Second Generation Acura Legend FAQ and DIY
From Acura-Legend Wiki
| Revision as of 16:57, 13 March 2007 (edit) S4gunn (Talk | contribs) (→Performance/Misc Frequently Asked Questions) ← Previous diff |
Revision as of 16:57, 13 March 2007 (edit) S4gunn (Talk | contribs) (→Steering/Transmission/Transaxle/Differential) Next diff → |
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| Q: Can I convert my AT transmission to a manual?<BR> | Q: Can I convert my AT transmission to a manual?<BR> | ||
| A: Yes, but it's gonna cost money. You are more than likely better off selling your AT Legend and purchasing a 5-speed or 6-speed. If you insist on throwing money away, see the [[Second_Generation_Acura_Legend_FAQ_and_DIY#Do_it_Yourself_Modifications_and_Upgrades|DIY Modifications and Upgrades Section]] for the Install Procedure.<BR> | A: Yes, but it's gonna cost money. You are more than likely better off selling your AT Legend and purchasing a 5-speed or 6-speed. If you insist on throwing money away, see the [[Second_Generation_Acura_Legend_FAQ_and_DIY#Do_it_Yourself_Modifications_and_Upgrades|DIY Modifications and Upgrades Section]] for the Install Procedure.<BR> | ||
| + | <BR> | ||
| + | Q: Are there any differences between the auto and manual differential?<BR> | ||
| + | A: Yes.<BR> | ||
| + | <DD>[https://www.acura-legend.com/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=833127&postcount=164 a-l.com]<BR> | ||
| <BR> | <BR> | ||
Revision as of 16:57, 13 March 2007
Contents |
Frequently Asked Questions, Common Problems, and Suggested Fixes
This section specifically covers common problems you may encounter with the Legend and suggested solutions. Basically, if you don't know WHY something is happening with your car, look here. Once you have identified the problem, please refer to the DIY section for detailed procedures on how to fix these problems.
To date, here are the data sources that have been folded into this section so far:
Body/Exterior
Clogged windshield wiper nozzle (aka washer fluid squirter)
Slow Window Rollup
A: Lubrication
Rear window does not roll up or down
Sunroof Rattling or Moonroof rattling
Trunk Lid Spring Adjustment
Q: I have water in my trunk or moisture in my tail lights
A: Replace the tail light gasket. Recommendation: Spend 28c vs $15 by cutting your own out of craft foam. It's the same stuff and costs much less!
Brakes
Q: Why is my ABS Light On?
a-l.com thread
Real vs Knockoff Brembo Rotor Identification
Electrical
Q: My Defroster is not working
Q: My Steering wheel mounted controls (horn, cruise control, and/or radio buttons) have stopped working.
A: Replace your clockspring / Cable reel.
Q: How do I hook up my IPOD or other MP3 player to my factory Bose Stereo?
Suggested Options: a-l.com thread
Q: Why does my car not start or abruptly dies?
A: If you car doesn't start when its hot or has been left alone for a while (overnight) but starts up and runs great the second time without any problems, check your main relay. The main relay controls your fuel pump and the solder joints within the relay wear out over time. This is a common Honda problem.
Q: Why is my speedometer not working or erratic?
A: Replace your vehicle speed sensor.
Q: Where can I buy Bose Speakers & what part numbers do I need to order?
A: Buy them directly from Bose
Engine/Emissions/Exhaust
Q: My car idles low or has a problem maintaining idle.
A: Clean your Throttle Body & Intake Air Control Valve (IACV).
Q: Why do I have an fluctuating idle or erratic idle or fluctuating idle when hot
A: Low coolant in radiator (due to leak), air in the cooling system, vacuum leak, or BHG
Q: Stripped Oil Pan Bolt or Leaking Oil Pan Bolt
Q: What is the Mystery Plastic Gunk on front of Oil Pan underneath the timing belt cover?
A: The Crank Angle Sensor "Potting" (sealing) material is melting off. This doesn't affect the performance of the vehicle
so you can safely ignore it.
Q: What engine swaps are possible?
A: In theory, if you have the time (and money), just about any engine swap is possible, just most will require extensive bodywork, engine bay work, pain, and suffering, so again unless you have money burning a hole in your pocket, most swaps with other Honda/Acura engines should not be attempted. On the other hand, there are a few exceptions to what can be swapped and what cannot be installed.
Remember, the Legend's engine is a 6 cylinder, and these heavy bodies need hp and torque...not really much point in trying to throw in a 4 banger from an Integra or Civic...unless your heart is really set on it and your pockets are burning your thighs. Finally, just about anything CAN be accomplished if you have the money, boredom, and time.
