Engine Assembly: Removal & Installation Acura RDX I facelift

Engine Removal

Special Tools Required

1. Universal Lifting Eyelet 07AAK-SNAA120
2. 1.8 Support Bolt 07AAK-SNAA500
3. Support Eyelet 07AAK-SNAA600
4. Mount Pads 07AAK-STKA120
5. Subframe Adapter VSB02C000016*
6. Engine Support Hanger, A and Reds AAR-T1256*

*Available through the Acura Tool and Equipment Program, 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 or hoses, or interfere with other parts.

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1. Open the hood, and secure it with the hood support rod (A) in the wide-open position (B).
2. Relieve the fuel pressure (see «FUEL PRESSURE RELIEVING»(ref-513844-S21008930142012111600000) ).
3. Do the battery removal procedure (see «RECONNECTION»(ref-513852-S10056438962012111600000) ).
4. Remove the air cleaner (see «AIR CLEANER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(ref-513845-S42552347872012111600000) ).
5. Remove the auxiliary under-hood fuse/relay box (A) and the harness clamps (B).
6. Loosen the lower bolts (C), and remove the upper bolts (D), then remove the battery base (E).
7. Remove the charge air cooler cover (A), then remove the charge air cooler cover front bracket (B).
8. Remove the air bypass outlet pipe (A).
9. Remove the battery cables (A) from the under-hood fuse/relay box.
10. Disconnect the starter sub harness connector (B).
11. Disconnect the PCM connectors (A) and the engine compartment wire harness connector (B).
12. Remove the harness clamps (C).
13. Remove the under-hood fuse/relay box from the bracket.
14. Remove the quick-connect fitting cover (A), then disconnect the fuel feed hose (B) (see «FUEL LINE/QUICK-CONNECT FITTING REMOVAL»(ref-513844-S37701002402012111600000) ).
15. Remove the heater hoses from the clamps (A), then remove the bolt (B) securing the heater hose clamp bracket.
16. Disconnect the EVAP canister hose (A), brake booster vacuum hose (B), and vacuum hose (C).
17. Remove the shift cable (see «SHIFT CABLE REPLACEMENT»(ref-513840-S06387854032012111600000) ).
18. Remove the drive belt (see «DRIVE BELT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(ref-513847-S34515322172012111600000) ).
19. Remove the power steering pump (A) without disconnecting the power steering hoses, then remove the power steering hose from the clamp (B).
20. Remove the radiator cap.
21. Raise the vehicle on the lift.
22. Remove the front wheels.
23. Remove the front splash shield, (see «FRONT SPLASH SHIELD REPLACEMENT»(ref-513861-S35714840182012111600000) )
24. Loosen the drain plug in the radiator, and drain the engine coolant (see «COOLANT CHECK»(ref-513839-S17022790932012111600000) ).
25. Drain the engine oil (see «ENGINE OIL REPLACEMENT»(ref-513834-S16958081852012111600000) ).
26. Drain the ATF (see «ATF REPLACEMENT»(ref-513840-S10109327692012111600000) ).
27. Remove the under-floor TWC (see «UNDER-FLOOR TWC REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(ref-513862-S09129202082012111600000) ).
28. Separate the stabilizer links from the stabilizer bar (see «STABILIZER LINK REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(ref-513863-S35857464002012111600000) ).
29. Separate the knuckles from the lower arms (see step 3 under «KNUCKLE/HUB/WHEEL BEARING REPLACEMENT»(ref-513863-S26876115942012111600000) ).
30. Remove the front driveshafts (see «DRIVESHAFT INSPECTION»(ref-513838-S04769296902012111600000) ). Coat all precision-finished surfaces with clean engine oil. Tie plastic bags over the driveshaft ends.
31. With SH-AWD: Remove the propeller shaft from the transfer shaft flange (see «PROPELLER SHAFT REMOVAL»(ref-513838-S17598761852012111600000) ).
32. Remove the power steering pipe bracket (A), and unclamp the power steering pipe clamps (B) on the front subframe.
33. Remove the six bolts securing the steering gearbox mounting brackets.
34. Lower the vehicle on the lift.
35. Remove the radiator (see «RADIATOR REPLACEMENT»(ref-513839-S30536467712012111600000) ).
36. Disconnect the A/C compressor clutch connector (A), then remove the A/C compressor (B) without disconnecting the A/C hoses. Do not bend the A/C hose excessively. NOTE: Hang the A/C compressor with a wire tie.
37. Disconnect the heater hoses.
38. Disconnect the ATF cooler hoses (A), then plug the line and hose.
39. Remove the ground cable (B).
40. Attach the support eyelet (A) with the support bolt (B).
41. Remove top the clips (A) from the front grille. Remove the brackets (B), then raise the seal (C) from the front grille.
42. Place the mount pads over the hood edge cushions (A), and align the pins with the clip hole (B). Remove the lids from both sides of the cowl cover.
43. Install the engine support hanger (AAR-T-1256), onto the vehicle as shown in illustration, and attach the hook to the engine support eyelet. Tighten the wing nut (C) by hand to lift and support the engine/transmission. NOTE: Be careful when working ground the windshield.
44. Raise the vehicle on the lift.
45. Remove the lower torque rod (A).
46. Make reference marks on the body across the marks (A) on the edge of the front subframe (B).
47. Attach the front subframe adapter (VSB02C000016) to the subframe by looping the belt (A) over the front of the front subframe (B), then secure the belt with its stop (C).
48. Raise the transmission jack and line up the slots in the subframe adapter arms with the bolt holes on the transmission jack base, then securely attach them with four bolts.
49. Support the steering gearbox on both sides with nylon straps.
50. Remove the front subframe mounting bolts, then lower the front subframe.
51. Lower the vehicle on the lift.
52. Remove the harness clamps (A), then remove the transmission mount (B).
53. Install the transmission hanger bracket (A) and washer (B) on the transmission.
54. Attach the universal lifting eyelet (A) to the drive belt auto-tensioner with the support bolt (B).
55. Attach a chain hoist (A) to the universal lifting eyelet (B) and the transmission hanger bracket (C), then lift the engine/transmission until it is securely supported by the chain hoist and remove the engine support hanger, the engine hanger balance bar, and the engine hanger adapter set.
56. Remove the side engine mount bracket mounting bolt (A) and nut (B).
57. Check that the engine/transmission is completely free of the vacuum hoses, the fuel hoses, the coolant hoses, and the electrical wiring.
58. Slowly lower the engine/transmission about 150 mm (5.91 in). Check once again that all hoses and the electrical wiring are disconnected and free from the engine/transmission, then lower it all the way and support it.
59. Disconnect the chain hoist from the engine/transmission.
60. Raise the vehicle, and remove the engine/transmission from under the vehicle.

