LEMON Manuals: Even more car manuals for everyone: 1960-2025
Home >> Acura >> 2012 >> TL Base >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Engine Mechanical >> Mechanical >> Engine Assembly >> Engine Removal
April 5, 2026: LEMON Manuals is launched! Read the announcement.

Engine Removal

Special Tools Required 

*: Available through the Acura Tool and Equipment Program, 888-424-6857.

NOTE:
  • Use fender covers to avoid damaging painted surfaces.
  • To avoid damaging the wiring and terminals, unplug the wiring connectors carefully while holding the connector portion.
  • Mark all wiring and hoses to avoid misconnection. Also, be sure that they do not contact other wiring or hoses, or interfere with other parts.
  1. Disconnect the support struts from both sides of the pivot ball (bolted to the hood). Secure the hood in a vertical position. Install the right side pivot ball into the lower threaded hole.
    NOTE: Do not attempt to close the hood with the support strut in the vertical position, as it will damage the support strut and hood.
    Fig 1: Installing Right Side Pivot Ball Into Lower Threaded Hole
    G08068642Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  2. Relieve the fuel pressure (see FUEL PRESSURE RELIEVING ).
  3. Remove the engine compartment covers (see ENGINE COMPARTMENT COVER REPLACEMENT ).
  4. Remove the air intake duct splash separator.
    Fig 2: Identifying Air Intake Duct Splash Separator And Related Components
    G08068643Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  5. Do the battery removal procedure (see BATTERY REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION ).
  6. Remove the air cleaner (see THROTTLE BODY CLEANING ).
  7. Remove the harness clamp (A) from the battery base (B).
    Fig 3: Exploded View Of Engine Assembly And Related Parts
    G08068644Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  8. M/T model: Remove the harness clamps (C) from the battery base.
  9. Remove the bolts (D), and loosen the bolt (E), then remove the battery base.
  10. M/T model: Remove the harness clamp (A) and the ground cable (B), then disconnect the positive starter cable (C).
    Fig 4: Identifying Harness Clamp, Ground Cable And Positive Starter Cable
    G08068645Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  11. A/T model: Remove the harness clamps (A), then disconnect the positive starter cable (B).
    Fig 5: Identifying Harness Clamp And Positive Starter Cable
    G08068646Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  12. Remove the strut brace (see FRAME BRACE REPLACEMENT ).
  13. Disconnect the battery cable (A) from the under-hood fuse/relay box.
    Fig 6: Identifying Battery Cable From Under-Hood Fuse/Relay Box And Harness Clamp
    G08068647Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  14. Remove the harness clamps (B).
  15. Remove the harness clamp (A), then disconnect the harness connectors (B).
    Fig 7: Identifying Harness Clamp And Connectors
    G08068648Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  16. Remove the harness clamp (A), then disconnect the ECM/PCM connectors (B).
    Fig 8: Identifying Harness Clamp And ECM/PCM Connectors
    G08068649Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  17. Remove the quick-connect fitting cover (A), then disconnect the fuel feed hose (B) (see FUEL LINE/QUICK-CONNECT FITTING REMOVAL ).
    Fig 9: Identifying Quick-Connect Fitting Cover And Fuel Feed Hose
    G08068650Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  18. Disconnect the brake booster vacuum hose (A) and the EVAP canister hose (B).
    Fig 10: Identifying Vacuum Hose And EVAP Canister Hose
    G08068651Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  19. M/T model: Remove the three bolts securing the shift cable holder, then remove the shift cable and the select cable (see step 23 under TRANSMISSION REMOVAL ). Do not bend the cables excessively.
  20. M/T model: Remove the clutch slave cylinder and the clutch line bracket mounting nut (see step 24 under TRANSMISSION REMOVAL ). Do not operate the clutch pedal once the slave cylinder has been removed.
  21. A/T model: Remove the shift cable (see SHIFT CABLE REPLACEMENT ). Do not bend the shift cable excessively.
  22. Remove the drive belt (see DRIVE BELT REPLACEMENT ).
  23. Disconnect the EPS connectors (A).
    Fig 11: Identifying EPS Connectors
    G08068652Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  24. Remove the steering joint cover (A).