~All Possible~
- [USDM Type I -> USDM Type II]: Can be swapped easily with no custom mounts or anything...just drops right in (works with Type I ECU, but works noticibly better with Type II ECU swapped also){also works vice versa}
- [USDM Type I -> JDM Type I/II]: Same as above, just drops right in, nothing custom about it. {also works vice versa}
- [USDM Type I -> EDM Type I/II]: Same as above, still nothing fancy. {also works vice versa}
- [Type I heads -> Type II heads/intake manifold]: Possible with a few modifications, this would turn your Type I into a Type II...its just alot easier to do a complete swap than to modify all this.
- [Legend Type I -> 96-98 TL/Inspire]: Totally possible, since the TLs from these years shared the same C32A Type I that the Legend used from 91-95.
~NOT Possible without serious money/time~
- [Legend -> 96-03 3.5 RL/Legend]: Possible with money, and has already been done by member 'DV8' (do a search).
- [Legend C32 -> NSX C32]: Requires SERIOUS money, since this C32 engine is wider than the Legends C32, and would require the rest of the car to be completely modified to accomodate this engine. The intake manifold isnt swappable from the NSX either.
- [Legend -> 99-04 TL/Inspire]: Completely different engines...Legend uses the C block which is laterally mounted, TL/Inspire's use the J block which is completely sideways (transversely mounted).
- [Legend -> 96-03 CL]: Same as above, the CL uses the J block also.
ENGINE REBUILD WRITE UP (includes info on Copper Headgaskets)
Q: What kind of oil should I use in my car? Should I consider switching to synthetic?
A:
Engine Cooling & Climate Control
Q: Help! My engine overheated! What do I do?
A: Review the Overheating checklist. If you need help, please post in the Cooling issues thread. DO NOT START A NEW THREAD! Rest assured, people DO read this thread and your question will get answered.
Q: Coolant Smell in Cabin. Where's it coming from?
A: Check your heater core.
Q: Intermittent A/C Operation (sometimes blows cold air)?
A: Replace the Fan Control Unit (FCU). This box decides when to engage your A/C compressor and your radiator fans.
Noisy Climate Control Temperature Sensor Fan (for cars with Automatic Climate Control only)
Q: Do I need a single or dual outlet water pump?
A: It appears that a dual outlet water pump is only required if you car has an oil cooler
a-l.com thread
List of Possible Places to Develop a Coolant Leak
Lukewarm (or no) heat from my climate control system
Suggested Fixes: a-l.com thread
Interior
Ashtray Suck Open
Rattling Rear Deck
Sagging Sun Visors
Possible Solution: two different possible causes - one includes pics
Steering/Transmission/Transaxle/Differential
Q: My AT automatic transmission shifter is stuck!
A: Follow the diagnostic procedure
Q: Can I convert my AT transmission to a manual?
A: Yes, but it's gonna cost money. You are more than likely better off selling your AT Legend and purchasing a 5-speed or 6-speed. If you insist on throwing money away, see the DIY Modifications and Upgrades Section for the Install Procedure.
Q: Are there any differences between the auto and manual differential?
A: Yes.
Suspension & Tires
Q: Will XXX wheel/rim fit my Legend?
A: It all depends on the offset, center bore size, and clearance underneath your fenders. Unless you are trying to fit Legend-specific rims, you will likely need to have the centers bored out to 70.2mm. In addition, your fenders may need to be rolled (expanded) if you are trying to fit larger rims.
Q: What offset do I need to avoid rubbing with aftermarket wheels?
A: The Offset of a wheel is the distance from its hub mounting surface to the centerline of the wheel. The offset can be one of three types:
|
Zero Offset: The hub mounting surface is even with the centerline of the wheel. |
|
Offset Required for the Legend: To avoid rubbing, you need to make sure the wheels you get are the following: MINIMUM of +42 offset. +45 and above is higher (This is on a 7.5" wide wheel.) If you go wider than that, you need the offset to be closer to +51, like Fut (18 x 8, +51 offset). Stock offset for the Legend is +65....most aftermarket wheels are in the low 40's to high 30's. Note: Sedans have smaller wheelwells than coupes, so stick with a 215/40 to 225/40 size tire. |
Wheel, Tire, and Offset Recommendations
Q: Where can I buy XXX wheel/rim?
Q: Where can I find a shop to have my wheels/rims bored out?
A: Instead of finding a machine shop, try contacting one of the larger wheel & tire shops in your
area to see if they have an in-house lathe. The W&T shops with in-house lathes are likely willing to do the job for cheaper.
