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.
Cruise Control Actuator Assembly: 3.5RL
2004 Acura 3.5RLSECTION 3.5RL
- Actuator is located on left side of engine compartment, near firewall. Disconnect actuator cable from actuator rod. Disconnect 4-pin connector at actuator.
- Connect a fused jumper between battery voltage and actuator connector terminal No. 4. Connect terminals No. 1, 2 and 3 to ground. See Figure.
- Connect vacuum pump to actuator. Apply vacuum to actuator. Actuator rod should pull in completely. If rod pulls in completely, go to next step. If rod pulls in only halfway or not at all, check for leaking vacuum hose or defective solenoid. Repair as necessary.
- With vacuum still applied, attempt to pull out actuator rod. If actuator rod pulls out, replace actuator assembly. If actuator rod cannot be pulled out, go to next step.
- Disconnect ground from terminal No. 3. If actuator rod returns, go to next step. If actuator rod does not return, ensure vent hose and filter are not clogged. If vent hose and filter are not clogged, replace solenoid valve assembly.
- Reconnect ground to actuator connector terminal No. 3. Disconnect ground from actuator connector terminal No. 1. Repeat test procedure. If actuator rod returns, go to next step. If actuator rod does not return, ensure vent hose and filter are not clogged. If vent hose and filter are not clogged, replace solenoid valve assembly.
- Disconnect power and ground from actuator connector terminals. Disconnect vent hose from actuator. Apply vacuum to vent hose port. Actuator rod should pull in completely. If vacuum rod does not pull in completely, vacuum valve is stuck open. Replace actuator.
RENDER: 1.0x
NO RELATED
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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.