2012 Acura TL

2012 ENGINE Cooling System - TL

2012 ENGINE

Cooling System - TL

COMPONENT LOCATION INDEX

Fig. 1: Cooling System Components Location

Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

RADIATOR CAP TEST

1. Remove the engine compartment covers (see ENGINE COMPARTMENT COVER
REPLACEMENT ).
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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).

Fig. 2: Installing Wet Radiator Cap Seal On Pressure Tester

Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

3. Apply a pressure of 93- 123 kPa (0.95- 1.25 kgf/cm2 , 13.5- 17.8 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 ).

RADIATOR TEST
1. Remove the engine compartment covers (see 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/cm2 , 13.5- 17.8 psi).

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Fig. 3: Identifying Pressure Tester

Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

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 ).

FAN MOTOR TEST

1. Remove the engine compartment covers (see ENGINE COMPARTMENT COVER
REPLACEMENT ).
2. Disconnect the 2P connectors from the radiator fan motor (A) and the A/C condenser fan motor (B).

Fig. 4: Identifying Radiator Fan Motor And A/C Condenser Fan Motor
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

3. Test each motor by connecting battery power to terminal No. 2 and ground to terminal No. 1.
4. If either motor fails to run or does not run smoothly, replace it (see FAN, FAN MOTOR, AND
SHROUD REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION ).
5. Install the engine compartment covers (see ENGINE COMPARTMENT COVER REPLACEMENT ).

THERMOSTAT TEST
Replace the thermostat if it is stuck in the open position at room temperature.

To test a closed thermostat:

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.
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Fig. 5: Identifying Thermostat And Thermometer In Container Of Water

Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

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 (0.394 in)

Starts Opening: 169- 176F (76- 80C)

Fully Open: 194F (90C)

WATER PUMP INSPECTION

1. Remove the timing belt:
J35Z6 engine (see TIMING BELT REMOVAL )
J37A4 engine (see TIMING BELT REMOVAL )
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 REPLACEMENT ).

NOTE: When you check the water pump, you may see a small amount of
"weeping" from the bleed holes (A). This is normal.

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Fig. 6: Identifying Bleed Holes

Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

3. Install the timing belt:

J35Z6 engine (see TIMING BELT INSTALLATION )
J37A4 engine (see TIMING BELT INSTALLATION )

WATER PUMP REPLACEMENT

1. Drain the engine coolant (see COOLANT CHECK ).
2. Remove the timing belt:
J35Z6 engine (see TIMING BELT REMOVAL )
J37A4 engine (see TIMING BELT REMOVAL )
3. Remove the timing belt adjuster:
J35Z6 engine (see TIMING BELT ADJUSTER REPLACEMENT )
J37A4 engine (see TIMING BELT ADJUSTER REPLACEMENT )
4. Remove the five bolts securing the water pump (A), then remove the water pump.

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Fig. 7: Identifying Water Pump And O-Ring With Torque Specifications

Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

5. Inspect and clean 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 )
J37A4 engine (see TIMING BELT ADJUSTER REPLACEMENT )
9. Install the timing belt:
J35Z6 engine (see TIMING BELT INSTALLATION )
J37A4 engine (see TIMING BELT INSTALLATION )
10. Refill the radiator with engine coolant, then bleed the air from the cooling system (see COOLANT
CHECK ).

COOLANT CHECK
1. Remove the engine compartment covers (see 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).

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Fig. 8: Identifying MAX And MIN Marks On Coolant Reservoir

Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

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 ).

COOLANT REPLACEMENT
1. Remove the engine compartment covers (see ENGINE COMPARTMENT COVER
REPLACEMENT ).
2. Wait until the engine is cool, then carefully remove the radiator cap.
3. Loosen the drain plug (A), and drain the coolant.

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Fig. 9: Identifying Drain Plug

Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

4. Install a rubber hose (A) on the drain bolt (B) located at the rear of the engine block, then loosen the drain
bolt.

Fig. 10: Identifying Rubber Hose And Drain Bolt With Torque Specifications
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

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 Acura Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2.

