Acura RL Crankshaft Position Sensor Guide (2005-2012)
Fix stalling and no-start problems by understanding this critical engine sensor in your Acura RL.
- A failing crankshaft sensor is a critical issue that can cause your RL to stall while driving.
- Replacement is a difficult, labor-intensive job; it's not recommended for beginner DIYers.
- Due to high labor costs, choose a high-quality OEM-equivalent brand like Denso or Hitachi to ensure reliability.
- After replacement, a 'CKP pattern relearn' procedure with a scan tool is required for proper function.
Is Your Acura RL Stalling or Not Starting?
A faulty crankshaft position sensor can create serious and unsafe driving conditions. Because it provides the master signal for engine timing, a bad sensor can cause problems ranging from a simple Check Engine Light to the engine shutting off completely while you drive. Understanding the warning signs is the first step to a correct diagnosis and repair.
🎬 Watch: Identifying common V6 crankshaft sensor fault codesChoosing the Right Aftermarket Sensor for Your RL
When a critical sensor like this fails, choosing the right replacement part is important. For the 2005-2012 Acura RL, the quality of the crankshaft position sensor directly impacts engine reliability. While an OEM sensor from Acura is an option, several aftermarket brands offer excellent quality, often from the same companies that supply Honda/Acura directly.
Pro Tip: Stick with OEM Suppliers
For critical electronic sensors on Honda and Acura vehicles, it is highly recommended to use parts from the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or a known OEM supplier. Brands like Denso and Hitachi are often the original suppliers and are known for their reliability and precise fit, ensuring performance that matches the factory part.
Brand Quality Tiers
- Tier 1: OEM-Equivalent Brands. These are your best bet for a reliable, long-lasting repair. They are engineered to meet or exceed the original factory specifications. Because replacing this sensor is labor-intensive, you don't want to have to do it twice.
- Denso: Widely regarded as a top-tier OEM supplier for many Japanese automakers, including Honda/Acura. Choosing Denso is essentially choosing an OEM-quality part.
- Hitachi: Another major OEM supplier for Japanese vehicles. A Hitachi sensor is a trusted choice for reliability and performance.
- NGK: While best known for spark plugs, NGK's sensor line (under the NTK brand) is also highly respected and often has an OEM heritage.
- Tier 2: Quality Aftermarket Brands. These brands are well-established and offer a good balance of quality and price. They are a solid choice if an OEM-equivalent brand is not available.
- Delphi: A global parts manufacturer with a strong reputation for quality electronics.
- Standard Motor Products (Ignition): A long-standing brand in the aftermarket that offers different product lines. Their higher-end lines are generally reliable.
- Beck Arnley: This brand specializes in sourcing parts for import vehicles, often packaging parts from various OEM suppliers.
- Tier 3: Economy Brands. This category includes brands like Global Parts, True Tech, and other less-established names. While the low price is tempting, these sensors can have a higher failure rate. Given the high labor cost to replace this sensor, using a budget part is a significant risk. It could fail prematurely, forcing you to pay for the difficult repair all over again.
A Word of Caution on Labor Costs
Replacing the crankshaft sensor on the Acura RL's J-series V6 engine is a difficult and time-consuming job. The sensor is located behind the timing belt covers and the main crankshaft pulley. The labor can easily cost several hundred dollars. Spending a little more on a quality sensor from Denso or Hitachi is a smart investment to avoid paying for this job a second time.
Cost to Replace Acura RL Crankshaft Position Sensor
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New OEM Sensor | $160 - $435 |
| New Aftermarket Sensor | $40 - $475 |
| Shop Labor | $350 - $600+ |
| Total Estimated Cost (Shop Repair) | $390 - $1075+ |
Note: Costs are estimates and can vary based on your location, the specific brands chosen, and the repair shop's labor rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the crankshaft position sensor located on a 2005-2012 Acura RL?
The sensor is located on the front of the engine, behind the lower timing belt cover. To access it, you must remove the drive belt, the main crankshaft pulley, and the timing belt covers. This makes it a difficult part to reach.
Can I replace this sensor myself?
This is an advanced DIY job. The most difficult step is removing the crankshaft pulley bolt, which is notoriously tight on Honda/Acura engines and often requires special tools and a powerful impact wrench. Due to the complexity, most owners should leave this job to a professional mechanic.
🎬 See this walkthrough of the complex sensor replacement processAre there any recalls for this part on my Acura RL?
There are no specific recalls for the crankshaft position sensor on the 2005-2012 Acura RL. However, some later model Acuras were recalled for issues with the crankshaft itself, which can cause similar symptoms. It is important to have the problem properly diagnosed.
What happens if I don't replace a failing crankshaft sensor?
Ignoring a bad crankshaft sensor can lead to severe consequences, including your engine stalling at high speeds, which is a major safety hazard. It can also lead to a no-start condition, leaving you stranded. Continued misfires and poor engine performance can also damage other components, like the catalytic converter.
Does the new sensor need to be 'relearned'?
Yes, after replacing the crankshaft position sensor, the vehicle's computer needs to perform a CKP (Crankshaft Position) pattern relearn procedure. This requires a compatible diagnostic scan tool. 🎬 Watch: How to perform the required CKP relearn procedure Failure to do this can result in continued running issues or a Check Engine Light, even with the new part.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 37500-RCA-A01 37500-R40-A01 37501-RCA-A01
The sensor is located behind the timing belt cover and crankshaft pulley on the J-series V6 engine. It is a magnetic or Hall-effect type sensor that reads teeth on a reluctor wheel on the crankshaft to determine position and speed.
We Have This Part in Stock
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Acura RL:
- 🎬 Helpful Videos
- 🛍️ Shop This Part
- Is Your Acura RL Stalling or Not Starting?
- Choosing the Right Aftermarket Sensor for Your RL
- Pro Tip: Stick with OEM Suppliers
- Brand Quality Tiers
- A Word of Caution on Labor Costs
- Cost to Replace Acura RL Crankshaft Position Sensor
- Frequently Asked Questions
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