Acura RL. Manual - part 502

Fig. 3: Identifying HDS To Data Link Connector (DLC)
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

3. Turn the ignition switch ON (II).

4. Make sure the HDS communicates with the PCM and other vehicle systems. If it doesn't, go to DLC

Circuit Troubleshooting (see DLC CIRCUIT TROUBLESHOOTING ).

5. Check the diagnostic trouble code (DTC) and note it. Also check the freeze data and/or on-board

snapshot data, and download any data found. Then refer to the indicated DTCs troubleshooting, and
begin the appropriate troubleshooting procedure.

6. If no DTCs are found, go to MIL troubleshooting (see MIL CIRCUIT TROUBLESHOOTING ).

If the MIL did not stay on

If the MIL did not stay on but there is a driveability problem, do the symptom troubleshooting.

If you can't duplicate the DTC

Some of the troubleshooting requires you to reset the PCM and try to duplicate the DTC. If the problem is
intermittent and you can't duplicate the code, do not continue through the procedure. To do so will only
result in confusion and possibly, a needlessly replaced PCM.

HDS CLEAR COMMAND

The PCM stores various specific data to correct the system even if there is no electrical power such as when
the battery negative terminal or No. 8 FI ECU (PCM) (15 A) fuse are disconnected. Stored data based on
failed parts should be cleared by using the "CLEAR COMMAND" of the HDS, if parts are replaced.

The HDS has three kinds of clear commands to meet this purpose. They are DTC clear, PCM reset, and
CKP pattern clear. DTC clear command erases all stored DTC codes, freeze data, on-board snapshot, and

NOTE:



Freeze data indicates the engine conditions when the first
malfunction, misfire, or fuel trim malfunction was detected.



The HDS can read the DTCs, freeze data, on-board snapshot,
current data, and other powertrain control module (PCM) data.



For specific operations, refer to the user's manual that came with
the HDS.

2007 Acura RL

2005-08 ENGINE PERFORMANCE Fuel and Emissions Systems - RL

Friday, June 05, 2009 2:33:26 PM

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readiness codes. This must be done with the HDS after reproducing the DTC during troubleshooting. The
PCM reset command erases all stored DTC codes, freeze data, on-board snapshot, readiness codes, and all
specific data to correct the system except CKP pattern. If the CKP pattern data in the PCM was cleared, you
must do the CKP pattern learn procedure. The CKP pattern clear command erases only CKP pattern data.
This command is for repair of a misfire or the CKP sensor.

SCAN TOOL CLEAR COMMAND

If you are using a generic scan tool to clear commands, be aware that there is only one setting for clearing
the PCM, and it clears all commands at the same time (CKP pattern learn, idle learn, readiness codes, freeze
data, on-board snapshot, and DTCs). After you clear all commands, you then need to do these procedures, in
this order: PCM idle learn procedure (see PCM IDLE LEARN PROCEDURE ); CKP pattern learn
procedure; (see CRANK (CKP) PATTERN CLEAR/CRANK (CKP) PATTERN LEARN).

Test-drive to set readiness codes to complete (see MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL)
INDICATION (IN RELATION TO READINESS CODES) ).

DTC CLEAR

1. Clear the DTC with the HDS while the engine is stopped.

2. Turn the ignition switch OFF.

3. Turn the ignition switch ON (II), and wait for 30 seconds.

4. Turn the ignition switch OFF, and disconnect the HDS from the DLC.

PCM RESET

1. Reset the PCM with the HDS while the engine is stopped.

2. Turn the ignition switch OFF.

3. Turn the ignition switch ON (II), and wait for 30 seconds.

4. Turn the ignition switch OFF, and disconnect the HDS from the DLC.

5. Do the PCM idle learn procedure (see PCM IDLE LEARN PROCEDURE ).

CRANK (CKP) PATTERN CLEAR/CRANK (CKP) PATTERN LEARN

Clear/Learn Procedure (with the HDS)

1. Connect the HDS to the data link connector (DLC) (A) located under the driver's side of the

dashboard.

2007 Acura RL

2005-08 ENGINE PERFORMANCE Fuel and Emissions Systems - RL

Friday, June 05, 2009 2:33:26 PM

Page 4

Fig. 4: Identifying HDS To Data Link Connector (DLC)
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

2. Turn the ignition switch ON (II).

3. Make sure the HDS communicates with the PCM and other vehicle systems. If it doesn't, go to the

DLC circuit troubleshooting (see DLC CIRCUIT TROUBLESHOOTING ).

4. Select CRANK PATTERN in the ADJUSTMENT MENU with the HDS.

5. Select CRANK PATTERN LEARNING with the HDS, and follow the screen prompts.

Learn Procedure (without the HDS)

1. Start the engine. Hold the engine speed at 3,000 RPM without load (in Park or neutral) until the

radiator fan comes on.

2. Test-drive the vehicle on a level road: Decelerate (with the throttle fully closed) from an engine speed

of 2,500 RPM down to 1,000 RPM with the transmission in 2 position.

3. Test-drive the vehicle on a level road: Decelerate (with the throttle fully closed) from an engine speed

of 5,000 RPM down to 3,000 RPM with the transmission in 2 position.

4. Repeat step 2 and 3 several times.

5. Turn the ignition switch OFF.

6. Turn the ignition switch ON (II), and wait 30 seconds.

How to End a Troubleshooting Session (required after any troubleshooting)

1. Reset the PCM with the HDS.

2. Do the PCM idle learn procedure (see PCM IDLE LEARN PROCEDURE ).

3. Turn the ignition switch OFF.

4. Disconnect the HDS from the DLC.

HOW TO TROUBLESHOOT CIRCUITS AT THE PCM CONNECTORS

Special Tools Required

NOTE:

The PCM is part of the immobilizer system. If you replace the PCM, it
will have a different immobilizer code. In order for the engine to start,
you must rewrite the immobilizer code with the HDS.

2007 Acura RL

2005-08 ENGINE PERFORMANCE Fuel and Emissions Systems - RL

Friday, June 05, 2009 2:33:26 PM

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

Digital multimeter or a commercially available digital multimeter



Backprobe set

1. Connect the backprobe adapters (A) to the stacking patch cords (B), and connect the cords to a digital

multimeter (C).

Fig. 5: Identifying Backprobe Adapters, Stacking Patch Cords And Digital Multimeter
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

2. Using the wire insulation as a guide for the contoured tip of the backprobe adapter, gently slide the tip

into the connector from the wire side until it touches the end of the wire terminal.

3. If you cannot get to the wire side of the connector or the wire side is sealed (A), disconnect the

connector and probe the terminals (B) from the terminal side. Do not force the probe into the
connector.

Fig. 6: Probing Terminals From Terminal Side
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

UPDATING THE PCM

Special Tools Required



Honda diagnostic system (HDS) tablet tester



Honda interface module (HIM) and an iN workstation with HDS and CM update software



HDS pocket tester

NOTE:

Do not puncture the insulation on a wire. Punctures can cause poor or
intermittent electrical connections.

2007 Acura RL

2005-08 ENGINE PERFORMANCE Fuel and Emissions Systems - RL

Friday, June 05, 2009 2:33:26 PM

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