Engine Removal and Installation Acura RL II

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Special Tools Required

1. Front subframe adapter VSB02C000016 *
2. Engine support hanger, A and Reds AAR-T-12566 *
3. Engine hanger balance bar VSB02C000019 * * Available through the Honda Tool and Equipment program, 1-888-424-6857.

Note. Use fender covers to avoid damaging painted surfaces. To avoid damage, 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. Make sure you have the anti-theft codes for the audio system and navigation system. Make sure the ignition switch is OFF.
2. Remove the windshield wiper arms (see «WIPER MOTOR REPLACEMENT»(/acura/rl/ii-2004-2008/remont/wiperwasher-systems/#wiper-system-washer-system) ).
3. Remove the engine cover (A), right upper fender trim (B), battery trim (C), and left upper fender trim (D).
4. Remove the upper grille cover (E) and cowl cover (F).
5. Disconnect the support struts from both sides of the pivot ball (bolted to the hood). Secure the hood in a vertical position. Remove the right side pivot ball and install it into the lower threaded hole, then reattach the support strut. NOTE: Do not attempt to close the hood with the support strut in the vertical position, as it will damage the support strut and hood.
6. Relieve the fuel pressure (see «FUEL PRESSURE RELIEVING»(/acura/rl/ii-2004-2008/remont/fuel-system/#fuel-supply-system__fuel-pressure-relieving) ).
7. Drain the power steering system fluid, then plug the fluid reservoir and return hose (see «POWER STEERING HOSE, LINE, AND PRESSURE SWITCH REPLACEMENT»(/acura/rl/ii-2004-2008/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system-electronic-power-steering-system__power-steering-hose-line-and-pressure) ).
8. Disconnect the negative cable from the battery, then disconnect the positive cable.
9. Remove the battery.
10. Remove the air cleaner (see «AIR CLEANER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(/acura/rl/ii-2004-2008/remont/mechanical/#intake-air-system) ).
11. Remove the air intake duct cover.
12. Remove the harness clamps (A), starter cable (B), and ground cable (C).
13. Remove the two upper bolts (A), and loosen the two lower bolts (B), then remove the battery base (C).
14. Remove the battery cable (A) from the under-hood fuse/relay box.
15. Remove the harness clamp (B), then disconnect the harness connector (C).
16. Remove the two bolts (D) securing the under-hood fuse/relay box, then remove the under-hood fuse/ relay box.
17. Remove the harness clamp (A), and disconnect the engine wire harness connectors (B) on the left side of the engine compartment.
18. Remove the connector (A) and transfer breather hose (B), then remove the strut brace (C).
19. Remove the quick-connect fitting cover (A), then disconnect the fuel feed hose (B) (see «FUEL LINE/QUICK-CONNECT FITTING REMOVAL»(/acura/rl/ii-2004-2008/remont/fuel-system/#fuel-supply-system__fuel-linequick-connect-fitting-removal) ).
20. Disconnect the brake booster vacuum hose (A) and evaporative emission (EVAP) canister hose (B).
21. Remove the shift cable (see step 24 under «TRANSMISSION REMOVAL»(/acura/rl/ii-2004-2008/remont/automatic-trans/#automatic-transmission) ).
22. Remove the drive belt (see «DRIVE BELT REPLACEMENT»(/acura/rl/ii-2004-2008/remont/charging-system/#charging-system__drive-belt-replacement) ).
23. Remove the power steering (P/S) pump outlet line (A) from the P/S pump, then plug the outlet line and P/S pump.
24. Remove the P/S hose (B) from the clamp.
25. Remove the power steering system fluid reservoir from the clamp.
26. Remove the heat shield.
27. Remove the steering wheel (see «STEERING WHEEL REMOVAL»(/acura/rl/ii-2004-2008/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system-electronic-power-steering-system__steering-wheel-removal) ).
28. Remove the steering joint cover (A).
29. Make a reference mark (B) across the steering joint and steering gearbox pinion shaft. Remove the steering joint bolt (C), and disconnect the steering joint from the steering gearbox pinion shaft (D).
30. Remove the radiator cap.
31. Raise the vehicle on the lift to full height.
32. Remove the front wheels.
33. Remove the splash shield.
34. Loosen the drain plug in the radiator, and drain the engine coolant (see «COOLANT CHECK»(/acura/rl/ii-2004-2008/remont/cooling-system-mechanical/#cooling-system) ).