Engine Installation

Special Tools Required

1. Universal Lifting Eyelet 07AAK-SNAA120
2. 1.8 Support Bolt 07AAK-SNAA500
3. Support Eyelet 07AAK-SNAA600
4. Mount Pads 07AAK-STKA120
5. Subframe Adapter VSB02C000016*
6. Engine Support Hanger, A and Reds AAR-T1256*

*Available through the Acura Tool and Equipment Program, 888-424-6857.

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1. Install the engine mount bracket and the accessory brackets then tighten their bolts to the specified torque. ENGINE MOUNT BRACKET
2. Raise the vehicle on the lift, and position the engine/transmission under the vehicle. Be sure that they are properly aligned. Carefully lower the vehicle until the engine/transmission is properly positioned in the engine compartment. Make sure the vehicle is not resting on any part of the engine/transmission. Support the engine/transmission 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. Attach the support eyelet with the support bolt. 07AAK-SNAA600
4. Place the mount pads over the hood edge cushions (A), and align the pins with the clip hole (B). Remove the lids from both sides of the cowl cover. Install the engine support hanger (AAR-T-1256) onto the vehicle as shown in illustration, and attach the hook to the engine support eyelet. Tighten the wing nut (C) by hand, and lift and support the engine/transmission. NOTE: Be careful when working around the windshield.
5. Loosen the upper torque rod mounting bolt (A).
6. Tighten the new side engine mount bracket mounting bolt and nut.
7. Remove the chain hoist.
8. Remove the universal lifting eyelet and the support bolt from the drive belt auto-tensioner.
9. Remove the transmission hanger bracket (A).
10. Install the transmission mount, then tighten the transmission mount stiffener mounting bolts (A) and the new transmission mount mounting bolts (B).
11. Loosely install the new transmission mount mounting bolt (C) and nuts (D), then tighten to the specified torque.
12. Install the harness clamps (E).
13. Raise the vehicle on the lift.
14. Using the subframe adapter (VSB02C000016) and a jack, raise the front subframe up to the body.
15. Loosely install the new front subframe mounting 14 x 1.5 mm bolts (A), the lower arm bracket mounting 12 x 1.25 mm bolts (B), and the new front subframe mounting 12 x 1.25 mm bolts (C).
16. Align all reference marks (A) on the front subframe (B) with the body, then tighten the bolts on the front subframe to the specified torque.
17. Remove the transmission jack and the front subframe adapter.
18. Loosely install the new lower torque rod bolts (A) and mounting bolt (B), then tighten the bolts in the numbered sequence shown in illustration.
19. Lower the vehicle on the lift.
20. Remove the engine support hanger, the support eyelet and the support bolt.
21. Remove the mount pad. Install the bracket and the seal (A) to the front grille, then install the top clips and bolts to the front grille.
22. Tighten the upper torque rod mounting bolt.
23. Raise the vehicle on the lift.
24. Loosely install the steering gearbox bracket bolts. Secure the steering gearbox mounting brackets by tighten the bolts to the specified torque.
25. Install the power steering pipe bracket (A), and secure the power steering pipe with the clamps (B).
26. With SH-AWD: Install the propeller shaft to the transfer companion flange (see «PROPELLER SHAFT INSTALLATION»(ref-513838-S29517811022012111600000) ).
27. Install a new set ring on the end of each driveshaft, then the install the front driveshafts (see «FRONT DRIVESHAFT INSTALLATION»(ref-513838-S14037674702012111600000) ). Make sure each ring "clicks" into place in the differential and intermediate shaft.
28. Connect the lower arms to the knuckles (see step 8 under «KNUCKLE/HUB/WHEEL BEARING REPLACEMENT»(ref-513863-S26876115942012111600000) ).
