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.
1998 Acura 3.5RL BaseFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Using Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
- Locate 2-pin service check connector behind glove box. See Fig 1 . Install Service Check Connector (SCS) Tool (07PAZ-0010100 ) to service check connector. Turn ignition on. Observe MIL. Light indicates a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) by number of flashes.
- Single-digit trouble codes (1-9) are indicated by individual short flashes. Double-digit trouble codes (10-59) are indicated by a series of long and short flashes. The number of long flashes equals first digit; the number of short flashes equals second digit. If any DTCs are retrieved or if MIL is inoperative, see DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) IDENTIFICATION .
- To determine if code is a hard or intermittent fault, clear PCM memory and recheck for code to appear. See PCM RESET PROCEDURE/CLEARING CODES . If codes other than those listed appear, temporarily substitute a known-good PCM and retest system.
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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