1996 ACURA RL KA9 coolant

Radiator
Engine Coolan t Refillin g an d Bleedin g
'01 model :
CAUTION : Whe n pourin g engin e coolant , b e sur e t o
shu t th e rela y bo x li d an d no t t o le t coolan t spil l o n th e
electrica l part s o r th e paint . I f an y coolan t spills , rins e it
of f immediately .
NOTE:
Perfor m thi s procedur e whe n th e engin e is cool .
Befor e replacin g th e coolant , tur n th e ignitio n O N (II) ,
slowl y tur n th e climat e contro l temperatur e kno b t o
90° , an d tur n of f th e ignition . Thi s wil l allo w th e
coolan t i n th e heate r t o drai n ou t wit h th e res t o f th e
system .
Whe n th e radiato r i s cool , remov e th e radiato r cap .
Loose n th e drai n plug , an d drai n th e coolant .
DRAINPLUG
DRAI N CA P
2. Remov e th e drai n ca p fro m th e coolan t drai n pip e
t o drai n th e block .
3 . Pu t th e drai n ca p bac k i n place , the n reinstal l th e
cli p o n th e drai n ca p securely .
4 . Tighte n th e radiato r drai n plu g securely .
5 . Remove , drai n an d reinstal l th e coolan t reservoir .
Fil l th e tan k t o th e MA X mar k wit h Hond a Al l
Seaso n Antifreeze/Coolan t Typ e 2 .
6 . Remov e th e engine cover (se e pag e 5-3 ). 7
. Loose n th e ai r blee d bol t i n th e thermosta t housing ,
the n pou r Hond a Al l Seaso n Antifreeze/Coolan t
Typ e 2 int o th e radiato r t o th e botto m o f th e fille r
neck . D o no t le t coolan t spil l o n an y electrica l part s
o r th e paint . I f an y coolan t spills , rins e i t of f immedi -
ately .
NOTE :
Alway s us e Hond a Al l Seaso n Antifreeze/Coolan t
Typ e 2 . Usin g a non-Hond a coolan t ca n resul t i n
corrosion , causin g th e coolin g syste m to mal -
functio n o r fail .
Hond a Al l Seaso n Antifreeze/Coolan t Typ e 2 is a
mixtur e o f 50 % antifreez e an d 50 % water . Pre -
mixin g i s no t required .
8 . Tighte n th e blee d bol t a s soo n a s coolan t start s t o
ru n ou t i n a stead y stream .
9 . Wit h th e radiato r cap off, star t th e engin e an d le t i t
ru n unti l warme d u p (radiato r fa n come s o n a t leas t
twice) . Then , i f necessary , ad d mor e genuin e Hond a
Al l Seaso n Antifreeze/Coolan t Typ e 2 to brin g th e
leve l bac k u p t o th e botto m o f th e fille r neck .
10 . Pu t th e radiato r ca p o n tightly , the n ru n th e engin e
agai n an d chec k fo r leaks .
Engin
e Coolan t Refil l Capacit y [Includin g reservoi r
(0.65 (0.6 9 U S qt , 0.5 7 Im p qt))] :
6.1 (6. 4 US qt , 5. 4 Im p qt )
BLEE D BOL T9.8 N- m (1. 0 kgf-m , 7. 2 Ibf-ft )
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Cap Testing
Testing

1. Remove the radiator cap, wet its seal with engine

coolant, then install it on the pressure tester.

RADIATOR

CAP

2. Apply a pressure of 93- 123 kPa (0.95- 1.25 kgf/cm2,

14-18 psi).

3. Check for a drop in pressure.

4. If the pressure drops, replace the cap.
1. Wait until the engine is cool, then carefully remove

the radiator cap and fill the radiator with engine

coolant to the top of the filler neck.

2. Attach the pressure tester to the radiator and apply

a pressure of 93-123 kPa (0.95 - 1.25 kgf/cm2, 14 -

18
psi).

RADIATOR PRESSURE

TESTER

(Commercially available)

3. Inspect for engine coolant leaks and a drop in pres-

sure.

