1996 ACURA RL KA9 ignition

24. Remove the six ignition coils from the left and right

cylinder head covers.

6 x 1.0 mm

12 N-m (1.2 kgf-m,

8.7 Ibf-ft)

IGNITION

COIL

25. Remove the vacuum line mounting bolts from the

right cylinder head cover and intake manifold.

6 x 1.0 mm

12 N-m (1.2 kgf-m,

8.7 Ibf-ft)

VACUUM

LINE

6 x 1.0 mm

12 N-m (1.2 kgf-m, 8.7 Ibf-ft)
26. Remove the EGR pipe.

GASKET

Replace.

EGR PIPE

6 x 1.0 mm

12 N-m (1.2 kgf-m, 8.7 Ibf-ft)
GASKET

Replace.

27. Remove the vacuum hoses, then remove the Intake

Manifold Runner Control (IMRC) solenoid valve/

mount control solenoid valve assembly bracket.

BRACKET
VACUUM

HOSES

6 x 1.0 mm

12 N-m (1.2 kgf-m,

8.7 Ibf-ft)ProCarManuals.com

Engine Coolan t Refillin g an d Bleedin g
'96 -0 0 models :
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 cap from 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 reservoir . Fil l th e
tan k halfwa y t o th e MA X mar k wit h water , the n u p
t o th e MA X mar k wit h antifreeze . 6
. Mi x th e recommende d antifreez e wit h a n equa l
amoun t o f wate r i n a clea n container .
NOTE:
Alway s us e onl y genuin e Hond a antifreeze /
coolant .
Fo r bes t corrosio n protection , th e coolan t con -
centratio n mus t b e maintaine d year-roun d a t
50 % minimum . Coolan t concentration s les s tha n
50% ma y no t provid e sufficien t protectio n
against corrosio n o r freezing .
Coolan t concentration s greate r tha n 60 % wil l
impai r coolin g efficienc y an d ar e no t recom -
mended .
CAUTION :
Do no t mi x differen t brand s o f antifreeze/coolants .
D o no t us e additiona l rus t inhibitor s o r anti-rus t
products ; the y ma y no t b e compatibl e wit h th e
coolant .
Engine 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 )
7. Remov e th e engin e cove r (se e pag e 5-3 ).
8 . Loose n th e ai r blee d bol t i n th e wate r passage , the n
fill th e radiato r to th e botto m of th e fille r nec k with
the coolan t mixture . 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 strea m with -
ou t bubbles .
9 . Wit h th e radiato r ca p off , star t th e engin e an d le t i t
ru n unti l i t i s 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 coolan t mi x
t o 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 .
BLEE D BOL T9.8 N- m (1. 0 kgf-m , 7. 2 Ibf-ft )
ProCarManuals.com

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 )
ProCarManuals.com

PCM
PCM

COVER
9.8 N-m

(1.0 kgf-m,

7.2 Ibf-ft)
6. After completing your tests, reinstall both PCM's, and destroy the temporary key.

If the inspection for a particular code requires voltage or resistance checks at the PCM connectors, remove the right

door sill molding. Pull the carpet back to expose the PCM. Unbolt the PCM cover, and connect the backprobe sets and

a digital multimeter as described below. Check the system according to the procedure described for the appropriate code(s)

listed on the following pages.
DONOR

KEY
TEMPORARY

KEY
Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting Procedures (cont'd)

IV. Known-Good PCM Substitution

Use the following procedure if you need a known-good PCM to test a vehicle. It allows you to swap an PCM from a

"donor" vehicle without having to program it to the test vehicle's ignition key.

1. Cut a temporary ignition key for the test vehicle with a non-immobilizer key blank.

2. Remove the PCM from the test vehicle.

3. Write the test vehicle's VIN on the PCM you just removed to avoid confusing it with the donor vehicle's PCM.

4. Remove the known-good PCM from the donor vehicle, and install it in the test vehicle.

5. Tape the donor vehicle's ignition key head-to-head to the test vehicle's temporary key. The PCM will recognize the code

from the donor vehicle's key and allow you to start the engine with the temporary key.ProCarManuals.com

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting Procedures (cont'd)

Data
Description

Operating Value

Freeze Data

Fuel System

Loop Status

(Bank 1: Right)

(Bank 2: Left)
Loop status is indicated as "open" or "closed".

