Hey All,
Have a 96 RL that I did some engine work to. Re-installed the engine harness and hooked it up incorrectly. Let the smoke out of the ECM and corrected the connections. received a used ECM and now have a crank no start issue. There is fuel and compresion but no spark. The immobilizer light does not come on when cranking but only after key is off. It flashes 5 times then goes out. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

The flashing of the immobilizer light five times is normal when shutting the car off. The only fix I have heard from the RL the community for the "crank but no start" issue has been the replacing of the PGM-FI relay.

 

The main relay has been tested and replaced. Getting gas but no spark.

 

Have you pulled the spark plugs to confirm no spark?

https://www.oemacuraparts.com/v-1996...n-coil-igniter


I'm not familiar with the older RL's but could it be an issue with this igniter unit ?

 

I currently have the coil out and the spark plug attached at the #4 cylinder and no spark. The ignition control module ohm’s out ok and it along with the spark detection control module have been swapped out.

 

I am going to get a blank key cut and see if my immobilizer code will work. Not sure what else to try.

 

I had a blank key cut to the vehicle. Without the transponder key, there is no crank and the immobilizer icon blinks. So, not an immobilizer issue.

 

Have you checked the crank angle sensor? You said you had done some engine work, is it possible you have an issue with the timing belt?

 

The timing is on and the CKP/CYP ohms out good. I have battery voltage at the BLK/YEL wire at the #4 coil. But nothing at the WHT/BLU or BLK wires when cranking.

 

Just tested 2 of the coils and found open in coils from power BLK/YEL to BLK (spark voltage detection module) and open from WHT/BLU to BLK (spark voltage detection module). Going to get coils and test again.

 

Ok all, traced signal wires for all coils to the ECM and no ignition pulse to the coils. Checked my starter signal and P/N switch signal, both are good. I would condemn the ECM but have tried several with no change. What else tells the ECM to fire the coils?

I’m very frustrated. Thanks.

 

You said you received a "used" ECM and installed it, where did you get the replacement ECM? Was from a from another 96 RL? Was if from an aftermarket vendor that reprogrammed it for plug and play? I may be wrong but from what I read online the ECM is not "plug and play" but must be reprogrammed for your specific vehicle. It gets confusing researching this problem when it seems like ECM/ECU/PCM all seem to be interchangeable labels when discussing this issue online. I believe your no-start issue lies with the ECM (or PCM?) you are using. I have a link below that show the immobilizer system and the components involved in starting the vehicle. It shows the signal going to the PCM (ECM?) when starting. I believe the ECM (PCM?) is programmed to recognize the signal from the immobilizers control unit which enables it to start the car. I believe that replacing your ECM (PCM?) that hasn't been reprogrammed for your specific vehicle is the issue. I can't really think of any other reason for it not starting considering the exhaustive troubleshooting you have done on this problem. I hope this is of some help, and I haven't confused you even worse than where your at right now.

https://honda.oemdtc.com/237/informa...-1996-acura-rl

 

2000RL,
I took your advice and used my cut (non-transponder) key and used the emergency starting procedure for my VIN. It did not work after several attempts. One one attempt, I got the immobilizer icon to stay on solid after the key was turned off, but never 5 flashes. I am wondering if I get and ECM and immobilizer combo from a junkyard if it will work? Perhaps I need the brake code from the VIN that my replacement ECM is out of?

 

Minmar4life,
The Acura's ECM's are are VIN specific to the vehicle they are installed in and can't be swapped around. Below is a link for a vendor who can "reprogram" your ECM to work with the specific VIN number of your car. This link is just one of many places that perform this type of service so if you don't like their prices you can Google other business for a better price. At least you can call them an explain your situation and maybe they can resolve your problem, good luck!

https://moduleexperts.com/modules/acura-ecu-repair/

 

Hey again all,
i had my RL taken to the local dealership to have the ECM written with my VIN. They programmed all the keys and say that the ECM has my VIN in it, but it still will not start. How do I accurately check for signal to the coils from my ECM? And if I don’t have spark but a crank, what could be the issue?

 

200RL,
After the car returned from the dealership, the engine started and died. Found that the signal from the ECM to the 2nd fuel pump relay was flakey. So, after the dealership programmed the ECM, the vehicle started. Just dealing with some minor issues now but wanted to let everyone know what the final outcome was. Thanks for all the help.

 

So glad to hear you have been able to get your car started and it looks like your may finally get all the other issues resolved too. You are to be commended for sticking with what had to be a "very" frustrating situation and getting it resolved! They don't really build them like the RL anymore!

My 2000 RL