Idle Learn Procedure

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 7 other vehicles, including the 2003 Acura RSX, 2003 Acura NSX-T, 2003 Acura NSX, 2003 Acura MDX, and 2003 Acura 3.5RL. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

All Acura models with programmed fuel injection (PGM-FI) have the ability to learn and adjust the engine idle speed to optimize engine idle characteristics. The idle learn procedure should be done whenever you do any of these actions:

Reset, replace, unplug, or reprogram the ECM/ PCM.
Disconnect or replace the battery.
Do engine work that requires removal and replacement of the intake manifold or the throttle body.

To allow the ECM/PCM adaptive idle speed system to learn and adjust the engine idle speed, follow this procedure:

Make sure all electrical items (A/C, audio unit, defogger, lights, etc.) are turned off, then start the engine.
Let the engine reach its normal operating temperature (the cooling fans cycle twice; the coolant temperature is about 194° F).
Let the engine idle for at least 5 minutes with the throttle fully closed and with all electrical items turned off.
If the cooling fans cycle on while doing an adaptive idle learn, add the time the cooling fans are on to the 5 minute adaptive idle learn time.