Engine Removal and Installation Acura MDX II

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Special Tools Required

1. Front subframe adapter EQS02BMDXSB0
2. Engine support hanger A and Reds AAR-T-12566
3. Engine hanger balance bar VSB02C000019
4. Engine hanger adapter set VSB02C000031 These special tools are available through the Acura Tool and Equipment program, 1-888-424-6857.

Note. Use fender covers to avoid damaging painted surfaces. To avoid damaging the wiring and terminals, unplug the wiring connectors carefully while holding the connector portion. Mark all wiring and hoses to avoid misconnection. Also, be sure that they do not contact other wiring, hoses, or interfere with other parts.

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1. Remove the support struts from the engine hood. Move the engine hood to a vertical position, then reinstall the support strut as shown.
2. Relieve the fuel pressure (see «FUEL PRESSURE RELIEVING»(/acura/mdx/ii-2006-2010/remont/fuel-system/#fuel-supply-system__fuel-pressure-relieving) ).
3. Drain the power steering system fluid, then plug the fluid reservoir and return hose (see «FLUID REPLACEMENT»(/acura/mdx/ii-2006-2010/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system__fluid-replacement) ).
4. Remove the bulkhead cover (see «FRONT BULKHEAD COVER REPLACEMENT»(/acura/mdx/ii-2006-2010/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#exterior-trim__front-bulkhead-cover-replacement) ).
5. Do the battery terminal disconnection procedure (See «DISCONNECTION»(/acura/mdx/ii-2006-2010/remont/body-electrical/#battery__disconnection) ).
6. Remove the battery.
7. Remove the engine cover.
8. Disconnect the breather pipe (A), then remove the air intake duct (B).
9. Remove the air cleaner assembly (see «AIR CLEANER ELEMENT / REPLACEMENT»(/acura/mdx/ii-2006-2010/remont/mechanical/#intake-air-system) ).
10. Remove the main under-hood fuse box (A), then remove the harness clamps (B).
11. Remove the harness clamps (A), then remove the battery base (B).
12. Remove the positive starter cable (A).
13. Remove the shift cable (see «SHIFT CABLE REPLACEMENT»(/acura/mdx/ii-2006-2010/remont/automatic-trans/#automatic-transmission) ).
14. Remove the quick-connect fitting cover (A), then disconnect the fuel feed hose (B) (see «FUEL LINE/QUICK-CONNECT FITTING REMOVAL»(/acura/mdx/ii-2006-2010/remont/fuel-system/#fuel-supply-system__fuel-linequick-connect-fitting-removal) ).
15. Disconnect the brake booster vacuum hose (A), and evaporative emission (EVAP) canister hose (B).
16. Disconnect the EVAP canister purge valve connector (C).
17. Remove the steering wheel (see «STEERING WHEEL REMOVAL»(/acura/mdx/ii-2006-2010/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system__steering-wheel-removal) ).
18. Remove the steering joint cover (A).
19. Make a reference mark (B) across the steering joint and steering gearbox pinion shaft. Remove the steering joint bolt (C), and loosen the steering joint bolt (D), then disconnect the steering joint from the steering gearbox pinion shaft (E).
20. Remove the alternator cable (A) from the main under-hood fuse box.
21. Remove the coolant reservoir from the bracket.
22. Remove the bracket (A), then remove the powertrain control module (PCM) cover (B).
23. Remove the harness clamps (A), then disconnect the two PCM connectors (B) and engine wire harness connector (C).
24. Remove the drive belt (see «DRIVE BELT INSPECTION»(/acura/mdx/ii-2006-2010/remont/charging-system/#charging-system) ).
25. Remove the power steering (P/S) pump inlet hose (A) and P/S pump outlet hose (B) from the P/S pump, then plug the P/S lines and P/S pump.
26. Remove the P/S hose clamp (C) from the cylinder head cover.
27. Remove the radiator cap.
28. Raise the vehicle on the lift .
29. Remove the front wheels.
30. Remove the splash shield.
31. Loosen the drain plug in the radiator, and drain the engine coolant (see «COOLANT CHECK»(/acura/mdx/ii-2006-2010/remont/cooling-system-mechanical/#cooling-system) ).
32. Drain the automatic transmission fluid (ATF) (see «ATF COOLER REPLACEMENT»(/acura/mdx/ii-2006-2010/remont/automatic-trans/#automatic-transmission) ).
33. Drain the engine oil (see «ENGINE OIL REPLACEMENT»(/acura/mdx/ii-2006-2010/remont/lubrication-system/#engine-lubrication) ).
34. Remove the front subframe stiffener.
35. Remove exhaust pipe A.
36. Separate the stabilizer links from the dampers (see «STABILIZER LINK REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(/acura/mdx/ii-2006-2010/remont/wheel-hubs/#front-suspension) ).