29. Connect the stabilizer links to the stabilizer bar (see «STABILIZER LINK REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(ref-513863-S35857464002012111600000) ).
30. Install the under-floor TWC (A) using new gaskets (B) and new self-locking nuts (C) (see «UNDER-FLOOR TWC REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(ref-513862-S09129202082012111600000) ).
31. Install the front splash shield (see «FRONT SPLASH SHIELD REPLACEMENT»(ref-513861-S35714840182012111600000) ).
32. Install the front wheels.
33. Lower the vehicle on the lift.
34. Connect the ATF cooler hoses (A), and secure the hoses with the clips (B) (see «ATF COOLER HOSE REPLACEMENT»(ref-513840-S04615822792012111600000) ).
35. Install the ground cable (C).
36. Connect the heater hoses.
37. Install the A/C compressor (A), then connect the A/C compressor clutch connector (B).
38. Install the radiator (see «RADIATOR REPLACEMENT»(ref-513839-S30536467712012111600000) ).
39. Install the power steering pump (A), then install the power steering hose to the clamp (B).
40. Install the drive belt (see «DRIVE BELT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(ref-513847-S34515322172012111600000) ).
41. Install the shift cable (see «SHIFT CABLE REPLACEMENT»(ref-513840-S06387854032012111600000) ).
42. Connect the EVAP canister hose (A), the brake booster vacuum hose (B), and the vacuum hose (C).
43. Install the heater hose clamp bracket (A), then install the heater hoses to the clamps (B).
44. Connect the fuel feed hose (A), then install the quick-connect fitting cover (B) (see «FUEL LINE/QUICK-CONNECT FITTING INSTALLATION»(ref-513844-S06814782532012111600000) ).
45. Install the under-hood fuse/relay box to the bracket.
46. Connect the PCM connectors (A) and the engine compartment wire harness connector (B).
47. Install the harness clamps (C).
48. Install the battery cables (A) to the under-hood fuse/relay box.
49. Connect the starter sub harness connector (B).
50. Install the air bypass outlet pipe (A).
51. Install the charge air cooler cover front bracket (A), then install the charge air cooler cover (B).
52. Install the battery base (A), then install the harness clamps (B) and auxiliary under-hood fuse/relay box (C).
53. Install the air cleaner (see «AIR CLEANER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(ref-513845-S42552347872012111600000) ).
54. Do the battery installation procedure (see «INSTALLATION»(ref-513852-S33651750312012111600000) ).
55. Inspect for fuel leaks. Turn the ignition switch to 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 leakage at any point in the fuel line.
56. Refill the engine with engine oil (see step 4 under «ENGINE OIL REPLACEMENT»(ref-513834-S16958081852012111600000) ).
57. Refill the transmission with ATF (see «ATF REPLACEMENT»(ref-513840-S10109327692012111600000) ).
58. Move the shift lever to each gear, and verify that the A/T gear position indicator follows the transmission range switch.
59. Refill the radiator with engine coolant, and bleed the air from the cooling system with the heater valve open (see «COOLANT CHECK»(ref-513839-S17022790932012111600000) ).
60. Do the PCM reset procedure (see «HDS CLEAR COMMAND»(ref-513832-S18284190592012111600000) ).
61. Do the CKP pattern clear/CKP pattern learn procedure (see «CKP PATTERN CLEAR/CKP PATTERN LEARN»(ref-513832-S23643706732012111600000) ).
62. Inspect the idle speed (see «IDLE SPEED INSPECTION»(ref-513856-S34683009252012111600000) ).
63. Inspect the ignition timing (see «IGNITION TIMING INSPECTION»(ref-513848-S29061674832012111600000) ).
64. Check the wheel alignment (see «WHEEL ALIGNMENT»(ref-513837-S39542328642012111600000) ).
65. Set the clock (on vehicles without navigation system).

