2003 Acura 3.2TL BaseFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

DTC 111: Sub-Throttle Motor Relay

  1. Check the VSA TH MOTOR (20A) fuse in the under-hood fuse/relay box.
    1. Is the fuse OK? 
    2. YES  - Install the fuse, and go to step 2.
    3. NO  - Replace the fuse, and recheck. If the fuse is blown, check for a short to body ground in the wires between the under-hood fuse/relay box and the sub-throttle motor relay, and between the sub-throttle motor relay and the VSA control unit.
  2. Check the sub-throttle motor relay.
    1. Is the relay OK? 
    2. YES  - With the relay removed, go to step 3.
    3. NO  - Replace the relay, and recheck.
  3. Measure the voltage between the sub-throttle motor relay 4P connector terminal No. 1 and body ground.
    Fig 1: Measuring Voltage Between Sub-Throttle Motor Relay 4P Connector Terminal No. 1 & Body Ground
    G01156398Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
    1. Is there battery voltage? 
    2. YES  - Go to step 4.
    3. NO  - Repair open in the wire between the under-hood fuse/relay box and the sub-throttle motor relay.
  4. Turn the ignition switch ON (II).
  5. Measure the voltage between the sub-throttle motor relay 4P connector terminal No. 4 and body ground.
    Fig 2: Measuring Voltage Between Sub-Throttle Motor Relay 4P Connector Terminal No. 4 & Body Ground
    G01156399Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
    1. Is there battery voltage? 
    2. YES  - Go to step 6.
    3. NO  - Repair open in the wire between the fail-safe relay and the sub-throttle motor relay.
  6. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
  7. Disconnect VSA control unit connector A (22P).
  8. Check for continuity between VSA control unit connector A (22P) terminal No. 10 and sub-throttle motor relay 4P connector terminal No. 2.
    Fig 3: Checking Continuity Between VSA Control Unit Connector A (22P) Terminal No. 10 & Sub-Throttle Motor Relay 4P Connector Terminal No. 2
    G01156400Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
    1. Is there continuity? 
    2. YES  - Go to step 9.
    3. NO  - Repair open in the wire between the VSA control unit and the sub-throttle motor relay.
  9. Disconnect VSA control unit connector B (16P).
  10. Check for continuity between VSA control unit connector B (16P) terminal No. 12 and sub-throttle motor relay 4P connector terminal No. 3.
    Fig 4: Checking Continuity Between VSA Control Unit Connector B (16P) Terminal No. 12 & Sub-Throttle Motor Relay 4P Connector Terminal No. 3
    G01156401Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
    1. Is there continuity? 
    2. YES  - Go to step 11.
    3. NO  - Repair open in the wire between the VSA control unit and the sub-throttle motor relay.
  11. Check for continuity between VSA control unit connector B (16P) terminal No. 12 and body ground.
    Fig 5: Checking Continuity Between VSA Control Unit Connector B (16P) Terminal No. 12 & Body Ground
    G01156402Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
    1. Is there continuity? 
    2. YES  - Repair short to body ground in the wire between the VSA control unit and the sub throttle motor relay.
    3. NO  - Go to step 12.
  12. Install the sub-throttle motor relay.
  13. Connect all of disconnected connectors.
  14. Do the neutral position memorization. See Neutral Position Memorization  .
  15. Test-drive the vehicle.
    1. Does the VSA system indicator come on and is DTC 111 indicated? 
    2. YES  - Check for loose VSA control unit connectors. If necessary, substitute a known-good VSA control unit, and recheck.
    3. NO  - The system is OK at this time.
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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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