    Fig 12: Identifying Steering Joint Cover
    G08068653Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  25. Loosen the upper steering joint bolt (B) and the lower steering bolt (C).
  26. Center the steering wheel spokes, and install a commercially available steering wheel holder tool (A).
    Fig 13: Identifying Steering Wheel Holder Tool
    G08068654Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  27. Remove the lower steering joint bolt (A). Disconnect the steering joint (B) by sliding the steering joint into the column shaft (C). Tighten the upper steering joint bolt (D) to hold the steering joint in place.
    NOTE: Do not disconnect the steering joint from the column shaft.
    Fig 14: Identifying Steering Joint, Column Shaft, Upper And Lower Steering Joint Bolt
    G08068655Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  28. Remove the center guide (A) (if equipped) from the top of the pinion shaft (B), and discard it.
    Fig 15: Identifying Center Guide And Pinion Shaft
    G08068656Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  29. Wrap vinyl tape over the splines on the pinion shaft.
  30. Wait until the engine is cool, then carefully remove the radiator cap.
  31. Raise the vehicle on the lift.
  32. Remove the front wheels.
  33. Remove the front splash shield (see FRONT SPLASH SHIELD REPLACEMENT ).
  34. Loosen the drain plug in the radiator, and drain the engine coolant (see COOLANT CHECK ).
  35. Drain the transmission fluid:
  36. Drain the engine oil (see ENGINE OIL LEVEL CHECK ).
  37. Remove the damper fork (see step 4 under DAMPER/SPRING REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION ).
  38. Separate the tie-rod end ball joints from the knuckles (see step 13 under RACK END REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION ).
  39. Separate the knuckles from the suspension lower arms (see step 7 under LOWER ARM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION ).
  40. Remove the driveshafts (see DRIVESHAFT INSPECTION ). Coat all precision-finished surfaces with new engine oil. Tie plastic bags over the driveshaft ends.
  41. Remove the front subframe stiffener.
    Fig 16: Identifying Front Subframe Stiffener With Mounting Bolts
    G08068657Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  42. Remove exhaust pipe A. With SH-AWD
    Fig 17: Identifying Exhaust Pipe And Related Components
    G08068658Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  43. With SH-AWD: Remove the propeller shaft (see PROPELLER SHAFT REMOVAL ).
  44. With SH-AWD: Remove the transfer assembly:
  45. A/T model: Disconnect the ATF cooler hoses from the transmission, then plug the ATF cooler hoses and the lines (see step 44 under TRANSMISSION REMOVAL ).
  46. Lower the vehicle on the lift.
  47. Disconnect the upper radiator hose (A) and the lower radiator hose (B).
    Fig 18: Identifying Upper And Lower Radiator Hose
    G08068659Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  48. Disconnect the heater hoses.
    Fig 19: Identifying Radiator Hoses And Related Components
    G08068660Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  49. Remove the radiator (see RADIATOR REPLACEMENT ).
  50. Disconnect the A/C compressor clutch connector (A), and remove the harness clamp (B).
    Fig 20: Identifying A/C Compressor Clutch Connector And Harness Clamp With Mounting Bolts
    G08068661Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  51. Remove the A/C compressor without disconnecting the A/C hoses. Do not bend the A/C hoses excessively.
    NOTE: Hang the A/C compressor with a wire tie.
  52. Remove the bolt (A) securing the connector bracket (B) from the front cylinder head; use the bracket bolt hole (C) to attach the engine hanger balance bar front arm.
    Fig 21: Identifying Connector Bracket, Bracket Bolt Hole And Bolt
    G08068662Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  53. Remove the harness clamp (A), then remove the bolt (B) securing the engine mount control solenoid valve bracket (C) from the rear cylinder head; use the bracket bolt hole (D) to attach the 2008 V6 attachment arm.
    Fig 22: Identifying Solenoid Valve Bracket, Harness Clamp, Bracket Bolt Hole, Vacuum Hose And Bolt
    G08068663Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  54. A/T model: Disconnect the vacuum hose (E).
