Common First Gen TL Problems
#121
Senior Moderator
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Better Neighborhood, Arizona
Posts: 45,634
Received 2,328 Likes
on
1,308 Posts
Not all 4 cylinders are inline. What do you call the Subaru engines?
They're horizontally opposed, 'flat' or 'boxer' engines.
They're horizontally opposed, 'flat' or 'boxer' engines.
#122
Reppin' the T-Dot!!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Age: 49
Posts: 1,347
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
1 Post
Originally Posted by Cornflake
Spooky, don't take this the wrong way cause I'm not trying to put you down at all honestly, just trying to educate you so that you will sound proper talking about your car. The term "V" when refering to an engine refers to the cylinder layout. Yours is actually an I5 or INLINE 5 V's typically come in 6 and 8 cylinders, with 4 and 5 cylinder car engines being inline (there are also BOXER 4 cylinders where the two banks of two cylinders are horizontally opposed, but there are only a few of those around). Anyways, that's enough of my long windedness. Is that a word?
I see a note in there about Boxer engines.... You don't ???
#123
10th Gear
I've had mine for over a year so far these are the problems I've had or noticed:
STARTER (replaced)
driver side window squeaks (remedied by waxing both sides)
fan stays on (I guess this is normal for the 1st Gen TL)
AC smells (This is a problem for all Honda cars)
Limited Aftermarket parts
STARTER (replaced)
driver side window squeaks (remedied by waxing both sides)
fan stays on (I guess this is normal for the 1st Gen TL)
AC smells (This is a problem for all Honda cars)
Limited Aftermarket parts
#124
Swift 3 B-A-N-G-E-R
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Salinas, CA ~to~ Yuma, AZ
Age: 41
Posts: 4,819
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by spidyos
I've had mine for over a year so far these are the problems I've had or noticed:
STARTER (replaced)
driver side window squeaks (remedied by waxing both sides)
fan stays on (I guess this is normal for the 1st Gen TL)
AC smells (This is a problem for all Honda cars)
Limited Aftermarket parts
STARTER (replaced)
driver side window squeaks (remedied by waxing both sides)
fan stays on (I guess this is normal for the 1st Gen TL)
AC smells (This is a problem for all Honda cars)
Limited Aftermarket parts
A lot of 1st Gen TL's have the starter problem... what is the first symptom of a starter problem...??? because my starter might be going out... sometimes it locks up and won't let me turn the car on w/o moving the shifter a bit sometimes... or the key, i'll leave it a bit out so it can turn the starter... if i put the key all the way in... she won't start... Just a quick question...
#125
Senior Moderator
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Better Neighborhood, Arizona
Posts: 45,634
Received 2,328 Likes
on
1,308 Posts
Originally Posted by Cornflake
I see a note in there about Boxer engines.... You don't ???
#126
Senior Moderator
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Better Neighborhood, Arizona
Posts: 45,634
Received 2,328 Likes
on
1,308 Posts
Originally Posted by spooky3ce
A lot of 1st Gen TL's have the starter problem... what is the first symptom of a starter problem...??? because my starter might be going out... sometimes it locks up and won't let me turn the car on w/o moving the shifter a bit sometimes... or the key, i'll leave it a bit out so it can turn the starter... if i put the key all the way in... she won't start... Just a quick question...
The bad starter is when it makes a loud "click" and then absolutely nothing. Basically, the starter contacts have lost their copper and are hammering away uselessly.
#127
TL no more!
Originally Posted by Ken1997TL
Not all 4 cylinders are inline. What do you call the Subaru engines?
They're horizontally opposed, 'flat' or 'boxer' engines.
They're horizontally opposed, 'flat' or 'boxer' engines.
#129
10th Gear
Originally Posted by spooky3ce
A lot of 1st Gen TL's have the starter problem... what is the first symptom of a starter problem...??? because my starter might be going out... sometimes it locks up and won't let me turn the car on w/o moving the shifter a bit sometimes... or the key, i'll leave it a bit out so it can turn the starter... if i put the key all the way in... she won't start... Just a quick question...
#130
My car alarm is acting up also...once this month, twice last month, while at work....I don't lock my car at work; but the alarm went off maybe 5 or 10 minutes after I walked away; I thought it would go off by itself after 30 seconds, but it didn't. I used the remote to shut it of (unlock / lock), and put the key in the driver's door another time...luckily it doesn't appear to randomly go off when the car is locked....
