Ok...it took me a long time to finally figure out why the SHAWD and Check engine light come on. I have read endless threads and posts online. And everyone is wrong.

When the SHAWD light comes on, it also triggers the check engine light to come on. If you turn off your car, and restart the SHAWD light will go off. However the check engine light stays on. It goes off after about 6 starts, and driving about 20-30 miles. Once the computer recognizes that everything is ok. It turns the light off. If you use a scanner when these lights are on...it gives you the P2263 code. Which is for a turbo boost. This means your turbo was overboosting and triggered the check engine light. Which then turns on the SHAWD light. And puts the car into FWD, instead of AWD. You will notice it driving weird when the SHAWD light is on.

This problem is cause by wear and tear on a round screw piece that is on the end of the turbo actuator. Until today this part cannot be purchased by itself. Therefore when you go to the dealer, they will say you need the turbo replaced. It all comes in one piece, which is a $5000 fix.

Thank god for a great machinist...he has made the part that causes the problem. It is now sold on ebay. There are two posts for this part, one sells it for $39.99, and the other for $59.99.

Do not be cheap and buy the cheaper part...it is not made from the same metal the $59.99 part is made from. And cannot withstand the same heat, it will warp fast and cause the same issue. If you go to ebay and type in the search bar, 2007 Acura RDX, turbo, you will see this part. Order it, and take it to a local mechanic, they will replace it for you. It is about a $200-300 fix.

As the old piece wears out, it becomes out of round. As you press the gas, the turbo cannot give the right amount of boost, therefore it struggles and stays in the red line of the boost. This triggers the lights. If your turbo is working correct and you look at the turbo gauge it will boost, the needle will drop fast. With this piece getting all this wear, it doesnt allow it to boost and drop. I have to admit this machine shop made this part and it is a life saver. No auto parts store sells it. You cant even buy the entire actuator. It all comes in one piece. If your turbo is ok, not making noise or smoking, there is nothing wrong with it. Just replace the piece I mentioned. If you go on UTube, you will see someone replacing this piece themselves.

 

How were the other threads wrong? I just googled “RDX+p2263” and the first thread from acurazine from 2014 eventually mentions the wastegate actuator and shows a picture of how it’s out of shape. This isn’t new, a replacement part has been available to anyone who searched for it. There are many people who have posted about how the turbo variable flow actuator wears down into an oblong shape that can eventually snap open. People on here, Reddit, and YouTube have been aware of this for years and when someone brings up a P2263 code most people who try to help point them to this direction first. Now if you had a detailed D.I.Y that would have been new because I haven’t seen a thorough one yet.

 

Yeah you lost me at "until today...". People have known about this specific issue, and the documented bolt replacement process has been around for quite some time. I did my own over a year ago. But, glad you found what you needed and were able to make the fix without dropping 4 figures into the car.

 

I'll see how it works out, but I just ordered from AliExpress
https://www.aliexpress.com/i/4000620875525.html

 

Since Code P2263 is a well known problem and the turbo actuator isn't available from Acura, I took the gamble and ordered from AliExpress. It came today. I don't have the problem (yet) but for 76 bucks I'm set and won't need to buy a turbo when it comes, yay. It's probably where Mitsubishi buys them from. I know I can get the end alone, but this way I get new diaphragms too for only a few more bucks!

 

Blouche Performance Turbo told me they would modify a turbosmart one for me

 

That's cool if you have an extra turbo to send them or can park your car long enough to get it done.

 

You could also just order a used turbo assembly on e-bay. They will make it like new and add a bigger compressor wheel. You could do a 22t ten blade stainless steel one and have it clipped. While you have the turbo ported and polished out.