Acura RL. Manual - part 589

Fig. 2: Ignition System Circuit Diagram 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

IGNITION TIMING INSPECTION 

1. Connect the HDS to the data link connector (DLC) (see step 2 under HOW TO USE THE HDS 

(HONDA DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM) ), and check for DTCs. If a DTC is present, diagnose and 
repair the cause before inspecting the ignition timing.  

2. Start the engine. Hold the engine speed at 3,000 RPM with no load (in N or P position) until the 

radiator fan comes on, then let it idle.  

3. Check the idle speed (see IDLE SPEED INSPECTION ). 

 

2007 Acura RL 

2005-08 ENGINE Ignition System - RL

  

me 

 

Friday, June 05, 2009 2:27:43 PM

Page 2 

© 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC. 

4. Jump the SCS line with the HDS.  

5. Remove the right upper fender trim (see step 1 under DRIVE BELT INSPECTION ).  

6. Connect the timing light to the No. 1 ignition coil harness. 

Fig. 3: Checking Ignition Timing 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

7. Aim the light toward the pointer (A) on the timing belt cover. Check the ignition timing under a no 

load condition (headlights, blower fan, rear window defogger, and air conditioner are turned off). 

Ignition Timing  

10° 2° BTDC (RED mark (B)) at idle in P or N position  

Fig. 4: Identifying Pointer On Timing Belt Cover 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

8. If the ignition timing differs from the specification, check the cam timing. If the cam timing is OK, 

update the powertrain control module (PCM) if it does not have the latest software (see UPDATING 
THE PCM ), or substitute a known-good PCM (see SUBSTITUTING THE PCM ), then recheck. If 
the system works properly, and the PCM was substituted, replace the original PCM (see PCM 
REPLACEMENT ).  

9. Disconnect the HDS and the timing light. 

 

2007 Acura RL 

2005-08 ENGINE Ignition System - RL

  

me 

 

Friday, June 05, 2009 2:27:43 PM

Page 3 

© 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC. 

IGNITION COIL REMOVAL/INSTALLATION

1. Remove the engine cover (A), right upper fender trim (B), battery trim (C), left upper fender trim (D), 

then remove the grille cover (E). 

Fig. 5: Identifying Engine Cover, Right/Left Upper Fender Trim, Battery Trim And Grille 
Cover 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

2. Disconnect the ignition coil connectors (A), then remove the front bank ignition coils (B). 

Fig. 6: Identifying Ignition Coil Connectors And Front Bank Ignition Coils 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

3. Disconnect the ignition coil connectors (A), then remove the rear bank ignition coils (B). 

 

2007 Acura RL 

2005-08 ENGINE Ignition System - RL

  

me 

 

Friday, June 05, 2009 2:27:43 PM

Page 4 

© 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC. 

Fig. 7: Identifying Ignition Coil Connectors And Rear Bank Ignition Coils 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

4. Install the ignition coils in the reverse order of removal.  

IGNITION COIL RELAY CIRCUIT TROUBLESHOOTING 

1. Check the No. 2 (15A) fuse in the driver's under-dash fuse/relay box. 

Is the fuse OK?  

YES - Go to step 2. 

NO - Replace the fuse. If the fuse continues to blow, locate and repair the short in the circuit between 
the under-dash fuse/relay box and the ignition coils. 

2. Remove the ignition coil relay from the driver's under-dash fuse/relay box, and test it (see POWER 

RELAY TEST ). 

Is the relay OK?  

YES - Go to step 3. 

NO - Replace the ignition coil relay. 

3. Measure the voltage between ignition coil relay 4P socket terminal No. 1 and body ground, then 

terminal No. 4 and body ground. 

 

2007 Acura RL 

2005-08 ENGINE Ignition System - RL

  

me 

 

Friday, June 05, 2009 2:27:43 PM

Page 5 

© 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.