Contents Wiring diagrams Section: Cooling System (mechanical) All sections

Cooling System Acura TL IV

Cooling System (mechanical) 32 illustrations ~2176 words

Scheme 1

Scheme 1: Component Location Index

Scheme 2

Scheme 2: Radiator Cap Test
  1. Remove the engine compartment covers (see «ENGINE COMPARTMENT COVER REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tl/iv-2008-2011/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#exterior-trim__engine-compartment-cover-replacement) )
  2. Wait until the engine is cool, then carefully remove the radiator cap (A). Wet the radiator cap seal with engine coolant, then install it on a commercially available pressure tester (B)
  3. Apply a pressure of 93-123 kPa (0 95-1 25 kgf/cm 2 , 14-18 psi)
  4. Check for a drop in pressure
  5. If the pressure drops, replace the radiator cap
  6. Install the engine compartment covers (see «ENGINE COMPARTMENT COVER REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tl/iv-2008-2011/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#exterior-trim__engine-compartment-cover-replacement) )

Scheme 3

Scheme 3: Radiator Test
  1. Remove the engine compartment covers (see «ENGINE COMPARTMENT COVER REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tl/iv-2008-2011/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#exterior-trim__engine-compartment-cover-replacement) )
  2. Wait until the engine is cool, then carefully remove the radiator cap, and fill the radiator with engine coolant to the base of the filler neck
  3. 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)
  4. Inspect for engine coolant leaks and a drop in pressure
  5. Remove the tester, then reinstall the radiator cap
  6. Install the engine compartment covers (see «ENGINE COMPARTMENT COVER REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tl/iv-2008-2011/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#exterior-trim__engine-compartment-cover-replacement) )

Scheme 4

Scheme 4: Fan Motor Test
  1. Remove the engine compartment covers (see «ENGINE COMPARTMENT COVER REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tl/iv-2008-2011/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#exterior-trim__engine-compartment-cover-replacement) )
  2. Disconnect the 2P connectors from the radiator fan motor (A) and the A/C condenser fan motor (B)
  3. Test each motor by connecting battery power to terminal No 2. and ground to terminal No 1
  4. If either motor 1 ails to run or does not run smoothly, replace it (see «FAN, FAN MOTOR, AND SHROUD REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION»(/acura/tl/iv-2008-2011/remont/cooling-system-mechanical/#cooling-system) )
  5. Install the engine compartment covers (see «ENGINE COMPARTMENT COVER REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tl/iv-2008-2011/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#exterior-trim__engine-compartment-cover-replacement) )

Thermostat Test

Replace the thermostat (see THERMOSTAT REPLACEMENT ) if it is stuck in the open position at room temperature

To test a closed thermostat

Scheme 5

Scheme 5: Thermostat Test
  1. Suspend the thermostat (A) in a container of water Do not let the thermostat and 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

Scheme 6: Water Pump Inspection
  1. Remove the timing belt J35Z6 engine (see «TIMING BELT REMOVAL»(/acura/tl/iv-2008-2011/remont/mechanical/#cylinder-head-j35z6) ) J37A4 engine (see «TIMING BELT REMOVAL»(/acura/tl/iv-2008-2011/remont/mechanical/#cylinder-head-j37a4) )
  2. Turn the water pump pulley counterclockwise, and check that it turns freely If it does not turn freely, replace the water pump (see «WATER PUMP INSPECTION»(/acura/tl/iv-2008-2011/remont/cooling-system-mechanical/#cooling-system) ) NOTE: When you check the water pump, you may see a small amount of "weeping" from the bleed holes (A) This is normal
  3. Install the timing belt J35Z6 engine (see «TIMING BELT INSTALLATION»(/acura/tl/iv-2008-2011/remont/mechanical/#cylinder-head-j35z6__timing-belt-installation) ) J37A4 engine (see «TIMING BELT INSTALLATION»(/acura/tl/iv-2008-2011/remont/mechanical/#cylinder-head-j37a4__timing-belt-installation) )