Closed: Based on the HO2S output, the PCM deter-

mines the air/fuel ratio and controls the amount of

injected fuel.

Open: Ignoring HO2S output, the PCM refers to signals

from the TP, MAP, and ECT sensors to control the

amount of injected fuel.
At idle speed: closed

YES

Short Term

Fuel Trim

(Bank 1: Right)

(Bank 2: Left)
The air/fuel ratio correction coefficient for correcting

the amount of injected fuel when the Fuel System

Status is "closed". When the signal from the HO2S is

weak, short term fuel trim gets higher, and the PCM

increases the amount of injected fuel. The air/fuel ratio

gradually gets richer, causing a higher HO2S output.

Consequently, the short term fuel trim is lowered, and

the PCM reduces the amount of injected fuel. This

cycle keeps the air/fuel ratio close to the stoichiometric

ratio when in closed loop status.
-30%
-
+43%

YES

Long Term

Fuel Trim

(Bank 1: Right)

(Bank 2: Left)
Long term fuel trim in computed from short term fuel

trim and indicates changes occuring in the fuel supply

system over a long period.

If long term fuel trim is higher than 1.00, the amount of

injected fuel must be increased. If it is lower than 1.00,

the amount of injected fuel must be reduced.
±20%

YES

Intake Air

Temperature

(IAT)
The IAT sensor converts intake air temperature into

voltage and signals the PCM. When intake air tempera-

ture is low, the internal resistance of the sensor

increases, and the voltage signal is higher.
With cold engine:

Same as ambient temper-

ature and ECT
YES

Throttle

Position
Based on the accelerator pedal position, the opening

angle of the throttle valve is indicated.
At idle: Approx. 10%

At full throttle: Approx.

90%
YES

Ignition

Timing
The ignition advance angle is set by the PCM. The PCM

matches ignition timing to the driving conditions.
At idle speed: 15 + 2°

BTDC with the SCS service

connector connected.
NO

Calculated

Load Value

(CLV)
CLV is the engine load calculated from the MAP data.

At idle speed:

15
-
35%

At 2,500 rpm with no load:

12
-
30%
YESProCarManuals.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)
ProCarManuals.com

How to Set Readiness Codes

Catalytic Converter

NOTE:

• Do not turn the ignition switch OFF.

• When the battery negative cable is disconnected, all

readiness codes are cleared.

Required condition ('96 - 97 models):

• Ambient temperature between 32 - 95°F (0 - 35°C).

• Altitude below 2,400 m (7,874 ft.).

Required condition ('98 - 01 models):

Ambient temperature between 20 - 95°F (-7 - 35°C).

1. Connect the scan tool to the Data Link Connector

(DLC).

2. Start the engine. Hold it at 3,000 rpm with no load

(in Park or neutral) until the radiator fan comes on.

3. Drive for about 10 minutes without stopping on a

highway or freeway. Your speed can vary.

4. '96 - 97 models:

With the transmission in D4 position, drive at a

steady speed between 33 - 37 mph (53 - 59 km/h)

for 30 seconds.

'98 - 01 models:

With the A/T in D4 position, drive at a steady speed

between 50 - 62 mph (80 - 100 km/h) for 30 sec-

onds.

5. Do step 4 three times. Between each repetition,

close the throttle completely for 1 - 2 seconds. If the

engine is stopped during this part of the procedure,

go to step 3 and do the procedure again.

6. Check for the readiness code with the scan tool.

EGR Monitor

NOTE:

• Do not turn the ignition switch OFF.

• When the battery negative cable is disconnected, all

readiness codes are cleared.

Required condition ('96 - 97 models):

Altitude below 2,400 m (7,874 ft.).

1. Connect the scan tool to the Data Link Connector

(DLC).

