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.
2002 Acura 3.2CL BaseFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Key Interlock System
- Remove screws from lower steering column cover. Remove upper and lower steering column covers. Disconnect the key switch connector (7 pin) from the steering lock assembly.
- Connect the No. 7 terminal of the key switch connector to the battery positive terminal, and connect the No. 5 terminal to the battery negative terminal. See Fig 1.
- Turn the ignition switch to ACC position, then push the ignition key.
- Check the key interlock solenoid operation. A clicking sound should be heard while pushing the ignition key, and you should not be able to turn it to the OFF position. Does the key interlock solenoid operate properly? If yes, go to next step. If no, key interlock solenoid/switch is faulty. Replace the ignition key cylinder/steering lock assembly. See appropriate STEERING COLUMNS article in STEERING.
- Measure the voltage between the No. 7 terminal and body ground. Is there battery voltage? If yes, go to next step. If no, check for blown No. 47 (20 amp) fuse in the underhood fuse/relay box. If the fuse is okay, repair open or short in the wire between the No. 7 terminal of the key switch connector and underhood fuse/relay box.
- Disconnect the A/T shift switch connector on the rear of the gearshift lever assembly. See Fig 2. To gain access to A/T shift switch assembly connector, remove console panel. See CONSOLE PANELΒ under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
- With the gearshift lever in Park and pushed to the right, check for continuity between the No. 4 and 10 terminals of the A/T shift switch connector. Is there continuity? If yes, go to next step. If no, repair open in the wires between the park pin switch and the A/T shift switch connector. If the wires are okay, replace the gearshift lever detent bracket assembly (park pin switch is not available separately). See Fig 3.
- Check for continuity between the No. 10 terminal of the A/T shift switch connector and the No. 5 terminal of the key switch connector. See WIRING DIAGRAMSΒ . Is there continuity? If yes, go to next step. If no, repair open in the wire between No. 10 terminal of the A/T shift switch connector and the No. 5 terminal of the key switch connector.
- Check for continuity between the No. 4 terminal of the A/T shift switch connector and ground. Is there continuity? If yes, check for loose terminal fit in the key switch connector and A/T shift switch connector. If necessary, substitute a known-good steering lock assembly. If no, repair open in the wire between the No. 4 terminal of the A/T shift switch connector and ground. Repair poor ground.
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:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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