Rondo

Just got back from the shop, they say my spark plug voltage detection module is fried, and sending out false trouble codes. they quoted me about $500 for the part, plus additional labor. basically, it's going to cost me $500 to shut off my Check Engine Light. Unless.....

Anyone got a line of Acura OEM parts? mechanic said the sensor is on the firewall, and shouldn't be too tricky to swap out. unfortunately, the manual posted on the forum doesn't have anything on removing/replacing the unit, so any info on how to swap one out would be appreciated.

TexasHonda

Either you mis-translated your mechanic's diagnosis or he's putting you on. I'm not aware of any spark plug voltage detection units on any cars. There are spark timing sensors.

What was code (Pnnnn) and we may be able to suggest some options.

good luck

KrayzieDxC

go autozone get a free engine check..for that code or go back to them for that code..i bet they will charge you again just for that code

Rondo

There wasn't a Pxxxx code on the report (that I paid $90 for), but this is what it said:
cross referenced that with the service manual and came up with:
so maybe it is sold under another name, I can't find anything on it.

KrayzieDxC

actually i found the "Spark Voltage Detection Module" in the service manual i put up.

its not on the firewall its on the side of the passenger wall


for PCM you can reset it by removing your backup radio 10 fuse in your engine

Rondo

awesome! is this something I should try to get from a salvage yard, or do I need to pay for new OEM?

Also, so I'm clear, the right and left bank referred to in the service report are the right and left groups of cylinders? I see there's a Spark Plug Voltage SENSOR built into the ignition coil assembly, but that wouldn't be that the error code refers to, right?

TexasHonda

I stand corrected. There is a spark plug detection module. Sorry for the bad info.

W/ this many codes, it could be either the spark plug voltage detection module or perhaps spark plugs themselves. Have you ever replaced the spark plugs? If not, suggest replacing all the plugs first, resetting the ECU (pull BackUp fuse for 20 secs), and see if codes come back.

However, all the spark codes are for one bank of V6 (Bank 2?), so perhaps the spark plug detection module is the problem. You might try ebay or car-part.com for a good price on a used part.

BTW, the codes 74-75-76-79 are OBD1 codes which you can extract yourself by shorting the service check connector under the glove box (blue 2-wire connector plugged into a dummy holder). Turn keyswitch to ON, and Check Engine Light will flash the codes; long flash (F) for 10's digit and short flash (f) for units digit w/ short pause (p) between digits. So 74 = FFFFFFF-p-ffff.

good luck

KrayzieDxC

yea, you prob. can go to your local yard to see if they have a tl there, and grab one done dont know how much they will charge but the dealer pirces are more

Rondo

I'm resurrecting this thread b/c I tried a couple different salvaged misfire sensors...Now I'm getting codes P1316, P1317, P1318 and P1319...which lead back to the misfire sensor. there's no chance I got two bad units from the salvage yard, is there? it seems unlikely. The other probable causes according to my half-complete manual are the PCM and a short in the wire-

Anyone have some useful diagnostic tips? I'm going to replace the plugs this weekend anyhow, but any advice would be appreciated.

P.S.- the acura PDF manual that was on here a while back is missing some pages...if anyone can tell me what pages 11-90 thru 11-92 have to say on the issue, well that'd be great.

Go90go

How much was the part?

~Cheers~

Rondo

About $50 + shipping.

KrayzieDxC

its solve your problem?

TexasHonda

The faults indicate the voltage detector or voltage detector circuit has a fault. It is more likely to be damaged wiring or damaged connector, since two faulty units are unlikely. Carefully inspect wiring and connectors of this circuit. You need a wiring diagram to guide you.

good luck

clint999

Either you mis-translated your mechanic's diagnosis or he's putting you on. I'm not aware of any spark plug voltage detection units on any cars. There are spark timing sensors.

What was code (Pnnnn) and we may be able to suggest some options.

good luck

Rondo

I finally got my hands on one.



Clint, there definitely is one. it's located in the back corner of the hood under the passenger side. It's also referred to as a misfire sensor. the car was giving out misfire codes (P1301 thru 1306, P 1201 thru 1206) but the car wasn't misfiring. When I removed the sensor it showed P1316 thru P1319 (Spark Plug Voltage Detection Circuit Malfunction).



I had issues with the salvage yard,they sent me two Ignition Control Modules by accident. The ICM is located on the strut tower and, as you can see above, is virtually identical down the the wiring harnesses it accepts. once I figured out what had happened (by accident-I was changing the spark plugs when I noticed it), I contacted them and they set me up with the right part.

No more trouble codes, car is running like a dream again & I can now focus on fixing the dent in my bumper

meazz1

This is a great piece of information. Good find and really it's helpful now that you have picture of identical two different parts !!!

TexasHonda

That's unfortunate. Two identical modules w/ different functions. An invitation for a mistake. You were fortunate to detect the error.

I would suggest purchasing the TL manual from Helms. It's about $55 and might have saved some grief in this case, although I can't see how you would have known about the identical modules.

regards

ammin123

Looking at this picture the module should be in the same area but it is not. There is nothing that looks like it in that area. However the location of ignition control module shown in the picture, on my car the part reads the same as my replacement part for the spark plug detection module. So is that the part I need to replace. I just don't want to replace the wrong part. Please help ASAP. Thanks

ammin123

Can you send a closer picture of the "spark plug detection module" location? Thanks

KrayzieDxC

if you have a 3.2tl it should be right on the passenger side corner you wont miss it.

Rondo

your post title says "Problem find on 2002 acura rl" - This is the 1st gen TL forum, so not sure if I can be much help. The pics and info here are for a 96-98 3.2 TL. I'd ask around in the 1st gen RL forum to get a diagram of the components and their locations. Good luck.

Phillip Beasley

What is the year/make/model of your car?

I am currently going through the same issues with my 96 rl.

rickb20us

Hi Phillip - sorry for the old thread revival, but did you find a solution to this problem with your '96 RL? I have the same issue with my '99 RL right now.
Best,
Rick