Summary of All Available OEM Wheels
Note: All Factory wheels are 6.5” wide, +65 offset
Performance/Misc Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is premium gasoline necessary?
A: No, but your gas mileage (MPG) will suffer so cost per mile-wise, it will be a wash.
Legend Recommended Maintenance Schedule
Q: Can I fit an NSX Engine in my Legend? The engine code is similar.
A: No, the NSX engine is completely different and only shares the oil filter. It's physically wider and won't fit without cutting into the frame rails. It may be possible with $15K-20K but why bother. Please stop asking.
Q: Can I make my Legend RWD?
A: No. You might as well put an NSX engine into this car.
Q: What's the difference between the redline and my rev limit?
Q: What body kits are available for the Legend?
Q: What options were available from the factory for the Legend?
Q: What is VIS and how does it work?
Q: Is it possible to convert a Type 1 Legend into a Type 2 Legend?
A: Yes but it may not be cost effective to do a complete conversion (Calipers, ECU, engine, fuel pressure regulator). The most cost effective conversion would be to just replace the Type-I intake manifold with a Type 2 intake manifold, re-use the Type-2's FPR, and then re-flashing your ECU. If you insist on spending more cash, you would get more "bang for the buck" by undergoing a 3.2L to 3.5L engine swap. Please refer to the Engine Section of the FAQ for more details.
Q: How are the fueling systems (ECU/FPR) different between a Type 1 and a Type 2 engine? A: The fuel maps in the ECU are leaner for the Type 2 (vs the Type 1) because a Type 2 uses a higher pressure fuel pressure regulator. This may account for the sluggish performance some users have found when using a Type 2 engine with a Type 1 ECU.
Q: How much HP does my Legend have now or would it have with XXX modification?
Q: Where can I get more "serious" internal engine work done?
Note: This thread dates back from 2002 so this information might not be up to date.
Q: What do I need to buy to lower my Legend?
Q: Are Headers available for the Legend?
A: Yes. DV8 had custom headers made for his 3.5L powered Legend, OBX headers are commonly available at an affordable price via eBay (among other sources) but require the O2 sensor wires be lengthened, and Stromung is coming out with headers as of 03/01/07.
Q: Can I turbocharge my Legend?
A: Sure. It's still custom work now and engine management is still an issue. Homebrew ECU tuning has grown a lot in the last year so this last hiccup may be addressed shortly. After that, it will just be about money.
Q: What engines can I swap into my Legend?
A: See the engine section above for details.
Q: What aftermarket ECU chips are available for my Legend?
A: For years, Bayou and Dinan (relabeled Bayou) were the only aftermarket ECUs available. In the past year though, ECU homebrew development has come to the Legend thanks to users like "Beav". If you are interested in upgrading your ECU, you can now choose between obtaining one of the default "mild" tunes made available by other enthusiasts or downloading the toolchain required to do a full custom tune specific to your vehicle. Since the toolchain is designed to operate similarly to the map editors available for other Honda engines, any competent shop with can tune your vehicle with an hour or so of dyno time.
Note: One should realistically expect no more than a 10% HP gain from an aftermarket ECU chip with a naturally aspirated engine.
Q: Is a limited slip differential (LSD) available for the Legend? A:
Do it Yourself Repairs
This section contains all the links to relevant sections of Acura-Legend.com which contain REPAIR procedures for your Legend. Basically, if you know what you want to fix yet don't know how to do it yet, look here. Eventually (hopefully), folks will port that information back INTO the Wiki directly. Please put all the retrofit and modification links in the other DIY section.
Body/Exterior
Coupe Rear Window (LegendTuner.com)
Door Handle Removal
Rust Removal DIY - cb7tuner.com thread for 90-92 Accord but same procedure applies
Sqeaks and Rattles (LegendTuner.com)
Trunk Lock Replacement / Re-keying the Trunk Lock
Brakes
ABS Code Retrieval (with Pics)
Brake Pad Replacement
Brake Disc Replacement (LegendTuner.com DIY)
Brake Caliper Removal / Upgrading Brake Calipers
Brake Caliper Restoration / Rebuilding
Brake Master Cylinder Replacement
Electrical
Electrical and Fluid Maintenance
Bose Amp Repair (LegendTuner.com)
Bose Stereo and Amp Removal (LegendTuner.com)
Stereo Head Unit Removal (LegendTuner.com)
Clock Spring / Cable Reel Replacement
ECU and Fan Control Unit (FCU) Removal
ECU Codes and how to retrieve them
Gear Selector Bulb (LegendTuner.com)
Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) Replacement
Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) Reconditioning
Main Relay Replacement & Reconditioning
Window Switch Bulb Replacement
Engine/Emissions/Exhaust
Cleaning the Throttle Body & Intake Air Control Valve (IACV)
Crank (Cam) Angle Sensor - Reconditioning/Repotting with non-metallic Epoxy - one user in the first thread reports no probs with this DIY after 20K mi)
EGR Valve and Pipe Removal and Cleaning
Fuel Filter Replacement
Oxygen Sensor Replacement / O2 Sensor Replacement
PCV Valve Replacement
Engine Cooling & Climate Control
A/C System Recharge (LegendTuner.com)
Blower Unit (motor) Replacement
Cabin Air Filter Removal
Note: You can cut down a HEPA filter from Home Depot vs. Buying the $30 Acura filter. It will work better and be much cheaper.
