Cooling System Acura TL III

Scheme 1

Scheme 2

1. Remove the radiator cap (A), wet its seal with engine coolant, then install it on a commercially available pressure tester (B).
2. Apply a pressure of 93-123 kPa (0.95-1.25 kgf/cm 2 , 14-18 psi).
3. Check for a drop in pressure.
4. If the pressure drops, replace the cap.

Scheme 3

1. Wait until the engine is cool, then carefully remove the radiator cap, and fill the radiator with engine coolant to the top of the filler neck.
2. Attach a commercially available pressure tester (A) to the radiator, and apply a pressure of 93-123 kPa (0.95-1.25 kgf/cm 2 , 14-18 psi).
3. Inspect for engine coolant leaks and a drop in pressure.
4. Remove the tester, then reinstall the radiator cap.

Scheme 4

1. Disconnect the 2P connectors from the radiator fan motor (A) and A/C condenser fan motor (B).
2. Test each motor by connecting battery power to terminal No. 2 and ground to terminal No. 1.
3. If either motor fails to run or does not run smoothly, replace it (see «RADIATOR AND FAN REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/cooling-system-mechanical/#cooling-system) ).

Thermostat Test

Replace the thermostat if it is open at room temperature.

To test a closed thermostat

Scheme 5

1. Suspend the thermostat (A) in a container of water. Do not let the thermometer (B) touch the bottom of the hot container.
2. Heat the water and check the temperature with a thermometer. Check the temperature at which the thermostat first opens, and at which it is fully open.
3. Measure the lift height of the thermostat when it is fully open. Standard Thermostat Lift Height: Above 10.0 mm (0.39 in.) Starts Opening: 169-176 °F (76-80 °C) Fully Open: 194 °F (90 °C)

Scheme 6

1. Remove the timing belt (see «TIMING BELT REMOVAL»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/mechanical/#cylinder-head) ).
2. Turn the water pump pulley counterclockwise. Check that it turns freely.
3. Check for signs of seal leakage. A small amount of "weeping" from the bleed holes (A) is normal.

Scheme 7

1. Drain the engine coolant (see «COOLANT CHECK»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/cooling-system-mechanical/#cooling-system) ).
2. Remove the timing belt (see «TIMING BELT REMOVAL»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/mechanical/#cylinder-head) ).
3. Remove the timing belt adjuster (see «TIMING BELT ADJUSTER REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/mechanical/#cylinder-head) ).
4. Remove the water pump (A) by removing the five bolts.
5. Inspect and clean the O-ring groove and the mating surface of the engine block.
6. Install the water pump with a new O-ring (B) in the reverse order of removal.
7. Clean up any spilled engine coolant.
8. Install the timing belt adjuster (see «TIMING BELT ADJUSTER REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/mechanical/#cylinder-head) ).
9. Install the timing belt (see «TIMING BELT INSTALLATION»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/mechanical/#cylinder-head__timing-belt-installation) ).
10. Refill the radiator with engine coolant, then bleed the air from the cooling system (see STEP 8 ).

Scheme 8

1. Look at the coolant level in the coolant reservoir. Make sure it is between the MAX mark (A) and MIN mark (B).
2. If the coolant level in the coolant reservoir is at or below the MIN mark, add coolant to bring it between the MIN and MAX marks, then inspect the cooling system for leaks.

Scheme 9

Scheme 10

Scheme 11

Scheme 12

1. Start the engine. Set the heater temperature control dial to maximum heat, then turn off the ignition switch. Make sure the engine and radiator are cool to the touch.
2. Remove the radiator cap.
3. Loosen the drain plug (A), and drain the coolant.
4. Install a rubber hose (A) on the drain bolt (B) located at the rear of the engine block, then loosen the drain bolt.
5. When the coolant stops draining, tighten the drain bolt. Remove the rubber hose.
6. Tighten the radiator drain plug securely.
7. Remove, drain, and reinstall the coolant reservoir.
8. Fill the coolant reservoir to the MAX mark (A) with Honda Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2 (P/N OL999-9001).
9. Pour Honda Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2 into the radiator up to the base of the filler neck. NOTE: Always use Honda Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2 (P/N OL999-9001). Using a non-Honda coolant can result in corrosion, causing the cooling system to malfunction or fail. Honda Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2 is a mixture of 50 % antifreeze and 50 % water. Do not add water. Engine Coolant Refill Capacities (Including the reserve tank capacity of 0.6 L (0.16 US gal)) After Coolant Change: M/T: 6.3 L (1.66 US gal) A/T: 6.4 L (1.69 US gal) After Engine Overhaul: M/T: 7.9 L (2.09 US gal) A/T: 8.1 L (2.14 US gal)
10. Install the radiator cap loosely.
11. Start the engine and let it run until it warms up (the radiator fan comes on at least twice).
12. Turn off the engine. Check the level in the radiator and add Honda Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2, if needed.
13. Put the radiator cap on tightly, then run the engine again, and check for leaks.
14. Clean up any spilled engine coolant.

Scheme 13

1. Make sure you have the anti-theft codes for the radio and navigation system, then write down the audio presets. Make sure the ignition switch is OFF.
2. Disconnect the negative cable from the battery first, then disconnect the positive cable.
3. Remove the battery.
4. Drain the engine coolant (see «COOLANT CHECK»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/cooling-system-mechanical/#cooling-system) ).
5. Remove the thermostat cover, then remove the thermostat.
6. Install the thermostat with a new rubber seal.
7. Install the battery.
8. Refill the radiator with engine coolant, then bleed air from the cooling system (see STEP 8 ).
9. Clean up any spilled engine coolant.
10. Enter the anti-theft codes for the radio and the navigation system, then enter the audio presets.
11. Set the clock.

Scheme 14

1. Make sure you have the anti-theft codes for the radio and navigation system, then write down the audio presets. Make sure the ignition switch is OFF.
2. Disconnect the negative cable from the battery first, then disconnect the positive cable. Remove the battery.
3. Drain the engine coolant (see «COOLANT CHECK»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/cooling-system-mechanical/#cooling-system) ).
4. Remove the vacuum hoses, breather pipe, and the air intake duct.
5. Remove the upper radiator hose, lower radiator hose, heater hoses, and water bypass hoses from the water passage. Remove the water passage.
6. Install the water passage in the reverse order of removal.
7. Install the battery.
8. Refill the radiator with engine coolant, then bleed air from the cooling system (see STEP 8 ).
9. Clean up any spilled engine coolant.
10. Enter the anti-theft codes for the radio and the navigation system, then enter the audio presets.
11. Set the clock.

Scheme 15

1. Drain the engine coolant (see «COOLANT CHECK»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/cooling-system-mechanical/#cooling-system) ).
2. Remove the front bulkhead cover (see «FRONT GRILLE LOWER MOLDING REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#exterior-trim) ).
3. Remove the upper radiator hose and lower radiator hose from the radiator.
4. Disconnect the fan motor connectors.
5. Remove the upper bracket cushions, then pull up the radiator.
6. Remove the fan shroud assemblies and other parts from the radiator.
7. Install the radiator in the reverse order of removal. Make sure the upper and lower cushions are set securely.
8. Fill the radiator with engine coolant, then bleed air from the cooling system (see STEP 8 ).

See also:
• TIMING BELT REMOVAL
• TIMING BELT INSTALLATION
• FRONT GRILLE LOWER MOLDING REPLACEMENT
• RADIATOR AND FAN REPLACEMENT