4. Remove the tester and reinstall the radiator cap.

NOTE: Check for engine oil in the coolant and/or

coolant in the engine oil.
RADIATOR PRESSURE TESTER

(Commercially available)

SMALL ADAPTOR

(for 32 mm neck, low profile)
SMALL ADAPTOR

(for 32 mm neck, low profile)ProCarManuals.com

Thermostat

Replacement

NOTE: Use new O-rings when reassembling.

BLEED BOLT

9.8 N-m (1.0 kgf-m,

7.2 Ibf-ft)

ENGINE COOLANT

TEMPERATURE

(ECT) GAUGE

SENDING UNIT

9 N-m (0.9 kgf-m,

7 Ibf-ft)
ENGINE COOLANT

TEMPERATURE

(ECT) SENSOR

18 N-m (1.8 kgf-m, 13 Ibf-ft)

THERMOSTAT

COVER
O-RING

Replace.

THERMOSTAT

Install with pin up.

RUBBER SEAL

Replace.

6 x 1.0 mm

12 N-m (1.2 kgf-m,

8.7 Ibf-ft)ProCarManuals.com

Inspection
1. Remov e th e timin g bel t (se e pag e 6-8 ).
2 . Tur n th e wate r pum p pulle y counterclockwise .
Chec k tha t i t turn s freely .
BLEED HOL E
3. Chec k fo r sign s o f sea l leakage .
NOTE: A smal l amoun t o f "weeping " fro m th e blee d
hol e is normal .
Replacemen t
1. Remov e th e timin g bel t (se e pag e 6-8 ).
2 . Remov e th e lef t camshaf t pulle y an d bac k cove r
(see pag e 6-24 ).
3 . Remov e th e wate r pump .
NOTE : Inspec t an d clea n th e O-rin g groov e an d
matin g surfac e wit h th e cylinde r block .
O-RIN GReplace .8 x 1.2 5 mm22 N- m (2. 2 kgf-m ,
1 6 Ibf-ft )
DOWE LPIN
DOWE L PI N
8 x 1.2 5 mm22 N- m (2. 2 kgf-m ,
1 6 Ibf-ft )
6 x 1. 0 m m12 N- m (1. 2 kgf-m ,
8. 7 Ibf-ft )
4. Instal l th e wate r pum p in th e revers e orde r o f removal .
NOTE:
Keep th e O-rin g in positio n whe n installing .
Clea n u p th e spille d engin e coolant .
WATERPUMP
O-RIN GReplace .
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PCM Data

You can retrieve data from the PCM by connecting the OBD II scan tool or the Honda PGM Tester to the Data Link

Connector (DLC). The items listed in the table below conform to SAE recommended practice. The Honda PGM Tester also

reads data beyond that recommended by SAE so that this data may help you find the causes of intermittent problems.

NOTE:

• The "operating values" listed are approximate and may vary depending on the environment and the individual vehicle.

• Unless noted otherwise, "at idle speed" means idling with the engine completely warmed up, transmission in Park or

neutral, and the A/C and all accessories turned off.

Data
Description
Operating Value

Freeze Data

Diagnostic

Trouble Code

(DTC)
If the PCM detects a problem, it will store it as a code

consisting of one letter and four numbers.

Depending on the problem, an SAE-defined code

(P0xxx)
or a
Honda-defined code
(P1xxx)
will
be
output

to the tester.
If no problem is detected,

there is no output.

YES

Engine Speed
The PCM computes engine speed from the signals sent

from the Crankshaft Position (CKP) sensor.

This data is used for determining the time and amount

of fuel injection.
Nearly the same as

tachometer indication at

idle speed:

650 ± 50 rpm
YES

Vehicle Speed
The PCM converts pulse signals from the Vehicle

Speed Sensor (VSS) into speed data.
Nearly the same as

speedometer indication
YES

Manifold

Absolute

Pressure (MAP)
The absolute pressure created in the intake manifold by

engine load and speed.
With engine stopped:

Nearly the same as atmo-

spheric pressure.

