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.
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HOMESERVICE MANUALSACURA19983.5RL SPECIAL EDITIONREPAIR AND DIAGNOSIS (SINGLE PAGE)ENGINE PERFORMANCESYSTEMENGINE CONTROLS - SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTSIDLE CONTROL SYSTEMFAST IDLE THERMO VALVE2.5TL, 3.2TL & 3.5RL
1998 Acura 3.5RL Special Edition
2.5TL, 3.2TL & 3.5RL
1998 Acura 3.5RL Special EditionSECTION 2.5TL, 3.2TL & 3.5RL
- Remove fast idle thermo valve cover. Ensure engine coolant temperature is less than 86°F (30°C). Start engine and allow to idle. Place finger over valve seat area. See Fig 1. If air flow is present at valve seat area, go to next step. If air flow is not present, replace fast idle thermo valve and recheck for symptom.
- Start engine and run at 3000 RPM with no loads and transmission in Park or Neutral, until radiator fan comes on. Allow engine to idle. Fast idle thermo valve should be completely closed. Place finger on valve seat area. If vacuum is felt, fast idle thermo valve is leaking. Ensure engine coolant level is correct and cooling system is free of air. If okay, replace fast idle thermo valve and recheck for symptom.NOTE: If fast idle thermo valve cover was removed, perform PCM reset procedure. See PCM RESET PROCEDURE/CLEARING CODES in TESTS W/CODES articles below:
- For Integra, see TESTS W/CODES article.
- For 2.3CL, see TESTS W/CODES article.
- For 2.5CL, see TESTS W/CODES article.
- For 3.0CL, see TESTS W/CODES article.
- For 3.2TL, see TESTS W/CODES article.
- For 3.5RL, see TESTS W/CODES article.
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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.