35. Drain the automatic transmission fluid (ATF) (see «ATF REPLACEMENT»(/acura/rl/ii-2004-2008/remont/automatic-trans/#automatic-transmission) ).
36. Drain the engine oil (see «ENGINE OIL REPLACEMENT»(/acura/rl/ii-2004-2008/remont/lubrication-system/#engine-lubrication) ).
37. Disconnect the stabilizer links from the stabilizer bar (see «STABILIZER LINK REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(/acura/rl/ii-2004-2008/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension) ).
38. Remove the damper fork (see «DAMPER/SPRING REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(/acura/rl/ii-2004-2008/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension) ).
39. Separate the tie-rod end ball joints from the knuckles (see step 13 under «STEERING GEARBOX REMOVAL»(/acura/rl/ii-2004-2008/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system-electronic-power-steering-system__steering-gearbox-removal) ).
40. Separate the knuckles from the lower arms (see «LOWER ARM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(/acura/rl/ii-2004-2008/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension__lower-arm-removalinstallation) ).
41. Remove the driveshafts (see step 10 under «FRONT DRIVESHAFT REMOVAL»(/acura/rl/ii-2004-2008/remont/axle-shafts/#drivelineaxle) ). Coat all precision-finished surfaces with clean engine oil. Tie plastic bags over the driveshaft ends.
42. Remove the exhaust pipe assembly.
43. Remove the propeller shaft (see «PROPELLER SHAFT REMOVAL»(/acura/rl/ii-2004-2008/remont/axle-shafts/#drivelineaxle__propeller-shaft-removal) ).
44. Remove the transfer assembly (see «TRANSFER ASSEMBLY REMOVAL»(/acura/rl/ii-2004-2008/remont/automatic-trans/#automatic-transmission) ).
45. Disconnect the ATF cooler hoses from the transmission (see step 34 under «TRANSMISSION REMOVAL»(/acura/rl/ii-2004-2008/remont/automatic-trans/#automatic-transmission) ).
46. Disconnect the P/S hose, then plug the line and hose.
47. Disconnect the power steering pressure switch connector.
48. Disconnect the connector from the steering gearbox.
49. Remove the bolts securing the transmission lower mount.
50. Lower the vehicle on the lift.
51. Disconnect the upper radiator hose (A) and lower radiator hose (B).
52. Disconnect the heater hoses.
53. Remove the radiator (see «RADIATOR AND FAN REPLACEMENT»(/acura/rl/ii-2004-2008/remont/cooling-system-mechanical/#cooling-system) ).
54. Remove the four bolts securing the A/C compressor.
55. Remove the connector bracket from the front cylinder head; use the bracket bolt hole to attach the engine balance bar front arm.
56. Remove the engine mount control solenoid valve bracket from the rear cylinder head; use the bracket bolt hole to attach the engine balance bar rear arm.
57. Lift and support the engine with the engine hanger (A) and engine balance bar (B). Attach the front arm (C) to the front cylinder head with a spacer (D) and the 10 x 1.25 mm bolt (E). Attach the rear arm (F)to the rear cylinder head with the 8 x 1.25 mm bolt (G).
58. Disconnect the vacuum hose (A), then remove the front mount stop (B) and the front mount bolt (C).
59. Disconnect the vacuum hose (A), then remove the rear mount stop (B) and the rear mount bolt (C).
60. Remove the bolt (D) securing the shift cable bracket.
61. Raise the vehicle on the lift to full height.
62. Attach the front subframe adapter to the subframe by hanging the belt (A) over the front of the subframe (B), then secure the belt with its stop (C).
63. Raise the jack and line up the slots in the special tool arms with the bolt holes on the jack base, then securely attach them with four bolts.
64. Remove the subframe.
65. Lower the vehicle and attach a chain hoist (A) to the engine hook (B) and transmission hook (C). Lift up on the engine/transmission assembly until it's securely supported by the chain hoist, and remove the engine support hanger and the engine balance bar from the engine and vehicle.
66. Remove the two bolts securing the upper bracket.
67. Check that the engine/transmission is completely free of vacuum hoses, fuel and coolant hoses, and electrical wiring.
68. Slowly lower the engine/transmission assembly 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.
69. Disconnect the chain hoist from the engine/ transmission assembly.
70. Raise the vehicle all the way, then remove the engine/transmission assembly from under the vehicle.