Scheme 7

Scheme 7: Water Pump Replacement
  1. Dram the engine coolant (see «COOLANT CHECK»(/acura/tl/iv-2008-2011/remont/cooling-system-mechanical/#cooling-system) )
  2. Remove the timing belt J35Z6 engine (see «TIMING BELT REMOVAL»(/acura/tl/iv-2008-2011/remont/mechanical/#cylinder-head-j35z6) ) J37A4 engine (see «TIMING BELT REMOVAL»(/acura/tl/iv-2008-2011/remont/mechanical/#cylinder-head-j37a4) )
  3. Remove the timing belt adjuster J35Z6 engine (see «TIMING BELT ADJUSTER REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tl/iv-2008-2011/remont/mechanical/#cylinder-head-j35z6) ) J37A4 engine (see «TIMING BELT ADJUSTER REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tl/iv-2008-2011/remont/mechanical/#cylinder-head-j37a4) )
  4. Remove the five bolts securing the water pump (A), then remove the water pump
  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)
  7. Clean up any spilled engine coolant
  8. Install the timing belt adjuster J35Z6 engine (see «TIMING BELT ADJUSTER REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tl/iv-2008-2011/remont/mechanical/#cylinder-head-j35z6) ) J37A4 engine (see «TIMING BELT ADJUSTER REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tl/iv-2008-2011/remont/mechanical/#cylinder-head-j37a4) )
  9. Install the timing belt J35Z6 engine (see «TIMING BELT INSTALLATION»(/acura/tl/iv-2008-2011/remont/mechanical/#cylinder-head-j35z6__timing-belt-installation) ) J37A4 engine (see «TIMING BELT INSTALLATION»(/acura/tl/iv-2008-2011/remont/mechanical/#cylinder-head-j37a4__timing-belt-installation) )
  10. Refill the radiator with engine coolant, and bleed the air from the cooling system with the heater valve open (see step on 8 )

Scheme 8

Scheme 8: Coolant Check
  1. Remove the engine compartment covers (see «ENGINE COMPARTMENT COVER REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tl/iv-2008-2011/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#exterior-trim__engine-compartment-cover-replacement) )
  2. Check the coolant level in the coolant reservoir Make sure it is between the MAX mark (A) and the MIN mark (B)
  3. 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
  4. Check the coolant level in the radiator and add ACURA Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2 into the radiator up to the base of the filler neck, if needed NOTE: Always use ACURA Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2. Using a non-Acura coolant can result in corrosion, causing the cooling system to malfunction or fail. ACURA Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2 is a mixture of 50% antifreeze and 50% water. Do not add water.
  5. Install the engine compartment covers (see «ENGINE COMPARTMENT COVER REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tl/iv-2008-2011/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#exterior-trim__engine-compartment-cover-replacement) )

Scheme 9

Scheme 9: Coolant Replacement

Scheme 10

Scheme 10

Scheme 11

Scheme 11

Scheme 12

Scheme 12
  1. Remove the engine compartment covers (see «ENGINE COMPARTMENT COVER REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tl/iv-2008-2011/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#exterior-trim__engine-compartment-cover-replacement) )
  2. Wait until the engine is cool, then carefully remove the radiator cap
  3. Loosen the drain plug (A), and dram the coolant
  4. Install a rubber hose (A) on the dram bolt (B) located at the rear of the engine block, then loosen the dram bolt
  5. When the coolant stops draining, tighten the dram bolt Remove the rubber hose
  6. Tighten the radiator dram plug securely
  7. Remove, dram, and reinstall the coolant reservoir
  8. Fill the coolant reservoir to the MAX mark (A) with Acura Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2
  9. Pour Acura Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2 into the radiator up to the base of the filler neck NOTE: Always use Acura Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2 Using a non-Acura coolant can result in corrosion, causing the cooling system to malfunction or fail Acura 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 coolant reservoir capacity of 0.69 L (0.182 US gal)) At Coolant Change 6.3 L (1.66 US gal) After Engine Overhaul. 8.3 L (2.19 US gal)
  10. Loosely install the radiator cap
  11. Set the heater temperature control to maximum heat
  12. Start the engine, and let it run until it warms up (the radiator fan comes on at least twice)
  13. Turn off the engine Check the level in the radiator, and add Acura Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2, if needed
  14. Put the radiator capon securely, then run the engine again, and check for leaks
  15. Clean up any spilled engine coolant
  16. Install the engine compartment covers (see «ENGINE COMPARTMENT COVER REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tl/iv-2008-2011/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#exterior-trim__engine-compartment-cover-replacement) )
  17. If the maintenance minder required engine coolant replacement, reset the maintenance minder (see «MAINTENANCE MINDER»(/acura/tl/iv-2008-2011/remont/reset-procedures/#maintenance) ), and this procedure is complete If the maintenance minder did not require engine coolant replacement, go to step 19
  18. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0), or press the engine start/stop button to select the OFF mode
  19. Connect the Honda Diagnostic System (HDS) to the data link connector (DLC) (see step 2 on «GENERAL TROUBLESHOOTING INFORMATION»(/acura/tl/iv-2008-2011/remont/auxiliary-emission-control-systems/#fuel-and-emissions-systems) )
  20. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II), or press the engine start/stop button to select the ON mode
  21. Make sure the HDS communicates with the vehicle and the powertrain control module (PCM) If it does not communicate, troubleshoot the DLC circuit (see «DLC CIRCUIT TROUBLESHOOTING»(/acura/tl/iv-2008-2011/remont/testing-diagnostics/#pgm-fi-system__dlc-circuit-troubleshooting) )
  22. Select GAUGES in the BODY ELECTRICAL with the HDS
  23. Select ADJUSTMENT in the GAUGES with the HDS
  24. Select MAINTENANCE MINDER in the ADJUSTMENT with the HDS
  25. Select RESET in the MAINTENANCE MINDER with the HDS
  26. Select MAINTENANCE SUB ITEM 5 RESET with the HDS