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Fig. 11: Identifying MAX Mark With Acura Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

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)

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Fig. 12: Refilling Coolant Reservoir With Acura Long Life Antifeeze/Coolant
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

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 the recommended coolant, if needed.
14. Put the radiator cap on 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 ).
17. If the Maintenance Minder required replacing the engine coolant, reset the Maintenance Minder (see
RESETTING THE MAINTENANCE MINDER ), and this procedure is complete. If the Maintenance
Minder did not require engine coolant replacement, go to step 18.
18. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0), or press the engine start/stop button to select the OFF mode.
19. Connect the HDS to the DLC (see HOW TO USE THE HDS (HONDA DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM) ).
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 ECM/PCM. If it does not communicate,
troubleshoot the DLC circuit (see 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.

THERMOSTAT REPLACEMENT
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1. Remove the engine compartment covers (see ENGINE COMPARTMENT COVER

REPLACEMENT ).
2. Drain the engine coolant (see COOLANT CHECK ).
3. Do the battery removal procedure (see BATTERY REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION ).
4. A/T model: Remove harness clamps (A) and disconnect the positive starter cable (B).

Fig. 13: Identifying Harness Clamp And Starter Cable With Torque Specifications
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

5. A/T model: Remove the bolt (A) and the harness holder (B).

Fig. 14: Identifying Harness Holder And Bolt With Torque Specifications
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
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6. Remove the thermostat cover (A), then remove the thermostat (B).

Fig. 15: Identifying Thermostat Cover, Thermostat And Rubber Seal With Torque Specifications
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

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 ).
9. Refill the radiator with engine coolant, and bleed the air from the cooling system (see COOLANT
CHECK ).
10. Clean up any spilled engine coolant.
11. Install the engine compartment covers (see ENGINE COMPARTMENT COVER REPLACEMENT ).

WATER PASSAGE REPLACEMENT

1. Remove the engine compartment covers (see ENGINE COMPARTMENT COVER
REPLACEMENT ).
2. Drain the engine coolant (see COOLANT CHECK ).
3. Do the battery removal procedure (see BATTERY REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION ).
4. Remove the intake manifold (see REMOVAL ).
5. Disconnect the upper radiator hose (A), the lower radiator hose (B), the ECT sensor 1 connector (C), and
the EGR valve connector (D).

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Fig. 16: Identifying Upper And Lower Radiator Hose, ECT Sensor Connector And EGR Valve
Connector
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

6. Disconnect the water bypass hose (A) and the heater hose(B).

Fig. 17: Identifying Water By-Pass Hose And Heater Hose

Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

7. Remove the EGR pipe (see EGR VALVE REPLACEMENT ).

8. Remove the water passage (A), then remove the EGR valve (B), the ECT sensor 1 (C), and the water
bypass hose (D).

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Fig. 18: Identifying Water Passage, EGR Valve, ECT Sensor And Water Bypass Hose With Torque
Specifications
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

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 ).
11. Refill the radiator with engine coolant, and bleed the air from the cooling system (see COOLANT
CHECK ).
12. Clean up any spilled engine coolant.
13. Install the engine compartment covers (see ENGINE COMPARTMENT COVER REPLACEMENT ).

FAN, FAN MOTOR, AND SHROUD REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION

REMOVAL

1. Remove the engine compartment covers (see ENGINE COMPARTMENT COVER

REPLACEMENT ).
2. Do the battery removal procedure (see BATTERY REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION ).
3. Remove the battery base (see BATTERY REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION ).
4. Remove the air intake duct splash separator (see ENGINE REMOVAL ).
5. Raise the vehicle on the lift.
6. Remove the front splash shield (see FRONT SPLASH SHIELD REPLACEMENT ).
7. Disconnect the A/C condenser fan motor connector (A), and remove the harness clamps (B).

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Fig. 19: Identifying Fan Motor Connector, Harness Clamps And Mounting Bolts
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

8. Loosen the A/C condenser fan shroud mounting bolts (C).

9. A/T model: Remove the harness clamps (D).
10. Disconnect the radiator fan motor connector (A), and remove the harness clamps (B).