At idle speed:

24 - 37
kPa
(180
-
280

mmHg, 7.1 - 11.0 inHg)
YES

Engine Coolant

Temperature

(ECT)
The ECT sensor converts coolant temperature into

voltage and signals the PCM. The sensor is a thermistor

whose internal resistance changes with coolant

temperature. The PCM uses the voltage signals from

the ECT sensor to determine the amount of injected

fuel.
With cold engine:

Same as ambient temper-

ature and IAT

With engine warmed up:

approx. 158 - 212°F

(70 - 100°C)
YES

Heated Oxygen

Sensor (HO2S)

(Bank 1, Sensor 1)

(Bank 2, Sensor 1)

(Sensor 2)
The HO2S detects the oxygen content in the exhaust

gas and sends voltage signals to the PCM. Based on

these signals, the PCM controls the air/fuel ratio. When

the oxygen content is high (that is, when the ratio is

leaner than the stoichiometric ratio), the voltage signal

is lower. When the oxygen content is low (that is, when

the ratio is richer than the stoichiometric ratio), the

voltage signal is higher.
0.0 -
1.25
V

At idle speed:

about 0.1 - 0.9 V

NOProCarManuals.com

PGM-FI Syste m
System Descriptio n
INPUTSPOWERTRAI N CONTRO L MODUL E (PCM )OUTPUT S
CKP/CYP Senso r
Cruise
Control
Signal ('04)MA P Senso rECT Senso rIAT Senso rTP Senso rEGR Valv e Positio n Senso rLeft Primar y HO2 SRight Primar y HO2 SSecondar y HO2 SVSSBAR O Senso rLeft Knoc k Senso rRight Knoc k Senso rTCS Signals *VSA Signals*1
Spar k Plu g Voltag e Detectio nModule Signa lStarte r Signa lALT F R Signa lAir Conditionin g Signa lTransmissio n Rang e Switc h Signa lBattery Voltag e (IGN.1 )Brake Peda l Positio n Switc h Signa lPSP Switc h Signa lImmobilize r Signa lFTP Senso rCountershaf t Spee d Senso rMainshaf t Spee d Senso r
Idle Ai r Injecto r Timin g an d Duratio n
Other Contro l Function s
Ignition Timin g Contro l
PCM Back-u p Function s
InjectorsPGM-FI Mai n Rela y (Fue l Pump )Fuel Pum p Rela yMILD4 Indicato r Ligh tIAC Valv eA/C Compresso r Clutc h Rela yICMEVA P Caniste r Purg e Valv eLeft Primar y HO2 S Heate rRight Primar y HO2 S Heate rSecondar y HO2 S Heate rEGR Valv e Vacuu m Contro l Valv ePressur e Regulato r Vacuu mControl Solenoi d Valv eIMRC Solenoi d Valv e 1IMR C Solenoi d Valv e 2DL CTorqu e Converte r Clutc h Solenoi dValveShift Solenoi d Valv eA/T Clutc h Pressur e Contro lSolenoid Valv eEVAP Bypas s Solenoi d Valv eEVAP Caniste r Ven t Shu t Valv eEngin e Moun t Contro l Solenoi dValve
PGM-F I Syste m
Th e PGM-F I syste m o n thi s mode l i s a sequentia l multipor t fue l injectio n system .
Injecto r Timin g an d Duratio n
Th e PC M contain s memorie s fo r th e basi c discharg e duration s a t variou s engin e speed s an d manifol d pressures . Th e
basi c discharg e duration , afte r bein g rea d ou t fro m th e memory , i s furthe r modifie d b y signal s sen t fro m variou s sensor s
t o obtai n th e fina l discharg e duration .
Idl e Ai r Contro l
Idl e Ai r Contro l Valv e (IA C Valve )
Whe n th e engin e i s cold , th e A/ C compresso r i s on , th e transmissio n i s i n gear , th e brak e peda l i s depressed , th e powe r
steerin g loa d i s high , o r th e alternato r i s charging , th e PC M control s curren t t o th e IA C Valv e t o maintai n th e correc t idl e
speed .
Ignition Timin g Contro l
• Th e PC M contain s memorie s fo r basi c ignitio n timin g a t variou s engin e speed s an d manifol d ai r flo w rates . Ignitio n
timin g i s als o adjuste d fo r engin e coolan t temperature .
• A knoc k contro l syste m is als o used . Whe n detonatio n i s detecte d b y a knoc k sensor , th e ignitio n timin g is retarded .
