How-To: Replace the Thermostat on a '07 RDX
 

Happy Friday Acura aficionados!

What better way to spend the weekend then wrenching on your RDX? (okay..I can think of a few hundred better ways) For those of you who aspire to change the thermostat on your ride by yourself then you may prosper from this walk-through :D

Note: Before disconnecting the battery cables make sure you have the anti theft codes for the audio/navigation system

Note: Except when doing electrical inspections, always turn the ignition switch to LOCK (O), ground the SCS line with the Honda Diagnostic Service (HDS) tool to take the PCM out of active status, disconnect the negative cable from the battery, then wait three minutes before starting the repair procedure. The SRS memory is not cleared even if the ignition switch is turned to LOCK (O) or the battery cables are disconnected from the battery

1. Make sure that the ignition switch is in the LOCK (O) position.

2. Disconnect the negative battery cable.

Caution: Always disconnect the negative battery cable first. Always reconnect the positive battery cable first.

3. Disconnect the positive battery cable.

4. Wait at least three minutes after disconnecting the battery cables before starting the repair procedure.

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5. Drain the cooling system. Be sure to properly dispose of used coolant. Then
remove the splash shield.

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6. Disconnect the fan motor connectors and remove the harness clamp. Remove the coolant reservoir from the holder.

7. Remove the clips and the support rod clamp bracket.

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8. Remove the condenser fan shroud assembly, then remove the radiator fan shroud assembly from the condenser fan shroud side.

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9. Remove the lower hose.

10. Remove the thermostat retaining bolts. Remove the thermostat from its mounting.

To install:

1. Installation is the reverse of the removal procedure.

2. Be sure to use a new O-ring.

3. Tighten the retaining bolts to 8.8 ft. lbs. (11.9 Nm).

4. Fill the cooling system with the proper grade and type coolant.

5. Bleed the air from the cooling system with the heater valve open.

6. Loosely install the radiator cap.

7. Start the engine and allow it to reach operating temperature.

8. Turn the engine off. Check the coolant level. Correct as required.

Caution: Removing the radiator cap while the engine is hot can cause the coolant to spray out. Always let the engine and radiator cool before removing the radiator cap

9. Install the radiator cap. Run the engine and check for leaks.

10. Connect the Honda Diagnostic System (HDS) tool to the DLC.

11. Turn the ignition switch ON (II).

12. Select BODY ELECTRICAL on the HDS tool.

13. Select ADJUSTMENT in the GAUGE MENU.

14. Select RESET in the MAINTENANCE MINDER.

15. Select MAINTENANCE SUB ITEM 5 RESET.

**Additional reference material**
RDX Water Pump and Thermostat diagram

You're done! :)