37. Separate the tie-rod end ball joints from the knuckles (see step 4 on «KNUCKLE/HUB BEARING UNIT REPLACEMENT»(/acura/mdx/ii-2006-2010/remont/wheel-hubs/#front-suspension) ).
38. Separate the knuckles from the lower arms (see step 7 on «KNUCKLE/HUB BEARING UNIT REPLACEMENT»(/acura/mdx/ii-2006-2010/remont/wheel-hubs/#front-suspension) ).
39. Remove the driveshafts (see «FRONT DRIVESHAFT REMOVAL»(/acura/mdx/ii-2006-2010/remont/axle-shafts/#drivelineaxle) ). Coat all precision-finished surfaces with new engine oil. Tie plastic bags over the driveshaft ends.
40. Remove the propeller shaft from the transfer shaft flange (see «PROPELLER SHAFT REMOVAL»(/acura/mdx/ii-2006-2010/remont/axle-shafts/#drivelineaxle) ).
41. Remove the transfer assembly (see «TRANSFER ASSEMBLY REMOVAL»(/acura/mdx/ii-2006-2010/remont/automatic-trans/#automatic-transmission) ).
42. Disconnect the P/S hose (A), then plug the line and hose.
43. Disconnect the power steering pressure switch connector.
44. Remove the transmission lower mount bolts (A) and ground cable (B).
45. Remove the rear mount bolts (A), and power steering line bracket (B).
46. Lower the vehicle on the lift.
47. Disconnect the A/C compressor clutch connector (A), then remove the A/C compressor (B) without disconnecting the A/C hoses.
48. Disconnect the heater hoses (A).
49. Disconnect the upper radiator hose (A) and lower radiator hose (B).
50. Disconnect the ATF cooler hoses from the transmission, then plug the ATF cooler hoses and lines.
51. Remove the radiator (see «RADIATOR AND FAN REPLACEMENT»(/acura/mdx/ii-2006-2010/remont/cooling-system-mechanical/#cooling-system__radiator-and-fan-replacement) ).
52. Remove the connector bracket from the front cylinder head; use the bracket bolt hole to attach the engine balance bar front arm.
53. Remove the bracket (A) from the rear cylinder head; use the bracket bolt hole to attach the engine balance bar rear arm.
54. Remove the service caps (A) for the front damper flange nuts from the cowl cover (B). Position the engine hanger adapters (VSB02C000031) with the "FRONT" mark facing forward over the damper flange nuts.
55. Install the engine hanger balance bar (VSB02C000019); attach the front arm (A) to the front cylinder head with a spacer (B) and 10 x 1.25 mm bolt (C), attach the rear arm (D) to the rear cylinder head with an 8 x 1.25 mm bolt (E).
56. Install the engine support hanger (AAR-T-12566) to the vehicle, and attach the hook to the slotted hole in the engine hanger balance bar. Tighten the wing nut (F) by hand to lift and support the engine/transmission.
57. Raise the vehicle on the lift to full height.
58. Disconnect the front engine mount control solenoid valve tube (A), then remove the front engine mount bolts (B).
59. With active damper system: Disconnect the front suspension stroke sensor connectors (A), then remove the harness clamps (B)
60. Loosen the four bolts (A) holding the adjustable arms (B) of the front subframe adapter (EQS02BMDXSBO) to its center plate.
61. Line up the slots in the arms with the bolt holes on the corner of the jack base, then attach the front subframe adapter (A) to the jack base with the bolts (B) that came with the jack. Tighten all bolts securely.
62. Raise the jack to vehicle height, then attach the front subframe adapter to the front subframe using the subframe stiffener mounting bolts (C) and bolt holes.
63. Remove the six 12 x 1.25 mm bolts (A) securing the subframe stiffeners (B), the four subframe mounting bolts (C), and the stiffeners, then lower the front subframe (D).
64. Lower the vehicle and attach a chain hoist (A) to the engine hook (B) and transmission hook (C). Lift up on the engine/transmission until it's securely supported by the chain hoist, then remove the engine support hanger and the engine balance bar from the engine and vehicle.
65. Remove the mounting bolts from the upper half of the side engine mount bracket.
66. Check that the engine/transmission is completely free of vacuum hoses, fuel and coolant hoses, and electrical wiring.
67. Slowly lower the engine/transmission about 150 mm (6 in.). Check once again that all hoses and electrical wiring are disconnected and free from the engine/transmission, then lower it all the way.
68. Disconnect the chain hoist from the engine/transmission.
69. Raise the vehicle all the way on the lift, then remove the engine/transmission from under the vehicle.