Fig. 20: Identifying Radiator Fan Motor Connector And Harness Clamps
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

11. Lower the vehicle on the lift.

12. Remove the coolant reservoir (A), then remove the A/C condenser fan shroud assembly (B).

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Fig. 21: Identifying Coolant Reservoir And Fan Shroud Assembly

Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

13. Remove the upper brackets (A). A

Fig. 22: Identifying Upper Brackets And Fan Shroud Assembly

Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

14. 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.

15. Disassemble the fan shrouds.

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Fig. 23: Disassembling Fan Shrouds

Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

INSTALLATION

1. Assemble the fan shrouds.

Fig. 24: Assembling Fan Shrouds With Torque Specifications

Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

2. Install the radiator fan shroud assembly (A).

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Fig. 25: Identifying Radiator Fan Shroud Assembly And Upper Brackets With Torque
Specifications
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

3. Install the upper brackets (B).

4. Install the A/C condenser fan shroud assembly (A), then install the coolant reservoir (B).

Fig. 26: Identifying A/C Condenser Fan Shroud Assembly And Coolant Reservoir With Torque
Specifications
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

5. Raise the vehicle on the lift.

6. Connect the radiator fan motor connector (A), and install the harness clamps (B).

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Fig. 27: Identifying Radiator Fan Motor Connector And Harness Clamps
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

7. A/T model: Install the harness clamp (A).

Fig. 28: Identifying Harness Clamps, Mounting Bolts And Motor Connector With Torque
Specifications
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

8. Tighten the A/C condenser fan shroud mounting bolts (B).

9. Connect the A/C condenser fan motor connector (C), and install the harness clamp (D).
10. Install the front splash shield (see FRONT SPLASH SHIELD REPLACEMENT ).
11. Lower the vehicle on the lift.
12. Install the air intake duct splash separator (see ENGINE INSTALLATION ).
13. Install the battery base (see BATTERY REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION ).
14. Do the battery installation procedure (see BATTERY REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION ).
15. Install the engine compartment covers (see ENGINE COMPARTMENT COVER REPLACEMENT ).
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RADIATOR REPLACEMENT
1. Remove the engine compartment covers (see ENGINE COMPARTMENT COVER
REPLACEMENT ).
2. Drain the engine coolant (see COOLANT CHECK ).
3. Remove the air intake duct splash separator (see ENGINE REMOVAL ).
4. Raise the vehicle on the lift.
5. Remove the front splash shield (see FRONT SPLASH SHIELD REPLACEMENT ).
6. Disconnect the A/C condenser fan motor connector (A), and remove the harness clamp (B).

Fig. 29: Identifying A/C Condenser Fan Motor Connector And Harness Clamp
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

7. Disconnect the radiator fan motor connector (A) and the ECT sensor 2 connector (B), then remove the
harness clamps (C).

Fig. 30: Identifying Radiator Fan Motor Connector, ECT Sensor Connector And Harness Clamps
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

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8. Disconnect the lower radiator hose (A).

Fig. 31: Identifying Lower Radiator Hose, Clamp And ATF Cooler Hoses
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

9. A/T model: Remove the harness clamp (B). Disconnect the ATF cooler hoses (C) from the radiator, then
plug the cooler hoses and the lines (see ATF COOLER HOSE REPLACEMENT ).
10. Lower the vehicle on the lift.
11. Disconnect the upper radiator hose (A) and remove the coolant reservoir (B).

Fig. 32: Identifying Upper Radiator Hose And Coolant Reservoir

Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

12. Remove the upper brackets (A), then pull up the radiator (B) with fan shrouds (C).

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Fig. 33: Identifying Upper Brackets, Radiator And Fan Shrouds With Torque Specifications
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

13. Remove the fan shrouds and other parts from the radiator.
14. Install the 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 ).
16. Fill the radiator with engine coolant, and bleed the air from the cooling system (see COOLANT
CHECK ).
17. Clean up any spilled engine coolant.
18. Install the engine compartment covers (see ENGINE COMPARTMENT COVER REPLACEMENT ).

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