calixbaba

I own a 2006 RL. Twice last week it shut down on me while driving on the freeway! I was able to pull over. The first time I was able to restart it after a couple tries. The second time (shut off after about another 20 mins of driving) it took about 15 mins to start. The electrics were still working.

I took it to a mechanic who had it for three days but found nothing wrong. I had the alternator and battery changed about 7 months ago.

I've read around a bit and have seen a lot of suggestions pointing towards the Main Relay or Main Fuel Relay. COULD THIS BE IT? The posts which i've read were all about other acuras, not second generation RLs. I've also read about the Ignition Switch being the problem.

If anyone is familiar with my situation , could you please help!?. Do you know where to order the part online and maybe the part number, as well as any other info.

Thanks in advance !

sOLLEx

You might check this out:
07-003
Applies To: 2005–06 RL – ALL
2007 RL – From VIN JH4KB1...7C000001 thru JH4KB1...7C001724
Fuel Vapor Lock
SYMPTOM
The engine has an occasional performance problem
during unseasonably warm weather. This condition is
worse at higher altitudes.
PROBABLE CAUSE
High ambient temperatures and/or high altitude causes
fuel vapor lock.
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Replace the fuel pump module. The new fuel pump
module has a recalibrated fuel pump.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

did you buy the car used?

I dont think it's what sOLLEx suggested...
also, i dont think it would be the main fuse relay, cuz if the fuse was blown, i dont think it would start up at all.

let's start with the basics first.
are you sure the battery cables are secure and tight?
any warnings before it shuts down?

oo7spy

It's exactly what sOLLEx suggested. You need a new fuel pump. It's happened a couple of times here before. I am going to guess you live more than 1000 ft above sea level.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

I sit corrected.

calixbaba

We bought the car new in 06. It was driven and resided for the first 95,000 miles in the Bay Area CA ( approx. 250ft) until January 2014, when it was moved to Flagstaff AZ (7000 ft.). Its gone between CA and Flagstaff twice in that time (was in CA for 1 1\2 months between may and June 2014).

Could the fuel pump have failed from the change to a much higher elevation??

Talked to the mechanic today and he said that the cause of it shutting down is most likely the fuel pump failing. He put a fuel pressure gauge on it and drove it around in various conditions, and the readings were fluctuating. He said the main relay and ignition switch are both fine. He also said it's due for a new timing belt, spark plugs, valve adjustment (100,000 mile service).

By the way I am not with the car, the car is with my sister in Arizona, so I can't inspect it myself.

Seems as if the fuel pump is the problem.

Thanks to everyone for your help. After reading this is their any more information you would like? Is there anymore suggestions ?

oo7spy

Nope. This is your answer. The key is altitude and heat. Without either one, you will likely never experience the failure caused by vapor lock. The latest victim here was driving in the Rockies last summer. Nothing has changed with your pump. The altitude didn't "kill it". If you took it back to CA, it would run like a champ. The calibration of your pump is off and needs to be updated to accommodate a rare environment.

velobard

I hope that's not too common for high altitude driving, I'm likely to go over one or two 12k passes soon on our trip.

oo7spy

Does your car meet the date/VIN range?

velobard

Just checked, it looks like our car is after the VIN range for '07. Whew.

BDoggPrelude

If it's not the fuel pump, I would do as Justin suggested and double check the battery terminal connections.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

the high altitude convinced me it was what sollex and ian have suggested.


I have family in flagstaff.
it's high in the mountains.
matter of fact, my grandma's house was at the base of a mountain.


small hick town tho.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

oh shit, didnt even know it was a new poster

Rob144

Do check the battery cables. I had them lose contact in a parking lot and car just sat like a lump on a log. I had to jiggle them to restore power to the car even though they looked connected. See if they move side to side easily, and make sure they aren't easy to lift off.

oo7spy

That's what I told the last guy. Didn't help.

Not saying it's not worth trying; just saying it's a known issue with the fuel pump.

TonyCD

007, you're goooood.

calixbaba

Just to give an update on this ( sorry I know this is ridiculously late ) but it turned out the fuel pump needed to be replaced. since then I haven't had any problems with the car shutting down.

I wish that's where the problems ended with this car however. Just had to have the computer reset to get the rearview mirrors working again. Got some flickering headlights now. Also dealing with some bad PAX tires.

Thanks for all the help when I needed it though fellas.

TonyCD

Flickering headlights are probably the bulbs. Make absolutely sure you don't get counterfeits -- there are very convincing-looking bulbs on a major shopping website, for example, that even come in original-looking packaging but are alleged to be fakes.