Engine Installation

Special Tools Required

1. Frame positioning guide pin 070AG-SJAA10S
2. Front subframe adapter EQS02BMDXSB0 *
3. Engine support hanger A and Reds AAR-T-12566 *
4. Engine hanger balance bar VSB02C000019 *
5. Engine hanger adapter set VSB02C000031 * * These special tools are available through the Acura Tool and Equipment program, 1-888-424-6857.

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1. Install the engine mount bracket and accessory brackets, and tighten their bolts to the specified torque.
2. Position the engine/transmission under the vehicle. Be sure that they are properly aligned. Carefully lower the vehicle until the engine and transmission are properly positioned in the engine compartment. Make sure the vehicle is not resting on any part of the engine or transmission. Lift and support the engine with a chain hoist (A), and carefully raise the engine/transmission into place. NOTE: Reinstall the mounting bolts/support nuts in the sequence given in the following steps. Failure to follow this sequence may cause excessive noise and vibration, and reduce engine mount life.
3. Remove the service caps (A) for the front damper flange nuts from the cowl cover (B). Position the engine hanger adapters (VSB02C000031) with the "FRONT" mark facing forward over the damper flange nuts.
4. Install the engine hanger balance bar (VSB02C000019); attach the front arm (A) to the front cylinder head with a spacer (B) and 10 x 1.25 mm bolt (C), attach the rear arm (D) to the rear cylinder head with 8 x 1.25 mm bolt (E).
5. Install the engine support hanger (AAR-T-12566) to the vehicle, and attach the hook to the slotted hole in the engine hanger balance bar. Tighten the wing nut (F) by hand to lift and support the engine/transmission.
6. Install new mounting bolts into the upper half of the side engine mount bracket. Tighten the bolts to the specified torque.
7. Remove the chain hoist, then raise the vehicle on the lift .
8. Using the subframe adapter (EQS02BMDXSB0) and a jack, raise the front subframe up to the body.
9. Loosely install the new front subframe mounting bolts (four) (B), the 12 x 1.25 mm bolts (six) (C) (D), and the stiffeners (E).
10. Loosely tighten the right rear subframe mounting bolt (A); insert the frame positioning guide pin (070AG-SJAA10S) through the positioning hole (B) on the rear stiffener, through the positioning hole (C) on the subframe, and into the positioning hole (D) on the body, then tighten the subframe mounting bolt.
11. Loosely tighten the left rear subframe mounting bolt in the same manner in step 10 .
12. Loosely tighten the right and left front subframe mounting bolts.
13. Loosen the right rear mounting bolt, then tighten the bolt to the specified torque.
14. Tighten the left rear mounting bolt to the specified torque.
15. Tighten the right and left front mounting bolts to the specified torque.
16. Check that the positioning holes and slot are aligned using the frame positioning guide pin.
17. Tighten the rear and front stiffener mounting bolts to the specified torque.
18. Remove the jack and front subframe adapter.
19. Tighten the transmission lower mount bolts (A) and ground cable (B).
20. Tighten the rear mount bolts (A) and power steering line bracket (B).
21. Tighten the front mount bolts (A), then connect the front engine mount control solenoid valve tube (B).
22. Lower the vehicle on the lift.
23. Loosen the mounting bolts for the upper half of the side engine mount bracket, then retighten them to the specified torque.
24. Remove the engine support hanger and engine hanger balance bar.