2. Start the engine, and hold it at 3,000 rpm with no

load (in Park or neutral) until the radiator fan comes

on.

3. Drive at a steady speed with the transmission in D4

position, between 50 - 62 mph (80 - 100 km/h) for

more than 10 seconds.

4. With the A/T in D4 position, decelerate from 62 mph

(100 km/h) by completely releasing the throttle for

at least 5 seconds. If the engine is stopped during

this procedure, go to step 3 and do the procedure

again.

5. Check for the readiness code with the scan tool.
EVAP Leak Monitor

NOTE:

• When the battery negative cable is disconnected, all

readiness codes are cleared.

• If the engine is stopped while doing the procedure

between stops 6 and 16, do this procedure from step

1 again.

1. Make sure the gasoline level is 60 - 90% of fuel tank

capacity (not full).

2. Turn the ignition switch OFF.

3. Let the vehicle sit more than 8 hours.

4. '96 - 97 models:

Make sure the outside temperature is 32 - 95°F (0 -

35°C).

'98 - 01 models:

Make sure the outside temperature is 20 - 95°F (-7 -

35°C).

5. Connect the scan tool to the Data Link Connector

(DLC).

6. Start the engine and drive for about 15 minutes.

7. '96 - 97 models:

Keep the vehicle at a steady speed between 50 - 62

mph (80 - 100 km/h), without moving the accelera-

tor pedal, for about 1 minute.

'98 - 01 models:

Keep the vehicle at a steady speed between 50 - 70

mph (80 - 114 km/h), without moving the accelera-

tor pedal, for about 1 minute.

8. Stop the vehicle (do not stop engine).

9. Repeat steps 7 and 8 two more times.

10. Check for the readiness code with the scan tool. If

the readiness code does not set, go to step 11.

11. When ambient temperature is less than 32°F (0°C),

hold the engine at 3,000 rpm with no load (in Park

or neutral) until the radiator fan comes on.

12. When ambient temperature is more than 86°F

(30°C), remove the fuel fill cap, then install the fuel

fill cap.

13. After step 12, drive for about 20 minutes on a free-

way.

14. '96 - 97 models:

Keep the vehicle at a steady speed between 50 - 62

mph (80 - 100 km/h), without moving the accelera-

tor pedal, for about 1 minute.

'98 - 01 models:

Keep the vehicle at a steady speed between 50 - 70

mph (80 - 114 km/h), without moving the accelera-

tor pedal, for about 1 minute.

15. Stop the vehicle (do not stop the engine).

16. Repeat steps 14 and 15 two more times.

17. Check for the readiness code with the scan tool.ProCarManuals.com

PGM-FI System

How to Set Readiness Codes (cont'd)

HO2S Monitor

NOTE:

• Do not turn the ignition switch OFF.

• When the battery negative cable is disconnected, all

readiness codes are cleared.

Required condition ('96 - 97 models):

• Ambient temperature between 32 - 95°F (0 - 35°C).

• Altitude below 2,400 m (7,874 ft.).

Required condition ('98 - 01 models):

Ambient temperature between 20 - 95°F (-7 - 35°C).

1. Connect the scan tool to the Data Link Connector

(DLC).

2. Start the engine, and hold it at 3,000 rpm with no

load (in Park or neutral) until the radiator fan comes

on.

3. Let the engine idle for 5 seconds.

4. Drive at a steady speed between 50 - 62 mph (80 -

100 km/h) for about 2 minutes.

5. With the A/T in D4 position, decelerate from 62 mph

(100 km/h) by completely releasing the throttle for

at least 5 seconds. If the engine is stopped during

this procedure, go to step 4 and do the procedure

again.

6. Check for the readiness code with the scan tool.

HO2S Heater Monitor

NOTE: When the battery negative cable is disconnected,

all readiness codes are cleared.

1. Connect the scan tool to the Data Link Connector

(DLC).

2. Start the engine, and let the engine idle for 10 min-

utes.

3. Check for the readiness code with the scan tool.ProCarManuals.com