Othe r Contro l Function s
1 . Startin g Contro l
Whe n th e engin e is started , th e PC M provide s a ric h mixtur e b y increasin g injecto r duration .
2 . Fue l Pum p Contro l
• Whe n th e ignitio n switc h i s initiall y turne d on , th e PC M supplie s groun d t o th e PGM-F I mai n rela y tha t supplie s cur -
ren t t o th e fue l pum p fo r 2 second s t o pressuriz e th e fue l system .
• Whe n th e engin e is running , th e PC M supplie s groun d to th e PGM-F I mai n rela y tha t supplie s current to th e fue l pump .
• Whe n th e engin e is no t runnin g an d th e ignitio n i s on , th e PC M cut s groun d t o th e PGM-F I mai n rela y whic h cut s
curren t t o th e fue l pump .
*: wit h TC S*1: wit h VS A
Idle Ai r Contro l
Coolant Temperature Gauge ('04)
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PGM-FI Syste m
NOTE: I f th e DTC s liste d belo w ar e store d a t th e sam e tim e a s DT C P1486 , troubleshoo t thos e DTC s first , the n rechec k fo r
P1486 .
P0107 , P0108 , P1128 , P1129 : MA P Senso r
P1106 , P1107 , P1108 : Barometri c Pressur e Circui t
P1259 , P1279 : VTE C syste m
P0401 : EG R Flo w Insufficien t
P1491 : EG R Valv e Lif t Insufficien t
P1498 : EG R Valv e Positio n Senso r Hig h Voltag e
P0116 , P0117 , P0118 : Engin e Coolan t Temperatur e Circui t
P0112, P0113 : Intak e Ai r Temperatur e Circui t
P0335 , P0336 , P1336 , P1337 : Crankshaf t Positio n Senso r 1/ 2
P0300 : Rando m Misfir e
P0301 , P0302 , P0303 , P0304 , P0305 , P0306 : Cylinde r 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 or 6 Misfir e detected .
P0505 : Idl e Contro l Syste m Malfunctio n
P1508 : Idl e Ai r Contro l Valv e
DT C P148 6 ca n se t occasionall y whe n th e hoo d i s opened .
— Th e MI L ha s bee n reporte d on .
— DT C P148 6 is stored .
1. Tur n th e ignitio n Switc h OFF .2. Chec k th e engin e coolan t
level .
I s th e engin e coolan t leve l low ?
Doe s th e radiato r fa n kee p
running ?
YES
Chec k th e radiato r fa n circuit ,
radiato r fa n switc h circui t an d
th e radiato r fa n switch .
I t the y ar e OK , substitut e th e
PC M an d rechec k (se e pag e 11-42
fo r immobilize r information) .
I f th e symptom/indicatio n goe s
away , replac e th e origina l PCM . Refil
l th e engin e coolant . I f neces -
sary , chec k th e coolin g system .
Tes t th e thermostat .
NO
N
O
YE S
Chec k fo r th e radiato r fo r circuit :
1 . Tur n th e ignitio n switc h O N
(II).2. Chec k th e radiato r fan .
Troubleshootin g
('00 - 0 1 model ) Th e sca n too l indicate s Diagnosti c Troubl e Cod e (DTC ) P1486 : Range/Performanc e Proble m in
Thermostat .
Thermostat
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Intake Air System

System Description

The system supplies air for all engine needs. It consists of the intake air pipe. Air Cleaner, intake air duct. Throttle Body,

Idle Air Control (IAC) Valve, idle air control thermal valve, and intake manifold.

A resonator in the intake air pipe provides additional silencing as air is drawn into the system.

IMRC SOLENOID VALVE 2

IMRC

SOLENOID

VALVE 1
IMRC

VACUUM

TANK

From No. 20 ECU

(PCM)
(20 A)

FUSE

(in the under-dash

fuse/relay box)

IMRC

DIAPHRAGM

VALVE 1
VARIOUS

SENSORS

THROTTLE BODY
INTAKE

AIR

DUCT
INTAKE

MANIFOLD
IDLE

ADJUSTING

SCREW
With

TCS

IDLE AIR

CONTROL

THERMAL

VALVE
IAC

VALVE
From PGM-FI

MAIN RELAY

IMRC

DIAPHRAGM

VALVE 2
IMRC

CHECK

VALVE

ENGINE

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