Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
1996 Acura 3.5RLFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Ignition Control Module Input Test
- Turn ignition off. Unplug 8-pin harness connector ignition control module. Check for continuity to ground on harness connector terminals No. 2 and 7. See Fig 1. If continuity exists, go to next step. If continuity does not exist, repair open ground (Black) wire.
- Turn ignition on. Measure voltage at harness connector terminals No. 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8. If battery voltage exists at indicated terminals, replace ICM. If battery voltage does not exist at some terminals, go to next step. If battery voltage does not exist at any indicated terminal, check for blown fuse No. 31 or 35 in underhood fuse panel or fuse No. 25 in under-dash fuse panel.
- Check for open or shorted circuit between ignition coil and ICM harness connector. If circuit is okay, substitute suspect ignition coil with known-good unit.
Factory Service Tools
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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