Scheme 13

Scheme 13: Thermostat Replacement

Scheme 14

Scheme 14
  1. Remove the engine compartment covers (see «ENGINE COMPARTMENT COVER REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tl/iv-2008-2011/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#exterior-trim__engine-compartment-cover-replacement) )
  2. Dram the engine coolant (see «COOLANT CHECK»(/acura/tl/iv-2008-2011/remont/cooling-system-mechanical/#cooling-system) )
  3. Do the battery removal procedure (see «BATTERY REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION»(/acura/tl/iv-2008-2011/remont/body-electrical/#battery) )
  4. A/T model: Remove harness clamps (A) and disconnect the positive starter cable (B)
  5. A/T model: Disconnect the A/T clutch pressure control solenoid valve C connector (C), and remove the bolt (D) and the harness holder (E)
  6. Remove the thermostat cover (A), then remove the thermostat (B)
  7. Install the new thermostat with a new rubber seal (C) in the reverse order of the removal
  8. Do the battery installation procedure (see «BATTERY REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION»(/acura/tl/iv-2008-2011/remont/body-electrical/#battery) )
  9. Refill the radiator with engine coolant, and bleed the air from the cooling system with the heater valve open (see step 8 )
  10. Clean up any spilled engine coolant
  11. Install the engine compartment covers (see «ENGINE COMPARTMENT COVER REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tl/iv-2008-2011/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#exterior-trim__engine-compartment-cover-replacement) )

Scheme 15

Scheme 15: Water Passage Replacement

Scheme 16

Scheme 16

Scheme 17

Scheme 17
  1. Remove the engine compartment covers (see «ENGINE COMPARTMENT COVER REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tl/iv-2008-2011/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#exterior-trim__engine-compartment-cover-replacement) )
  2. Drain the engine coolant (see «COOLANT CHECK»(/acura/tl/iv-2008-2011/remont/cooling-system-mechanical/#cooling-system) )
  3. Do the battery removal procedure (see «BATTERY REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION»(/acura/tl/iv-2008-2011/remont/body-electrical/#battery) )
  4. Remove the make manifold (see «REMOVAL»(/acura/tl/iv-2008-2011/remont/mechanical/#intake-manifold-and-exhaust-system) )
  5. Disconnect the upper radiator hose (A), the lower radiator hose (13), the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor 1 connector (C), and the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve connector (D)
  6. Disconnect the water bypass hose (A) and the heater hose (B)
  7. Remove the EGR pipe (see «EGR VALVE REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tl/iv-2008-2011/remont/auxiliary-emission-control-systems/#egr-system) )
  8. Remove the water passage (A), then remove the EGR valve (B), the ECT sensor 1 (C), and the water bypass hose (D)
  9. Install the water passage with new gaskets (E) in the reverse order of the removal
  10. Do the battery installation procedure (see «BATTERY REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION»(/acura/tl/iv-2008-2011/remont/body-electrical/#battery) )
  11. Refill the radiator with engine coolant, and bleed the air from the cooling system with the heater valve open (see step 8 )
  12. Clean up any spilled engine coolant
  13. Install the engine compartment covers (see «ENGINE COMPARTMENT COVER REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tl/iv-2008-2011/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#exterior-trim__engine-compartment-cover-replacement) )

Scheme 18

Scheme 18: Removal

Scheme 19

Scheme 19

Scheme 20

Scheme 20

Scheme 21

Scheme 21

Scheme 22

Scheme 22
  1. Remove the engine compartment covers (see «ENGINE COMPARTMENT COVER REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tl/iv-2008-2011/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#exterior-trim__engine-compartment-cover-replacement) )
  2. Do the battery removal procedure (see «BATTERY REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION»(/acura/tl/iv-2008-2011/remont/body-electrical/#battery) )
  3. Remove the battery base (see step 7 on «ENGINE REMOVAL»(/acura/tl/iv-2008-2011/remont/mechanical/#engine-removal-and-installation) )
  4. Remove the air intake duct splash separator (see step 4 on «ENGINE REMOVAL»(/acura/tl/iv-2008-2011/remont/mechanical/#engine-removal-and-installation) )
  5. Raise the vehicle on the lift
  6. Remove the splash shield (see «FRONT SPLASH SHIELD REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tl/iv-2008-2011/remont/exterior-body-panels/#fenderwell__front-splash-shield-replacement) )
  7. Disconnect the A/C condenser fan motor connector (A), and remove the harness clamp (B)
  8. Loosen the A/C condenser fan shroud mounting bolts (C)
  9. Disconnect the radiator fan motor connector (A), and remove the harness clamps (B)
  10. Lower the vehicle on the lift
  11. Remove the coolant reservoir (A), then remove the A/C condenser fan shroud assembly (B)
  12. Remove the upper brackets (A) A
  13. Remove the radiator fan shroud assembly (B) NOTE: Pull-up the radiator, then move the radiator fan shroud assembly toward the right side of the vehicle to allow for enough space to lift it up and away from the A/C condenser fan shroud assembly
  14. Disassemble the fan shrouds

