 (locate d a t righ t shoc k
tower) , C11 9 (righ t primar y H02 S
(Ban k 1 , Senso r 1) ) o r C12 6 (lef tprimar y HO2 S (Ban k 2 , Senso r1))* an d PCM .
NORepai r fue l suppl y system .
Replac e th e HO2S .
*:P015 1
Check fo r a shor t i n th e HO2S :1. Tur n th e ignitio n switc h OFF .2. Disconnec t th e righ t primar yH02S (Ban k 1 , Senso r 1 ) o r
lef t primar y HO2S * (Ban k 2 ,
Senso r 1 ) connector .
3. Star t th e engin e an d le t i t idle .4. Chec k th e righ t primar y H02 S
(Ban k 1 , Senso r 1 ) o r lef t pri -
mar y H02S * (Ban k 2 , Senso r
1) outpu t voltag e wit h th eHD S o r th e sca n tool .
I
s i t normal ?
Chec
k th e fue l pressure .
ProCarManuals.com

PGM-FI System

Fuel Supply System (cont'd)

Troubleshooting Flowchart

— The MIL has been reported on.

— DTC P0171, P0172, P0174 and/

or P0175 are stored.

Check the fuel pressure.

Is the fuel pressure OK?
NO

YES

Check the Primary HO2S:

1. Start the engine. Hold the

engine at 3,000 rpm with no

load (in Park or neutral) until

the radiator fan comes on.

2. Check the right primary or left

primary* H02S (Sensor 1) out-

put voltage with the HDS or

the scan tool.
Is the fuel pressure too high

or too low?
Check the fuel pressure regulator

and fuel return pipe.

LOW

Check the fuel pump, fuel feed

pipe, fuel filter, and fuel pressure

regulator.

Does it stay at less than 0.3 V

or more than 0.6V?
Replace the HO2S.

NO

Check for a sticking or leaking

EVAP canister purge valve:

With a vacuum pump, apply vacu-

um to the EVAP canister purge

valve from the intake manifold

side.

Does it hold vacuum?
Replace the EVAP canister purge

valve.

YES

Check the EGR system. If it is OK,

replace the fuel injectors.

*: P0174 or P0175ProCarManuals.com

PGM-FI Syste m
Crankshaf t Position/Camshaf t Positio n (CKP/CMP ) (Crankshaf t
Position/Cylinde r Positio n (CKP/CYP) ) Senso r
The HD S o r th e sca n too l indicate s Diagnosti c Troubl e Cod e (DTC ) P0345 : A malfunctio n i n th e circui t o f th e
Crankshaf t Positio n (CKP ) senso r 1 .
Th e HD S o r th e sca n too l indicate s Diagnosti c Troubl e Cod e (DTC ) P0349 : A n intermitten t interruptio n proble m of
th e Crankshaf t Positio n (CKP ) senso r 1 .
Th e HD S o r th e sca n too l indicate s Diagnosti c Troubl e Cod e (DTC ) P0390 : A malfunctio n in th e circui t o f th e Camshaf t
Positio n (CMP ) (Cylinde r Positio n (CYP) ) senso r 1 .
Th e HD S o r th e sca n too l indicate s Diagnosti c Troubl e Cod e (DTC ) P0394 : A n intermitten t interruptio n proble m
o f th e Camshaf t Positio n (CMP ) (Cylinde r Positio n (CYP) ) senso r 1 .
Th e HD S o r th e sca n too l indicate s Diagnosti c Troubl e Cod e (DTC ) P1336 : A n intermitten t interruptio n proble m o f
th e Crankshaf t Positio n (CKP ) senso r 2 .
I Th e HD S o r th e sca n too l indicate s Diagnosti c Troubl e Cod e (DTC ) P1337 : A malfunctio n i n th e circui t o f th e
' Crankshaf t Positio n (CKP ) senso r 2 .
Th e HD S o r th e sca n too l indicate s Diagnosti c Troubl e Cod e (DTC ) P1386 : A n intermitten t interruptio n proble m
o f th e Camshaf t Positio n (CMP ) (Cylinde r Positio n (CYP) ) senso r 2 .
Th e HD S o r th e sca n too l indicate s Diagnosti c Troubl e Cod e (DTC ) P1387 : A malfunctio n i n th e circui t o f th e
Camshaf t Positio n (CMP ) (Cylinde r Positio n (CYP) ) senso r 2 .
Th e CK P Senso r determine s timin g fo r injectio n an d ignitio n o f eac h cylinde r an d als o detect s engin e speed .
Th e CM P (CYP ) Senso r detect s th e positio n o f No . 1 cylinde r fo r sequentia l injectio n t o eac h cylinder . Th e CKP/CM P
(CKP/CYP ) Senso r i s installe d behin d th e fron t camshaf t pulley .
— Th e MI L ha s bee n reporte d on .— DT C P0345 , P0349 , P0390 ,P0394, P1336 , P1337 , P138 6
and/o r P138 7 ar e stored .
Proble m verification :
1. D o th e PC M Rese t Procedure .2. Star t th e engine .
Check fo r a n ope n i n th e CKP /CMP (CKP/CYP ) sensor :1. Tur n th e ignitio n switc h OFF .2. Disconnec t th e CKP/CM P(CKP/CYP) 8 P connector .3. Measur e resistanc e betwee nthe terminal s o f th e indicate dsensor (se e table) .
Is ther e 65 0 - 85 0 fl ?
YE S
Chec k fo r a shor t i n th e CKP /CMP (CKP/CYP ) sensor :Check fo r continuit y t o bod ygroun d o n bot h terminal s o f th eindicate d sensor .
CKP PICK-U PCOIL 2
CM P (CYP ) PICK-U PCOIL 1
N O
Intermitten t failure , syste m is O Kat thi s time . Chec k fo r poo r con -nection s o r loos e terminal s a tC251 , C25 5 (locate d a t righ t shoc ktower) , C13 0 (CKP/CM P (CKP /CYP)) senso r an d PCM .
Replac e th e CKP/CM P (CKP/CYP )sensor (se e sectio n 6) .
CK P PICK-U PCOIL1
CMP (CYP ) PICK-U PCOIL 2
CKP/CM P (CKP/CYP ) SENSO R 8 P CONNECTO R
(To pag e 11-65 )Termina l sid e o f mal e terminal s
Is DT C P0345 , P0349 , P0390 , P0394 ,P1336, P1337 , P138 6 and/o r P138 7indicated ?
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