Recall - Ignition Switch Replacement

02-014

June 4, 2002

Applies To: See VEHICLES AFFECTED

Safety Recall: Ignition Switch

BACKGROUND

Electrical contacts in the ignition switch can wear prematurely due to high electrical current passing through the switch. Worn out ignition contacts could cause the engine to stall without warning. Although the engine will restart in most cases, a vehicle that stalls while driving increases the risk of a crash.

VEHICLES AFFECTED





Not all vehicles in the VIN ranges are affected. Before beginning work, verify that the vehicle is eligible by checking at least one of the following.

^ The customer has a notification letter.

^ The vehicle is shown on your campaign responsibility report.

^ The vehicle is shown as eligible on a DCS or iN (Interactive Network) VIN Status Inquiry.

CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION





All owners of affected vehicles will be sent a notification of this campaign. An example of the customer notification is at the end of this service bulletin.

CORRECTIVE ACTION

Replace the electrical (ignition) switch.

NOTE:
Reinstalling aftermarket parts (security systems, alarms, audio Systems, etc.) connected to the ignition wiring is not covered under this campaign. If a customer wants a non-Acura part reinstalled, the shop that installed the part (or the customer) must do the work and assume liability. In addition, the customer is responsible for all costs associated with the non-Acura part and its installation. If you have any questions about this, please contact your District Parts and Service Manager.





PARTS INFORMATION





WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION

REPAIR PROCEDURE

^ Use Procedure A on 1997-99 3.0CLs and 1998-99 2.3CLs.

^ Use Procedure B on 1999 3.2TLs.

Procedure A: 1997-99 3.0CLs and 1998-99 2.3CLs

1. Remove the dashboard lower cover and the knee bolster (see page 20-46 of the 1997-99 2.3CL Service Manual).

2. Remove the steering column covers (see page 17-19 of the service manual).





3. Disconnect the 5P connector and the two 7P connectors from the ignition switch body.





4. Remove the steering column holder mounting bolts and nuts. Lower the steering column.





5. Center-punch both shear bolts on the ignition switch body, and drill off each bolt head with a 5 mm (3/16 in.) drill bit. Be careful not to damage the switch body.

6. Remove the shear bolts from the ignition switch body and discard them. Then separate the switch body from the steering column.





7. Remove the screws from the electrical switch, then remove the electrical switch from the ignition switch body. Discard the electrical switch.

8. Install the new electrical switch with the original screws.

9. Hold the ignition switch body up to the steering column, and loosely install the new shear bolts.

10. Insert the key in the ignition switch. Make sure the key turns freely, and the steering column lock works correctly.





11. Tighten the shear bolts until their hex heads twist off.

12. Raise the steering column, and install it with its mounting bolts and nuts. Torque the bolts to 38 N.m (28 lb-ft) and the nuts to 16 N.m (12 lb-ft).

13. Connect the 5P connector and the two 7P connectors.

14. Install the steering column covers, the knee bolster, and the dashboard lower cover.





15. Center-punch a completion mark above the fourth character of the engine compartment VIN.

Procedure B: 1999 3.2TLs

1. Remove the dashboard lower cover (see page 20-65 of the 1999-03 3.2TL Service Manual).

2. Disconnect the ignition switch harness 6P connector from the driver's under-dash fuse/relay box.





3. Remove the steering column covers (see page 17-30 of the service manual).

4. Note how the ignition (electrical) switch harness routes to the fuse box; you'll need to route the new switch harness the same way.

5. Make sure the ignition switch is turned to LOCK (0).





6. Remove the screw from the side of the electrical switch cover.

7. Remove the screws from the electrical switch, then remove and discard the switch and its harness.

8. Install the new electrical switch with the original screws and cover. Route its harness to the fuse box the same way the discarded harness was routed.

9. Connect the 6P connector.

10. Install the steering column covers and the dashboard lower cover.





11. Center-punch a completion mark above the fourth character of the engine compartment VIN.