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Last month, the engine of my 2004 Acura TL stopped working. The first thing I did was look for a replacement, and I found a good-condition engine on Facebook, which I installed in my car. I don’t know anything about mechanics or cars—I did this over a weekend with my dad’s help. The problem is that, since I don’t know much about cars, I bought an inferior engine compared to what my car originally had. The engine I’m talking about is a J30A, and now I’m having issues because the VTEC valve is in a different location than the original J32 engine in my Acura TL. What should I do to fix this problem?
Last month, the engine of my 2004 Acura TL stopped working. The first thing I did was look for a replacement, and I found a good-condition engine on Facebook, which I installed in my car. I don’t know anything about mechanics or cars—I did this over a weekend with my dad’s help. The problem is that, since I don’t know much about cars, I bought an inferior engine compared to what my car originally had. The engine I’m talking about is a J30A, and now I’m having issues because the VTEC valve is in a different location than the original J32 engine in my Acura TL. What should I do to fix this problem?
I'm presuming the J30A engine you have is one of those low mile JDM's (Japanese Domestic Market) that are on Acura/Honda replacement engine websites??
the VTEC valve is in a different location than the original J32 engine in my Acura TL
Which part is in a different location on the J32A3 #10 spool valve assembly versus the J30A??
Not meaning to add further 'insult to injury'; however, you would of been better off asking here first (before engine purchase), what other engine than a J32A3 could have been 'swapped' into my Base 2004 TL??
@Brizzy20
I see that you gave a 'thumbsup' to my post above; therefore, it's reasonable to say you at least read & looked the information over at some point?
Do you care to confirm or deny the assertion of a difference between the J32A3 and J30A VTEC valve location, as you mention in your original inquiry, so that others in this community can be aware and/or learn from your findings?
I read your message, and I thank you so much for all your advice. Honestly, I knew nothing about vehicles before, but thanks to this mistake, I’ve learned and taken away a good lesson. I didn’t know forums like this existed or that there were people like you who help others. Thank you very much.
Right now, my engine only has the P2647 error code, which prevents it from revving because it went into safe mode after failing to read the solenoid. I called the person who sold me the engine, and they told me it was an easy fix—just connect the solenoid wire to the VTEC wire, which they claim will trick the ECU into reading oil pressure as if it were correct. Do you know where I can find the car’s wiring diagram?
Have you double checked the body side wire harness, to the solenoid assembly, for breaks / kinks and the male side connector 'pins' to see if any are bent or missing?
What other J32A3 sensors / solenoids did you swap over to the JDM J30A?
Did you swap over the J32A3 throttle body?
Hi Zeta. I'm really sorry, you were one of the only ones who helped me a year ago when I was trying to fix this. I want to tell you that I fixed it by simply bypassing the solenoid wire, and I was able to eliminate the error. Honestly, it's something I wouldn't recommend to anyone. If someone wants to do an engine swap, do it with something more compatible, as Zeta explains above. Swapping a 2004 Acura TL engine for a J30 only has a couple of advantages: - My car now consumes less fuel. - The engine was practically brand new, with less than 30,000 miles, so I hope it will last me a long time. Zeta, thank you again so much for your support.
Hi Zeta. I'm really sorry, you were one of the only ones who helped me a year ago when I was trying to fix this. I want to tell you that I fixed it by simply bypassing the solenoid wire, and I was able to eliminate the error. Honestly, it's something I wouldn't recommend to anyone. If someone wants to do an engine swap, do it with something more compatible, as Zeta explains above. Swapping a 2004 Acura TL engine for a J30 only has a couple of advantages: - My car now consumes less fuel. - The engine was practically brand new, with less than 30,000 miles, so I hope it will last me a long time. Zeta, thank you again so much for your support.
Unfortunately I bought my TL with the same engine as you.. if you don’t mind me asking, how did you bypass it?
swap J30A