25. Install the A/C compressor (A), then connect the A/C compressor clutch connector (B).
26. Install the radiator (see «RADIATOR AND FAN REPLACEMENT»(/acura/mdx/ii-2006-2010/remont/cooling-system-mechanical/#cooling-system__radiator-and-fan-replacement) ).
27. Raise the vehicle on the lift .
28. Install the power steering (P/S) hose (A).
29. Connect the power steering pressure switch connector.
30. Install the transfer assembly (see «TRANSFER ASSEMBLY INSTALLATION»(/acura/mdx/ii-2006-2010/remont/automatic-trans/#automatic-transmission) ).
31. Install the propeller shaft onto the transfer shaft flange (see «PROPELLER SHAFT INSTALLATION»(/acura/mdx/ii-2006-2010/remont/axle-shafts/#drivelineaxle) ).
32. Wipe the driveshaft clean. Install a new set ring on the end of each driveshaft, then install the driveshafts. Make sure each ring "clicks" into place in the differential and intermediate shaft.
33. Connect the suspension lower arms to the knuckles (see step 9 on «REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(/acura/mdx/ii-2006-2010/remont/wheel-hubs/#front-suspension) ).
34. Connect the tie-rod end ball joints to the knuckles (see step 28 on «STEERING GEARBOX INSTALLATION»(/acura/mdx/ii-2006-2010/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system) ).
35. Connect the stabilizer links to the dampers (see «STABILIZER LINK REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(/acura/mdx/ii-2006-2010/remont/wheel-hubs/#front-suspension) ).
36. Install exhaust pipe A using new gaskets (B) and new self-locking nuts (C).
37. With active damper system: Connect the front suspension stroke sensor connectors (A), then install the harness clamps (B).
38. Install the front subframe stiffener using hew bolts.
39. Install the splash shield.
40. Install the front wheels.
41. Lower the vehicle on the lift.
42. Install the upper radiator hose (A) and lower radiator hose (B).
43. Install the heater hoses.
44. Install the automatic transmission fluid (ATF) cooler hoses to the transmission, and secure the hoses with the clamps. NOTE: Check the installation location of the clamps (see «ATF COOLER HOSE REPLACEMENT»(/acura/mdx/ii-2006-2010/remont/automatic-trans/#automatic-transmission) ).
45. Install the connector bracket to the front cylinder head.
46. Install the bracket (A) to the rear cylinder head.
47. Install the power steering (P/S) pump outlet hose (A) with a new O-ring (B), and install the P/S pump inlet hose (C).
48. Install the P/S hose clamp (D) to the cylinder head cover.
49. Install the drive belt (see «DRIVE BELT INSPECTION»(/acura/mdx/ii-2006-2010/remont/charging-system/#charging-system) ).
50. Connect the powertrain control module (PCM) connectors (A) and engine wire harness connector (B), then install the harness clamps (C).
51. Install the PCM cover (A), then install the bracket (B).
52. Install the coolant reservoir to the bracket.
53. Install the alternator cable (A) to the main under-hood fuse box.
54. Align the reference mark (A) on the steering joint and steering gearbox pinion shaft. Connect the steering joint (B) to the steering gearbox pinion shaft (C). Tighten the steering joint bolt.
55. Install the steering joint cover (D).
56. Install the steering wheel (see «STEERING WHEEL INSTALLATION»(/acura/mdx/ii-2006-2010/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system) ).
57. Install the brake booster vacuum hose-(A) and evaporative emission (EVAP) canister hose (B).
58. Connect the EVAP canister purge valve connector (C).
59. Connect the fuel feed hose (A) (see «FUEL LINE/QUICK-CONNECT FITTING INSTALLATION»(/acura/mdx/ii-2006-2010/remont/fuel-system/#fuel-supply-system__fuel-linequick-connect-fitting-installation) ), then install the quick-connect fitting cover (B).