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1. Support the engine with a jack and a wood block under the oil pan.
2. Remove the torque rod stiffener (A) and the upper torque rod (B).
3. Remove the ground cable (A), then remove the side engine mount bracket (B).
4. Remove the side engine mount stiffener (A), then remove the side engine mount (B).
5. Install the side engine mount, then install the side engine mount stiffener.
6. Install the side engine mount bracket (A), then loosely install the new side engine mount bracket mounting bolt (B) and nut (C), and the side engine mount mounting bolt (D).
7. Install the ground cable (E).
8. Remove the air cleaner (see «AIR CLEANER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(ref-513845-S42552347872012111600000) ).
9. Loosen the transmission mount mounting bolt (A) and nuts (B).
10. Raise the vehicle on the lift.
11. Loosen the lower torque rod mounting bolt (A).
12. Lower the vehicle on the lift.
13. Tighten the side engine mount bracket mounting bolt (A) and nut (B), and the side engine mount mounting bolt (C).
14. Tighten the transmission mount mounting bolt and nuts.
15. Raise the vehicle on the lift.
16. Tighten the lower torque rod mounting bolt.
17. Lower the vehicle on the lift.
18. Install the air cleaner (see «AIR CLEANER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(ref-513845-S42552347872012111600000) ).
19. Install the upper torque rod (A) and the torque rod stiffener (B), and tighten the new stiffener mounting bolts (C), then tighten the new upper torque rod mounting bolts in the numbered sequence shown in illustration.

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1. Loosen the upper torque rod mounting bolt (A).
2. Remove the air cleaner (see «AIR CLEANER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(ref-513845-S42552347872012111600000) ).
3. Remove the heater hoses from the clamps (A), then remove the bolt (B) securing the heater hose clamp bracket.
4. Support the transmission with a jack and wood block under the transmission.
5. Remove the harness clamps (A), then remove the transmission mount stiffener (B) and transmission mount (C).
6. Install the transmission mount with the new transmission mount mounting bolts (D), then install the transmission mount stiffener and the harness clamps.
7. Loosely install the new transmission mount mounting bolt (E) and nuts (F) on the transmission case.
8. Raise the vehicle on the lift.
9. Loosen the lower torque rod mounting bolt (A).
10. Lower the vehicle on the lift.
11. Tighten the transmission mount mounting bolt and nuts.
12. Raise the vehicle on the lift.
13. Tighten the lower torque rod mounting bolt.
14. Lower the vehicle on the lift.
15. Install heater hose clamp bracket (A), then install the heater hoses to the clamps (B).
16. Install the air cleaner (see «AIR CLEANER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(ref-513845-S42552347872012111600000) ).
17. Tighten the upper torque rod mounting bolt.

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1. Loosen the upper torque rod mounting bolt (A).
2. Raise the vehicle on the lift.
3. Remove the lower torque rod (A).
4. Install the lower torque rod, then tighten the new lower torque rod mounting bolts in the numbered sequence shown in illustration.
5. Lower the vehicle on the lift.
6. Tighten the upper torque rod mounting bolt.

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1. Remove the torque rod stiffener (A) and upper torque rod (B).
2. Install the upper torque rod and torque rod stiffener, and tighten the new stiffener mounting bolts (C), then tighten the new upper torque rod mounting bolts in the numbered sequence shown in illustration.

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1. Support the engine with a jack and a wood block under the oil pan.
2. Remove the torque rod stiffener (A) and upper torque rod (B).
3. Remove the ground cable (A), then remove the side engine mount bracket (B).
4. Install the side engine mount bracket, then loosely tighten the new side engine mount bracket mounting bolt (C) and nut (D), and loosely tighten the side engine mount mounting bolt (E).
5. Install the ground cable.
6. Remove the air cleaner (see «AIR CLEANER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(ref-513845-S42552347872012111600000) ).
7. Loosen the transmission mounting bolt and nuts (A).
8. Raise the vehicle on the lift.
9. Loosen the lower torque rod mounting bolt (A).
10. Lower the vehicle on the lift.
11. Tighten the side engine mount bracket mounting bolts (A) and nut (B), and the side engine mount mounting bolt (C).
12. Tighten the transmission mount mounting bolt and nuts.
13. Raise the vehicle on the lift.
14. Tighten the lower torque rod mounting bolt.
15. Lower the vehicle on the lift.
16. Install the air cleaner (see «AIR CLEANER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(ref-513845-S42552347872012111600000) ).
17. Install the upper torque rod (A) and the torque rod stiffener (B), and tighten the new stiffener mounting bolts (C), then tighten the new upper torque rod mounting bolts in the numbered sequence shown in illustration.