  55. Install the engine hanger balance bar (VSB02C000019). Attach the front arm (A) to the front cylinder head with a 10 mm (0.39 in) spacer (B) and a 10 x 1.25 mm bolt (C). Remove the rear arm from the engine hanger balance bar, then install the 2008 V6 attachment arm (SIL02C000033). Attach the 2008 V6 attachment arm to the rear cylinder head with a 10 mm (0.39 in) spacer (D) and an 8 x 1.25 mm bolt (E).
    Fig 23: Identifying Front Arm, Spacer, Bolts And Wing Nut
    G08068664Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  56. Install the engine support hanger (AAR-T1256) onto the vehicle as shown, and attach the hook to the slotted hole in the engine hanger balance bar. Tighten the wing nut (F) by hand, and lift and support the engine/transmission.
    NOTE:
    • Be careful when working around the windshield.
    • AAR-T1256 two sets required for stacking two cross section bars.
  57. M/T model: Remove the front engine mount (see FRONT ENGINE MOUNT REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION  ).
  58. A/T model: Disconnect the vacuum hose (A) and remove the front engine mount stop (B), then remove the front engine mount bolt (C).
    Fig 24: Identifying Vacuum Hose, Front Engine Mount Stop And Engine Mounting Bolt
    G08068665Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  59. M/T model: Remove the rear engine mount bolt (A).
    Fig 25: Identifying Rear Engine Mount Bolt
    G08068666Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  60. A/T model: Remove the rear engine mount stop (A), then remove the rear engine mount bolt (B).
    Fig 26: Identifying Rear Engine Mount Stop And Engine Mounting Bolts
    G08068667Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  61. Raise the vehicle on the lift.
  62. Loosen the subframe middle mount bolts.
    Fig 27: Identifying Subframe Middle Mount Bolts
    G08068668Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  63. Remove the lower transmission mount nuts (A).
    Fig 28: Identifying Ground Cable And Lower Transmission Mount Nuts
    G08068669Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  64. A/T model: Remove the ground cable (B).
  65. Attach the subframe adapter (VSB02C000016) to the front subframe by looping the belt (A) over the front of the subframe (B), then secure the belt with its stop (C).
    Fig 29: Identifying Subframe, Subframe Adapter, Belt And Belt Stop
    G08068670Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  66. Raise the transmission jack and line up the slots in the subframe adapter arms with the bolt holes on the jack base, then securely attach them with four bolts.
  67. Remove the four 12 x 1.25 mm bolts (A) securing the subframe stiffeners (B), the four subframe mounting bolts (C), and the stiffeners, then lower the front subframe (D).
    Fig 30: Identifying Front Subframe, Subframe Stiffeners, Subframe Mounting Bolts
    G08068671Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  68. Lower the vehicle on the lift.
  69. Attach a chain hoist (A) to the engine hanger (B) and the transmission hanger (C), then lift the engine/transmission until it's securely supported by the chain hoist and remove the engine support hanger, the engine hanger balance bar, and the 2008 V6 attachment arm.
    Fig 31: Identifying Chain Hoist, Engine Hanger And Transmission Hanger
    G08068672Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  70. Remove the mounting bolts from the upper half of the side engine mount bracket.
    Fig 32: Identifying Mounting Bolts Of Side Engine Mount Bracket
    G08068673Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  71. Remove the upper transmission mount bracket mounting bolts.
    NOTE: Do not remove the bolt (A) from the. upper transmission mount. If the bolt is removed, the upper transmission mount must be replaced as an assembly.

    M/T model 

    Fig 33: Identifying Bracket Mounting Bolts (M/T Model)
    G08068674Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

    A/T model 

    Fig 34: Identifying Bracket Mounting Bolts (A/T Model)
    G08068675Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  72. Check that the engine/transmission is completely free of the vacuum hoses, the fuel hoses, the coolant hoses, and the electrical wiring.
  73. Slowly lower the engine/transmission about 150 mm (6 in). Check once again that all the hoses and the electrical wiring are disconnected and free from the engine/transmission, then lower it all the way and support it.
  74. Disconnect the chain hoist from the engine/transmission.
  75. Raise the vehicle, and remove the engine/transmission from under the vehicle.
scientia non olet · About LEMON Manuals