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 RSX L4-2.0L (VTEC)FACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
ECM/PCM Idle Learn Procedure
The idle learn procedure must be done so the ECM/PCM can learn the engine idle characteristics.
Perform the idle learn procedure whenever you do any of these:
- Disconnect the battery
- Replace the ECM/PCM or disconnect its connector.
- Reset the ECM/PCM.
NOTE: Erasing DTC's with the Honda PGM Tester does not require you to do the idle learn procedure.
- Remove the No. 6 ECU (ECM/PCM) (15A) fuse from the under-hood fuse/relay box.
- Remove PGM-FI main relay 1.
- Remove any of the wires from the under-hood fuse/relay box.
- Disconnect any of the connectors from the under-hood fuse/relay box.
- Disconnect the connector between the engine compartment wire harness and ECM/PCM wire harness.
- Disconnect the G2 terminal from the transmission housing.
- Disconnect the G1 terminal from the body.
- Disconnect the G101 terminal from the water passage.
Procedure
To complete the idle learn procedure do this:
1. Make sure all electrical items (A/C, audio, rear defogger, lights, etc.) are off.
2. Start the engine, and hold it at 3,000 rpm with no load (in park or neutral) until the radiator fan comes on, or until the engine coolant temperature reaches 194° F (90° C).
3. Let the engine idle for about 5 minutes with the throttle fully closed.
NOTE: If the radiator fan comes on, do not include it's running time in the 5 minutes.
Perform the idle learn procedure whenever you do any of these:
- Disconnect the battery
- Replace the ECM/PCM or disconnect its connector.
- Reset the ECM/PCM.
NOTE: Erasing DTC's with the Honda PGM Tester does not require you to do the idle learn procedure.
- Remove the No. 6 ECU (ECM/PCM) (15A) fuse from the under-hood fuse/relay box.
- Remove PGM-FI main relay 1.
- Remove any of the wires from the under-hood fuse/relay box.
- Disconnect any of the connectors from the under-hood fuse/relay box.
- Disconnect the connector between the engine compartment wire harness and ECM/PCM wire harness.
- Disconnect the G2 terminal from the transmission housing.
- Disconnect the G1 terminal from the body.
- Disconnect the G101 terminal from the water passage.
Procedure
To complete the idle learn procedure do this:
1. Make sure all electrical items (A/C, audio, rear defogger, lights, etc.) are off.
2. Start the engine, and hold it at 3,000 rpm with no load (in park or neutral) until the radiator fan comes on, or until the engine coolant temperature reaches 194° F (90° C).
3. Let the engine idle for about 5 minutes with the throttle fully closed.
NOTE: If the radiator fan comes on, do not include it's running time in the 5 minutes.
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.