Otherwise, the normal D4 light (replaced with D1; as mentioned, this should be fixed because it is used as a transmisson warning light);
I have 112,000 on the original timing belt, getting ready to replace the belt / water pump (I had 134,000 on the 94 Legend 3.2 before changing the belt, just for info);
Window wind noise, fan remains on when warm after turning off the car (I guess others see the same thing);
Transmission is smooth, 20-22 mpg all times (80 mph tirps with ac, city driving, etc)
CD player is POS (bought 3 units from e-bay to get one that works reasonably well, just to keep original look, but ready to switch to after market unit)
1997 3.2 premium, green, 112,000
Otherwise, the normal D4 light (replaced with D1; as mentioned, this should be fixed because it is used as a transmisson warning light);
I have 112,000 on the original timing belt, getting ready to replace the belt / water pump (I had 134,000 on the 94 Legend 3.2 before changing the belt, just for info);
Window wind noise, fan remains on when warm after turning off the car (I guess others see the same thing);
Transmission is smooth, 20-22 mpg all times (80 mph tirps with ac, city driving, etc)
CD player is POS (bought 3 units from e-bay to get one that works reasonably well, just to keep original look, but ready to switch to after market unit)
1997 3.2 premium, green, 112,000
#131
2007 6SMT Type-S
Originally Posted by zimzamman
My car alarm is acting up also...once this month, twice last month, while at work....I don't lock my car at work; but the alarm went off maybe 5 or 10 minutes after I walked away; I thought it would go off by itself after 30 seconds, but it didn't. I used the remote to shut it of (unlock / lock), and put the key in the driver's door another time...luckily it doesn't appear to randomly go off when the car is locked....
Otherwise, the normal D4 light (replaced with D1; as mentioned, this should be fixed because it is used as a transmisson warning light);
I have 112,000 on the original timing belt, getting ready to replace the belt / water pump (I had 134,000 on the 94 Legend 3.2 before changing the belt, just for info);
Window wind noise, fan remains on when warm after turning off the car (I guess others see the same thing);
Transmission is smooth, 20-22 mpg all times (80 mph tirps with ac, city driving, etc)
CD player is POS (bought 3 units from e-bay to get one that works reasonably well, just to keep original look, but ready to switch to after market unit)
1997 3.2 premium, green, 112,000
Otherwise, the normal D4 light (replaced with D1; as mentioned, this should be fixed because it is used as a transmisson warning light);
I have 112,000 on the original timing belt, getting ready to replace the belt / water pump (I had 134,000 on the 94 Legend 3.2 before changing the belt, just for info);
Window wind noise, fan remains on when warm after turning off the car (I guess others see the same thing);
Transmission is smooth, 20-22 mpg all times (80 mph tirps with ac, city driving, etc)
CD player is POS (bought 3 units from e-bay to get one that works reasonably well, just to keep original look, but ready to switch to after market unit)
1997 3.2 premium, green, 112,000
If you want to keep the stock look, but want a better CD player, look on ebay for a '00-'03 stereo. They fit just the same, but read CDs better than ours. I had the same issue, wanted to stay stock, but gave the head unit to my brother-in-law (for his '89 Legend) and bought a tight Eclipse deck. Obvioulsy not stock, but looks smooth none the less...Doesn't look all retro teenagerish.
I don't know about the new '04 TL's or any other model for that matter. Haven't been over to the local dealer to stroke them yet.
#132
B A N N E D
here we go heh
d4 light burnt out
struts blown
chrome peeling off door lock
spring in both passanger side door handles
cd player just ejects cd as soon as you put it in
starter went out
transmission went out
exhaust rusted off
windows whistle from air
keyless entry goes off occasionally when you unlock the doors
trunk leaks massively for no reason
windows go out of track when you close doors sometimes
steering wheel leather wore down
o2 sensor went bad
passanger tweeter blown
beater status. hehe
d4 light burnt out
struts blown
chrome peeling off door lock
spring in both passanger side door handles
cd player just ejects cd as soon as you put it in
starter went out
transmission went out
exhaust rusted off
windows whistle from air
keyless entry goes off occasionally when you unlock the doors
trunk leaks massively for no reason
windows go out of track when you close doors sometimes
steering wheel leather wore down
o2 sensor went bad
passanger tweeter blown
beater status. hehe
#133
2007 6SMT Type-S
Originally Posted by Colt45
here we go heh
d4 light burnt out
struts blown
chrome peeling off door lock
spring in both passanger side door handles
cd player just ejects cd as soon as you put it in
starter went out
transmission went out
exhaust rusted off
windows whistle from air
keyless entry goes off occasionally when you unlock the doors
trunk leaks massively for no reason
windows go out of track when you close doors sometimes
steering wheel leather wore down
o2 sensor went bad
passanger tweeter blown
beater status. hehe
d4 light burnt out
struts blown
chrome peeling off door lock
spring in both passanger side door handles
cd player just ejects cd as soon as you put it in
starter went out
transmission went out
exhaust rusted off
windows whistle from air
keyless entry goes off occasionally when you unlock the doors
trunk leaks massively for no reason
windows go out of track when you close doors sometimes
steering wheel leather wore down
o2 sensor went bad
passanger tweeter blown
beater status. hehe
#134
Swift 3 B-A-N-G-E-R
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Salinas, CA ~to~ Yuma, AZ
Age: 41
Posts: 4,819
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Continued...