Engine Installation

Special Tools Required

1. Frame positioning guide pin 070AG-SJAA10S
2. Front subframe adapter VSB02C000016 *
3. Engine support hanger, A and Reds AAR-T-12566 *
4. Engine hanger balance bar VSB02C000019 * * Available through the Honda Tool and Equipment program, 1-888-424-6857.

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1. Install the accessory brackets and tighten their bolts and nuts to the specified torque.
2. Position the engine/transmission assembly 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 assembly 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. Install two new bolts securing the upper bracket. Tighten the bolts to the specified torque.
4. Install the engine 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 a 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 balance bar. Tighten the wing nut (F) by hand to lift and support the engine/transmission assembly.
6. Remove the chain hoist, then raise the vehicle on the lift to full height.
7. Attach the front subframe adapter to the subframe by hanging the belt (A) over the front of the subframe (B), then secure the belt with its stop (C). Raise the subframe up to the body with a jack.
8. Loosely install the four subframe mounting bolts (A), four 10 x 1.25 mm bolts (B), and two 12 x 1.25 mm bolts (C) with the stiffeners.
9. Insert the frame positioning guide pin through the positioning slot (A) on the right rear stiffener, through the positioning hole (B) on the subframe, and into the positioning hole (C) on the body, then loosely tighten the subframe right rear mounting bolt.
10. Insert the frame positioning guide pin through the positioning slot on the left rear stiffener, through the positioning hole on the subframe, and into the positioning hole on the body, then loosely tighten the subframe left rear mounting bolt.
11. Loosely tighten the subframe right/left front mounting bolts.
12. Loosen the subframe right rear mounting bolt, then retighten the subframe right rear mounting bolt to the specified torque.
13. Tighten the subframe left rear mounting bolt to the specified torque.
14. Tighten the subframe right/left front mounting bolts to the specified torque.
15. Check that the positioning slots on the right/left rear stiffener, the positioning holes on the subframe, and the positioning holes on the body are aligned using the special tool.
16. Tighten the stiffener mounting bolts to the specified torque.
17. Remove the jack and front subframe adapter.
18. Tighten the bolts securing the transmission lower mount.
19. Lower the vehicle on the lift, then remove the engine hanger and balance bar.
20. Install the shift cable and tighten the bolt (A) securing the shift cable bracket.
21. Install the vacuum hose (B).
22. Tighten the rear mount bolt (C), then install the rear mount stop (D).
23. Install the vacuum hose (A).
24. Tighten the front mount bolt (B), then install the front mount stop (C).
25. Loosen the mounting bolts for the upper half of the side engine mount bracket, then retighten them to the specified torque.
26. Raise the vehicle on the lift to full height.
27. Connect the power steering pressure switch connector.
28. Connect the connector to the steering gearbox.
29. Install the power steering (P/S) hose.
30. Install the transfer assembly (see «TRANSFER ASSEMBLY INSTALLATION»(/acura/rl/ii-2004-2008/remont/automatic-trans/#automatic-transmission) ).
31. Install the propeller shaft (see «PROPELLER SHAFT INSTALLATION»(/acura/rl/ii-2004-2008/remont/axle-shafts/#drivelineaxle__propeller-shaft-installation) ).
32. Install the ATF cooler hoses to the transmission (see «ATF COOLER HOSE REPLACEMENT»(/acura/rl/ii-2004-2008/remont/automatic-trans/#automatic-transmission) ).
33. Install the exhaust pipe assembly (A) using new gaskets (B) and new self-locking nuts (C).
34. 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.
35. Connect the suspension lower arm to the knuckles (see «LOWER ARM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(/acura/rl/ii-2004-2008/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension__lower-arm-removalinstallation) ).
36. Connect the tie-rod end ball joints to the knuckles (see step 22 on page 17-57).
37. Install the damper fork (see «INSTALLATION»(/acura/rl/ii-2004-2008/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension) ).
38. Connect the stabilizer links to the stabilizer bar (see «STABILIZER LINK REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(/acura/rl/ii-2004-2008/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension) ).
39. Install the splash shield.
40. Install the front wheels.
41. Lower the vehicle on the lift.
42. Install the A/C compressor.
43. Install the radiator (see «RADIATOR AND FAN REPLACEMENT»(/acura/rl/ii-2004-2008/remont/cooling-system-mechanical/#cooling-system) ).
44. Install the heater hoses.
45. Install the upper radiator hose (A) and lower radiator hose (B).
46. Install the connector bracket to the front cylinder head.
47. Install the engine mount control solenoid valve bracket to the rear cylinder head.
