Acura RL. Manual - part 838



Set DTCs are stored in the EEPROM (nonvolatile memory), they cannot be cleared by disconnecting 
the battery. To clear a DTC, connect the HDS (Honda Diagnostic System) to the data link connector 
(DLC), and follow the screen prompts.  

HOW A DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) IS SET ('08 MODEL) 



When the system detects a problem, the TPMS control unit sets a code, but shifts to fail-safe mode, 
and will not alert the driver to low tire pressures.  



If the TPMS control unit loses power, or fails, the TPMS indicator and the low tire pressure indicator 
(start blinking) will come on, but no DTC will be set.  



The memory can hold all the DTCs that could possibly be set. However, when the same DTC is 
detected more than once, the most recent one overwrites the previous one, so only the latest DTC of 
each type is stored.  



DTCs are indicated in ascending order, not in the order they occurred.  



Set DTCs are stored in the EEPROM (nonvolatile memory), they cannot be cleared by disconnecting 
the battery. To clear a DTC, connect the HDS (Honda Diagnostic System) to the data link connector 
(DLC), and follow the screen prompts.  

HOW TO TROUBLESHOOT TPMS DTCS ('05-07 MODELS) 

DTC troubleshooting procedures assume the cause of the problem is still present and the TPMS indicator is 
still on. (NOTE: The TPMS indicator comes on for DTCs 11,13,15, and 17 only if the low tire pressure 
indication is false, caused by a problem in the system.) Do not use a troubleshooting procedure unless the 
system has set the DTC listed for it. 

1. Ask the client to describe the conditions when the indicator came on, and try to reproduce the same 

conditions for troubleshooting. Find out if the client checked and/or adjusted tire pressures since the 
indicator came on.  

2. If an indicator does not come on during the test-drive, check for loose terminals, poor contact due to 

damaged terminals, etc. before you start troubleshooting.  

3. After troubleshooting, clear the DTCs, and test-drive the vehicle. Make sure no indicators come on.  

HOW TO TROUBLESHOOT TPMS DTCS ('08 MODEL) 

DTC troubleshooting procedures assume the cause of the problem is still present and the TPMS indicator 
and the low tire pressure indicator (start blinking) are still on. (NOTE: The TPMS indicator and the low tire 
pressure indicator (start blinking) comes on for DTCs 11,13,15, and 17 only if the low tire pressure 
indication is false, caused by a problem in the system.) Do not use a troubleshooting procedure unless the 
system has set the DTC listed for it. 

1. Ask the client to describe the conditions when the indicators came on or blinked, and try to reproduce 

the same conditions for troubleshooting. Find out if the client checked and/or adjusted tire pressures 
since the indicator came on.  

2. If an indicator does not come on during the test-drive, check for loose terminals, poor contact due to 

damaged terminals, etc. before you start troubleshooting.  

3. After troubleshooting, clear the DTCs, and test-drive the vehicle. Make sure no indicators come on.  

HOW TO RETRIEVE TPMS DTCS 

 

2007 Acura RL 

2005-08 SUSPENSION TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) - RL

  

me 

 

Friday, June 05, 2009 3:22:24 PM

Page 5 

© 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC. 

1. With the ignition switch OFF, connect the HDS (Honda Diagnostic System) to the 16P data link 

connector (DLC) (A) located under the leftside of the dashboard. 

Fig. 3: Identifying Data Link Connector 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

2. Turn the ignition switch ON (II).  

3. Make sure the HDS communicates with the vehicle and the TPMS control unit. If it doesn't, 

troubleshoot the DLC circuit (see '08 MODEL ).  

4. Follow the prompts on the HDS to display the DTC(s) on the screen. After determining the DTC, 

refer to the DTC TROUBLESHOOTING. 

5. Turn the ignition switch OFF.  

HOW TO CLEAR TPMS DTCS 

1. With the ignition switch OFF, connect the HDS to the 16P data link connector (DLC) (A) located 

under the left side of the dashboard. 

NOTE:

See the HDS Help menu for specific instructions.

NOTE:

You cannot clear the DTCs manually.

 

2007 Acura RL 

2005-08 SUSPENSION TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) - RL

  

me 

 

Friday, June 05, 2009 3:22:24 PM

Page 6 

© 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC. 

Fig. 4: Identifying Data Link Connector
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

2. Turn the ignition switch ON (II).  

3. Make sure the HDS communicates with the vehicle and the TPMS control unit. If it doesn't, 

troubleshoot the DLC circuit (see '08 MODEL ).  

4. Clear the DTC(s) by following the screen prompts on the HDS. 

5. Turn the ignition switch OFF.  

MEMORIZING THE TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR ID 

MEMORIZING A TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR ID 

When a tire pressure sensor is replaced, the sensors ID must be memorized by the TPMS control unit. 

MEMORIZING A SENSOR ID AUTOMATICALLY 

After rotating the tires or replacing a tire pressure sensor, drive the vehicle for at least 40 seconds at a speed 
of 15 mph (24 km/h) or more, and all the sensor IDs will be memorized automatically. 

MEMORIZE THE ID WITH THE HDS 

The HDS can memorize the ID of a new tire pressure sensor or a previously memorized ID. 

1. With the ignition switch OFF, connect the HDS to the 16P data link connector (DLC) (A) located 

under the left side of the dashboard. 

NOTE:

See the HDS Help menu for specific instructions.

NOTE:

To ensure the control unit memorizes the correct ID, the vehicle with the new 
sensor must be at least 3 m (10 ft) from any other TPMS pressure sensor not 
installed on that vehicle.

NOTE:



When replacing the TPMS control unit, use the HDS to memorize IDs.  



After the IDs are memorized, reduce the pressure in all four tires to less 
than the appropriate specification, and check to see that the four tire 
indicators come on.  

 

2007 Acura RL 

2005-08 SUSPENSION TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) - RL

  

me 

 

Friday, June 05, 2009 3:22:24 PM

Page 7 

© 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC. 

Fig. 5: Identifying Data Link Connector 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

2. Turn the ignition switch ON (II).  

3. Make sure the HDS communicates with the vehicle and the TPMS control unit. If it doesn't, 

troubleshoot the DLC circuit (see '08 MODEL ).  

4. Memorize the ID of the tire pressure sensor by following the screen prompts on the HDS. 

5. Turn the ignition switch OFF.  

DTC TROUBLESHOOTING INDEX 

DTC TROUBLESHOOTING INDEX 

NOTE:



See the HDS Help menu for specific instructions.  



When replacing the TPMS control unit, use the HDS to memorize 
IDs.  



After the IDs are memorized, reduce the pressure in all four tires 
to less than the appropriate specification, and check to see that 
the tire indicators come on.  

DTC

Detection Item

11

Right-front low air pressure

13

Left-front low air pressure

15

Right-rear low air pressure

17

Left-rear low air pressure

21

Right-front tire pressure sensor abnormally high 
temperature

22

Left-front tire pressure sensor abnormally high 
temperature

23

Right-rear tire pressure sensor abnormally high 
temperature

24

Left-rear tire pressure sensor abnormally high 
temperature

31

Right-front tire pressure sensor low battery voltage

 

2007 Acura RL 

2005-08 SUSPENSION TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) - RL

  

me 

 

Friday, June 05, 2009 3:22:24 PM

Page 8 

© 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.