Scheme 23

Scheme 23: Installation

Scheme 24

Scheme 24

Scheme 25

Scheme 25

Scheme 26

Scheme 26

Scheme 27

Scheme 27
  1. Assemble the fan shrouds
  2. Install the radiator fan shroud assembly (A)
  3. Install the upper brackets (B)
  4. Install the A/C condenser fan shroud assembly (A), then install the coolant reservoir (B)
  5. Raise the vehicle on the lift
  6. Connector the radiator fan motor connector (A), and install the harness clamps (B)
  7. Tighten the A/C condenser fan shroud mounting bolts (A)
  8. Connect the A/C condenser fan motor connector (B), and install the harness clamp (C)
  9. Install the splash shield (see «FRONT SPLASH SHIELD REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tl/iv-2008-2011/remont/exterior-body-panels/#fenderwell__front-splash-shield-replacement) )
  10. Lower the vehicle on the lift
  11. Install the air intake duct splash separator (see step 63 on «ENGINE INSTALLATION»(/acura/tl/iv-2008-2011/remont/mechanical/#engine-removal-and-installation__engine-installation) )
  12. Install the battery base (see step 60 on «ENGINE INSTALLATION»(/acura/tl/iv-2008-2011/remont/mechanical/#engine-removal-and-installation__engine-installation) )
  13. Do the battery installation procedure (see «BATTERY REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION»(/acura/tl/iv-2008-2011/remont/body-electrical/#battery) )
  14. Install the engine compartment covers (see «ENGINE COMPARTMENT COVER REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tl/iv-2008-2011/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#exterior-trim__engine-compartment-cover-replacement) )

Scheme 28

Scheme 28: Radiator Replacement

Scheme 29

Scheme 29

Scheme 30

Scheme 30

Scheme 31

Scheme 31

Scheme 32

Scheme 32
  1. Remove the engine compartment covers (see «ENGINE COMPARTMENT COVER REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tl/iv-2008-2011/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#exterior-trim__engine-compartment-cover-replacement) )
  2. Dram the engine coolant (see «COOLANT CHECK»(/acura/tl/iv-2008-2011/remont/cooling-system-mechanical/#cooling-system) )
  3. Remove the air intake duct splash separator (see step 4 on «ENGINE REMOVAL»(/acura/tl/iv-2008-2011/remont/mechanical/#engine-removal-and-installation) )
  4. Raise the vehicle on the lift
  5. Remove the splash shield (see «FRONT SPLASH SHIELD REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tl/iv-2008-2011/remont/exterior-body-panels/#fenderwell__front-splash-shield-replacement) )
  6. Disconnect the A/C condenser fan motor connector (A), and remove the harness clamp (B)
  7. Disconnect the radiator fan motor connector (A) and the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor 2 connector (B), then remove the harness clamps (C)
  8. Disconnect the lower radiator hose (A)
  9. Disconnect the automatic transmission fluid (ATF) cooler hoses (B) from the radiator (see «ATF COOLER HOSE REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tl/iv-2008-2011/remont/automatic-trans/#automatic-transmission) ), then plug the cooler hoses and the lines
  10. Lower the vehicle on the lift
  11. Disconnect the upper radiator hose (A) and remove the coolant reservoir (B)
  12. Remove the upper brackets (A), then pull up the radiator (B) with fan shrouds (C)
  13. Remove the fan shrouds and other parts from the radiator
  14. Install radiator in the reverse order of removal Make sure the upper and lower cushions are set securely
  15. A/T model: Refill the transmission with ATF (see «ATF REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tl/iv-2008-2011/remont/automatic-trans/#automatic-transmission) ).
  16. Fill the radiator with engine coolant, and bleed the air from the cooling system with the heater valve open (see step 8 )
  17. Clean up any spilled engine coolant
  18. Install the engine compartment covers (see «ENGINE COMPARTMENT COVER REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tl/iv-2008-2011/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#exterior-trim__engine-compartment-cover-replacement) )