Replacing Water By-Pass In Pipe O-Rings and Manifold Removal
Radiator Replacement
Thermostat Removal and Replacement
Interior
Glove Box Removal (Legendtuner.com DIY)
Center Console/Dash Removal
Cupholder Repair (LegendTuner.com)
Lower Dash Panel Removal (for alarm install or main relay replacement)
Seat Belt Repair (LegendTuner.com)
Sedan Door Panel (LegendTuner.com)
Steering/Transmission/Transaxle/Differential
ATF Strainer/Filter Removal and Replacement
AT Transmission Flush Procedure (4x)
Differential Fluid Change
Differential Pinion Seal Replacement - in linked MSWord Doc
Steering Wheel Removal- pics are no longer avail
Steering Wheel Shimmy (LegendTuner.com)
Suspension & Tires
Do it Yourself Modifications and Upgrades
This section contains all the links to relevant sections of Acura-Legend.com which contain performance upgrade procedures for your Legend. Eventually (hopefully), folks will port that information back INTO the Wiki directly. All the JDM retrofit crap belongs here.
Body/Exterior
Bumper Light Fog Mod (LegendTuner.com)
Clear Bumper Signals (LegendTuner.com)
Clear Corner Signals (LegendTuner.com)
Custom Clear/Red Coupe Taillights
Decals. Yes Decals (LegendTuner.com DIY)
Exterior Neon (LegendTuner.com)
JDM Honda Access Legend KA7 window visor kit (LegendTuner.com)
OEM Nose mask Kit (LegendTuner.com)
Sidemarker Installation
Strobe Lights (LegendTuner.com DIY
Sunroof Tilt Modification / Moonroof Tilt Modification
Brakes
Brake Caliper Removal / Upgrading Brake Calipers
Painting your Brake Calipers
Electrical
9005 to 9006 Headlight Conversion
This conversion allows you to use the brighter "highbeam" bulbs in your existing lowbeam sockets. Why? Ask the ricers.
CD Changer Install (LegendTuner.com DIY)
GPS Install (LegendTuner.com DIY)
Integrating a Garage Door Opener
JDM One Piece Headlight Wiring
Run your OEM Foglights during the day
Projector Headlight Conversion
Clear Lens Headlight Modification
Engine/Emissions/Exhaust
3.2L to 3.5L RL Engine Conversion DIY
Cold Air Intake
Porting Heads, Polishing Heads, and Cylinder Block Preperation
Type 1 to Type 2 Intake Manifold Replacement
Engine Cooling & Climate Control
HOWTO Bleed Air from the Coolant System
Electrical
Foglight Button Wiring Information
IPOD/AUX interface installation on a factory Bose Stereo
Use an Alpine M-Bus CD Changer with the pre-wired cable
Setup Remote Start with Tilt Steering
Grounding Kit (LegendTuner.com)
Venom 400 Nitrous Install (LegendTuner.com)
Halogen Upgrade (LegendTuenr.com DIY)
JDM Headlight Wiring Instructions for USDM Legends
Subwoofer Install(LegendTuner.com)
Theft Deterrent System Install(LegendTuner.com)
Video System Install (LegendTuner.com)
Interior
Fire Extinguisher Install (LegendTuner.com)
Gentex Auto-Dimming Mirror Install (see pg 2)
Noise Dampening(LegendTuner.com)
LED Accessory Lights (LegendTuner.com DIY)
Power Passenger's Seat Install
Steering/Transmission/Transaxle/Differential
Automatic Transmission to 6-Speed Manual Transmission SWAP
Transmission & Motor Mount Repair/Upgrade
Suspension & Tires
ADDCO Sway Bar shoulder bolt (for install)
Tie BAR Installation