48. 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.
49. Install the steering joint cover (D).
50. Install the steering wheel (see «STEERING WHEEL INSTALLATION»(/acura/rl/ii-2004-2008/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system-electronic-power-steering-system) ).
51. Install the heat shield.
52. Install the P/S pump outlet line (A) with a new O-ring (B).
53. Install the P/S hose (C) to the clamp.
54. Install the power steering system fluid reservoir to the clamp.
55. Install the drive belt (see «DRIVE BELT INSPECTION»(/acura/rl/ii-2004-2008/remont/charging-system/#charging-system) ).
56. Install the shift cable (see «SHIFT CABLE REPLACEMENT»(/acura/rl/ii-2004-2008/remont/automatic-trans/#automatic-transmission) ).
57. Install the brake booster vacuum hose (A) and evaporative emission (EVAP) canister hose (B).
58. Connect the fuel feed hose (A) (see «FUEL LINE/QUICK-CONNECT FITTING INSTALLATION»(/acura/rl/ii-2004-2008/remont/fuel-system/#fuel-supply-system__fuel-linequick-connect-fitting-installation) ), then install the quick-connect fitting cover (B).
59. Install the strut brace (A), then install the connector (B) and transfer breather hose (C).
60. Connect the engine wire harness connectors (A), then install the harness clamp (B).
61. Install the under-hood fuse/relay box (A), then install the battery cable (B).
62. Connect the harness connector (C), then install the harness clamp (D).
63. Install the battery base.
64. Install the harness clamps (A), starter cable (B), and ground cable (C).
65. Install the air intake duct cover.
66. Install the air cleaner (see «AIR CLEANER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(/acura/rl/ii-2004-2008/remont/mechanical/#intake-air-system) ).
67. Install the battery. Clean the battery posts and cable terminals, then assemble them and apply grease to prevent corrosion.
68. Move the shift lever to each gear, and verify that the A/T gear position indicator follows the transmission range switch.
69. Inspect 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 two or three times, then check for fuel leaks at any point in the fuel line.
70. Refill the engine with engine oil (see step 4 under «ENGINE OIL REPLACEMENT»(/acura/rl/ii-2004-2008/remont/lubrication-system/#engine-lubrication) ).
71. Refill the transmission with ATF (see «ATF REPLACEMENT»(/acura/rl/ii-2004-2008/remont/automatic-trans/#automatic-transmission) ).
72. Refill the radiator with engine coolant, and bleed air from the cooling system with the heater valve open (see step 8 under «COOLANT CHECK»(/acura/rl/ii-2004-2008/remont/cooling-system-mechanical/#cooling-system) ).
73. Install the return hose to the power steering fluid reservoir. Refill the power steering system fluid (see «POWER STEERING HOSE, LINE, AND PRESSURE SWITCH REPLACEMENT»(/acura/rl/ii-2004-2008/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system-electronic-power-steering-system__power-steering-hose-line-and-pressure) ).
74. Do the crankshaft position (CKP) pattern clear/CKP pattern learn procedure (see «CRANK (CKP) PATTERN CLEAR/CRANK (CKP) PATTERN LEARN»(/acura/rl/ii-2004-2008/remont/auxiliary-emission-control-systems/#fuel-and-emissions-systems) ).
75. Inspect the idle speed (see «IDLE SPEED INSPECTION»(/acura/rl/ii-2004-2008/remont/engine-control-systems/#idle-control-system__idle-speed-inspection) ).
76. Inspect the ignition timing (see «IGNITION TIMING INSPECTION»(/acura/rl/ii-2004-2008/remont/ignition-system/#ignition-system) ).
77. Install the cowl cover (A) and upper grille cover (B).
78. Install the left upper fender trim (C), battery trim (D), right upper fender trim (E), and engine cover (F).
79. Install the windshield wiper arms (see «WIPER MOTOR REPLACEMENT»(/acura/rl/ii-2004-2008/remont/wiperwasher-systems/#wiper-system-washer-system) ).
80. Do the steering column position memorization procedure (see «STEERING COLUMN POSITION MEMORIZATION»(/acura/rl/ii-2004-2008/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system-electronic-power-steering-system__steering-column-position-memorization) ).
81. Enter the anti-theft codes for the audio system and the navigation system.

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See also:
• WIPER MOTOR REPLACEMENT
• FUEL PRESSURE RELIEVING
• POWER STEERING HOSE, LINE, AND PRESSURE SWITCH REPLACEMENT
• AIR CLEANER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION
• FUEL LINE/QUICK-CONNECT FITTING REMOVAL
• TRANSMISSION REMOVAL
• DRIVE BELT REPLACEMENT
• STEERING WHEEL REMOVAL
• COOLANT CHECK
• ENGINE OIL REPLACEMENT
• STABILIZER LINK REMOVAL/INSTALLATION
• STEERING GEARBOX REMOVAL
• LOWER ARM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION
• FRONT DRIVESHAFT REMOVAL
• PROPELLER SHAFT REMOVAL
• PROPELLER SHAFT INSTALLATION
• STEERING WHEEL INSTALLATION
• DRIVE BELT INSPECTION
• FUEL LINE/QUICK-CONNECT FITTING INSTALLATION
• CRANK (CKP) PATTERN CLEAR/CRANK (CKP) PATTERN LEARN
• IDLE SPEED INSPECTION
• IGNITION TIMING INSPECTION
• STEERING COLUMN POSITION MEMORIZATION