60. Install the shift cable (see «SHIFT CABLE REPLACEMENT»(/acura/mdx/ii-2006-2010/remont/automatic-trans/#automatic-transmission) ).
61. Install the positive starter cable (A).
62. Install the battery base (A), then install the harness clamps (B).
63. Install the harness clamps (A) then install the main under-hood fuse box (B).
64. Install the air cleaner assembly (see «AIR CLEANER ELEMENT INSPECTION/ REPLACEMENT»(/acura/mdx/ii-2006-2010/remont/mechanical/#intake-air-system) ).
65. Install the air intake duct (A), then install the breather pipe (B).
66. Install the engine cover.
67. Install the bulkhead cover (see «FRONT BULKHEAD COVER REPLACEMENT»(/acura/mdx/ii-2006-2010/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#exterior-trim__front-bulkhead-cover-replacement) ).
68. Install the service caps on the cowl cover.
69. Do the battery terminal reconnection procedure (See «RECONNECTION»(/acura/mdx/ii-2006-2010/remont/body-electrical/#battery__reconnection) ).
70. Refill the engine with engine oil (see step 4 on «ENGINE OIL REPLACEMENT»(/acura/mdx/ii-2006-2010/remont/lubrication-system/#engine-lubrication) ).
71. Refill the transmission with ATF (see «ATF REPLACEMENT»(/acura/mdx/ii-2006-2010/remont/automatic-trans/#automatic-transmission) ).
72. Install the return hose to the power steering fluid reservoir. Refill the power steering system fluid (see «FLUID REPLACEMENT»(/acura/mdx/ii-2006-2010/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system__fluid-replacement) ).
73. Move the shift lever to each gear, and verify that the A/T gear position indicator follows the transmission range switch.
74. Check for fuel leaks. Turn the ignition switch ON (II) (do not operate the starter) so the fuel pump runs for about 2 seconds and pressurizes the fuel line. Repeat this operation three times, then check for fuel leaks at any point in the fuel line.
75. Refill the radiator with engine coolant, and bleed air from the cooling system with the heater valve open (see step 10 on «COOLANT REPLACEMENT»(/acura/mdx/ii-2006-2010/remont/cooling-system-mechanical/#cooling-system) ).
76. Do the crankshaft position (CKP) pattern clear/CKP pattern learn procedure (see «CRANK (CKP) PATTERN CLEAR/CRANK (CKP) PATTERN LEARN»(/acura/mdx/ii-2006-2010/remont/testing-diagnostics/#fuel-and-emissions-systems) ).
77. Inspect the idle speed (see «IDLE SPEED INSPECTION»(/acura/mdx/ii-2006-2010/remont/engine-control-systems/#idle-control-system__idle-speed-inspection) ).
78. Inspect the ignition timing (see «IGNITION TIMING INSPECTION»(/acura/mdx/ii-2006-2010/remont/ignition-system/#ignition-system) ).
79. Do the headlight initial position learning procedure (see «HEADLIGHT INITIAL POSITION LEARNING PROCEDURE»(/acura/mdx/ii-2006-2010/remont/headlights/#headlight-leveling-system__headlight-initial-position-learning-procedure) ).

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See also:
• FUEL PRESSURE RELIEVING
• FLUID REPLACEMENT
• FRONT BULKHEAD COVER REPLACEMENT
• DISCONNECTION
• AIR CLEANER ELEMENT / REPLACEMENT
• SHIFT CABLE REPLACEMENT
• FUEL LINE/QUICK-CONNECT FITTING REMOVAL
• STEERING WHEEL REMOVAL
• DRIVE BELT INSPECTION
• COOLANT CHECK
• ENGINE OIL REPLACEMENT
• STABILIZER LINK REMOVAL/INSTALLATION
• FRONT DRIVESHAFT REMOVAL
• RADIATOR AND FAN REPLACEMENT
• STEERING GEARBOX INSTALLATION
• FUEL LINE/QUICK-CONNECT FITTING INSTALLATION
• RECONNECTION
• CRANK (CKP) PATTERN CLEAR/CRANK (CKP) PATTERN LEARN
• IDLE SPEED INSPECTION
• IGNITION TIMING INSPECTION
• HEADLIGHT INITIAL POSITION LEARNING PROCEDURE