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.
PCM Idle Learn Procedure
2008 Acura RL V6-3.5LSECTION PCM Idle Learn Procedure
PCM Idle Learn Procedure
The PCM actively learns the idle characteristics whenever the engine is idling. The idle learn procedure must be done to ensure the PCM learns the engine idle characteristics.
Do the idle learn procedure whenever you do any of these actions:
- Replace the PCM.
- Reset the PCM.
- Update the PCM.
- Replace or clean the throttle body.
NOTE: Clearing the DTCs with the HDS does not require you to do the idle learn procedure.
Procedure
1. Make sure all electrical items (A/C, audio, rear window defogger, lights, etc.) are off.
2. Reset the PCM with the HDS.
3. Turn the ignition switch ON (II), and wait 2 seconds.
4. Start the engine. Hold the engine speed at 3,000 rpm without load (in Park or neutral) until the radiator fan comes on, or until the engine coolant temperature reaches 194 °F (90 °C).
5. Let the engine idle about 5 minutes with the throttle fully closed.
NOTE: If the radiator fan comes on, do not include its running time in the 5 minutes.
6. Verify on the HDS data list that the idle learn procedure is complete.
The PCM actively learns the idle characteristics whenever the engine is idling. The idle learn procedure must be done to ensure the PCM learns the engine idle characteristics.
Do the idle learn procedure whenever you do any of these actions:
- Replace the PCM.
- Reset the PCM.
- Update the PCM.
- Replace or clean the throttle body.
NOTE: Clearing the DTCs with the HDS does not require you to do the idle learn procedure.
Procedure
1. Make sure all electrical items (A/C, audio, rear window defogger, lights, etc.) are off.
2. Reset the PCM with the HDS.
3. Turn the ignition switch ON (II), and wait 2 seconds.
4. Start the engine. Hold the engine speed at 3,000 rpm without load (in Park or neutral) until the radiator fan comes on, or until the engine coolant temperature reaches 194 °F (90 °C).
5. Let the engine idle about 5 minutes with the throttle fully closed.
NOTE: If the radiator fan comes on, do not include its running time in the 5 minutes.
6. Verify on the HDS data list that the idle learn procedure is complete.
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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.