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Acura RL (1996-2004 year). Manual - part 318

Ignition System

Ignition Control Module (ICM) Input Test

NOTE: See

section 11

if the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) blinks. Disconnect the 8P connector from the ignition control

module (ICM). Inspect the connector and socket terminals to be sure they are all making good contact.

If any terminals are bent, loose or corroded, repair them as necessary, and recheck the system.

If the terminals look OK, make the following input tests at the connector.

— If any test indicates a problem, find and correct the cause, then recheck the system.
— If all the input tests prove OK, the ICM must be faulty; replace it.

Wire side of
female terminals

ICM

8P CONNECTOR

Trml

Wire

Test condition

Test: Desired result

Possible cause if result is not obtained

BLK

WHT

WHT/GRN

WHT/BLK

WHT/BLU

RED/GRN

WHT/RED

Under all

conditions

Ignition switch ON
(ID

Check for continuity to ground:
There should be continuity.

Check for voltage to ground:
There should be battery
voltage.

• Poor ground (G151)
• An open in the wire

• Blown 30 A fuse in the under-dash

fuse/relay box

• Faulty ignition coil
• An open in the wire

Main Menu

Table of Contents

Ignition Coil Test

1. Turn the ignition switch OFF.

2. Remove the strut brace, then remove the engine

cover (see

section 5

3. Remove the ignition coil.

4. Using an ohmmeter, measure resistance between

the terminals. Replace the coil if the resistance is

not within specification.
NOTE: Resistance will vary with the coil tempera-

ture; specification is at 77°F (25°C).

Primary Winding Resistance
(between the No. 1 and No. 2 terminals)
0.9- 1.1 ohms

If the resistance is not within specification,
replace the coil.
If the resistance is OK, but other troubleshooting
doesn't reveal the cause of the problem, substi-

tute a known-good ignition coil and check engine
operation again.

If the engine then runs OK, replace the original

coil.

Terminal
side of male
terminals

IGNITION
COIL

SECONDARY
WINDING
TERMINAL

Main Menu

Table of Contents

Ignition System

Spark Plug Inspection

1. Inspect the electrodes and ceramic insulator for:

Worn or deformed
electrodes

Damaged
gasket

Cracked
insulator

Improper gap
Oil-fouling

Carbon deposits
Cracked center
electrode insulator

Burned or worn electrodes may be caused by:

Advanced ignition timing

Loose spark plug
Plug heat range too hot
Insufficient cooling

Fouled plug may be caused by:

Retarded ignition timing
Oil in combustion chamber
Incorrect spark plug gap
Plug heat range too cold
Excessive idling/low speed running
Clogged air cleaner element
Deteriorated ignition coil or ignition wires

Do not adjust the gap of platinum tip plugs; replace

the spark plug if the gap is out of specification or if
the center electrode is rounded.

Electrode Gap:

Standard

Service Limit

1.1 mm (0.043 in)

1.3 mm (0.051 in)

Platinum tip plug:
Do not adjust the gap;
replace the spark plug if the
gap is out of specification or
if the center electrode is
rounded.

3. Replace the plug at the specified interval, or if the

center electrode is rounded as shown below:

ROUNDED ELECTRODE

NOTE: Use only the spark plugs listed below.