I'd like to add to my list...
20. C/V Boots... they saw that one of them were blown/torn when installing my new 18x7.5's and there was grease all over my stock rim and the wheel well... so instead of letting it be and have to change the bearings on my "axel"... just re-grease the suckers and get new boots...lol...
21. Broke fuel gauge (note: my fault) lol... bought new one for $89.83... will take pics of install... including glow gauges...
22. Because of problem #21 my speedometer and tach/RPM Gauge aren't working... maybe not making correct contact... temp. gauge is working perfectly...
I'll add more as they come... lol... or until 2.5 TL RIP... ... ***knocks on wood***
20. C/V Boots... they saw that one of them were blown/torn when installing my new 18x7.5's and there was grease all over my stock rim and the wheel well... so instead of letting it be and have to change the bearings on my "axel"... just re-grease the suckers and get new boots...lol...
21. Broke fuel gauge (note: my fault) lol... bought new one for $89.83... will take pics of install... including glow gauges...
22. Because of problem #21 my speedometer and tach/RPM Gauge aren't working... maybe not making correct contact... temp. gauge is working perfectly...
I'll add more as they come... lol... or until 2.5 TL RIP... ... ***knocks on wood***
#136
Registered Driver
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Bristol, Rhode Island
Age: 37
Posts: 2,493
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
nick, the check engine light is prolly on for a reason, should have the codes pulled somewhere and see what is up.
the windows i hear you can grease the tracks, havn't tried yet, going to this week hopefully
the cds, does it not play them at all, or just picky? I know mine won't play burnt CDs, and on regular CDs it has problems selecting different tracks.
the windows i hear you can grease the tracks, havn't tried yet, going to this week hopefully
the cds, does it not play them at all, or just picky? I know mine won't play burnt CDs, and on regular CDs it has problems selecting different tracks.
#139
TL no more!
Originally Posted by UnsanePyro
the cds, does it not play them at all, or just picky? I know mine won't play burnt CDs, and on regular CDs it has problems selecting different tracks.
#142
Registered Driver
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Bristol, Rhode Island
Age: 37
Posts: 2,493
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
What do you mean day lights? The yellow fog lights? They only come on if you turn the button on and your headlights are on.
And the high beam light in the instrument cluster?
And the high beam light in the instrument cluster?
#144
Originally Posted by UnsanePyro
What do you mean day lights? The yellow fog lights? They only come on if you turn the button on and your headlights are on.
And the high beam light in the instrument cluster?
And the high beam light in the instrument cluster?
Day lights in Canada we have day lights witch means when the car is started they automatically come on and the
high beam light in instrument cluster is not working
#145
Originally Posted by PA TL
Cruise control will not stay engage. Brake switch was replaced but problem persists. If control module were to be replaced, Module is CAD$500 or US$350.
However, just hit a deer last night so the insurance company may write the car off.
#146
Originally Posted by AApero
Day lights in Canada we have day lights witch means when the car is started they automatically come on and the
high beam light in instrument cluster is not working
high beam light in instrument cluster is not working
However, the high beam bulb may be linked to this indicator on the instrument cluster.
I do not know.
#147
Signing off from the 1st Gen forum forever as the insurance company has written off my car (after collision with a deer).
Thank you for everyone's assistance.
However, I will see you in the 3rd Gen forum instead.
Thank you for everyone's assistance.
However, I will see you in the 3rd Gen forum instead.
#148
Senior Moderator
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Better Neighborhood, Arizona
Posts: 45,634
Received 2,328 Likes
on
1,308 Posts
Originally Posted by PA TL
Signing off from the 1st Gen forum forever as the insurance company has written off my car (after collision with a deer).
Thank you for everyone's assistance.
However, I will see you in the 3rd Gen forum instead.
Thank you for everyone's assistance.
However, I will see you in the 3rd Gen forum instead.
Enjoy the TL (reborn)
#151
Senior Moderator
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Better Neighborhood, Arizona
Posts: 45,634
Received 2,328 Likes
on
1,308 Posts
Originally Posted by Lillybear
How do i change my oxygen sensor? on 97 3.2 tl?
#152
10th Gear
was it shifting real hard from 1st to 2nd? and the tranny flush definately fixed it?? i just bought mine ('96 3.2) and have had all the same problems...
-starter (replaced the starter silanoid and fixed it)
-wind noise
-D4 lights out
-slow windows
-the latch on the cup holder cover broke
-hard shifting
also, should i be driving in D3 OR D4????
-starter (replaced the starter silanoid and fixed it)
-wind noise
-D4 lights out
-slow windows
-the latch on the cup holder cover broke
-hard shifting
also, should i be driving in D3 OR D4????
#153
Slow front windows
Squeel from Driver's window when raised.
Starter replaced
CD Player not working
ECU replaced by Acura under special emissions waranty
I think that I'm going to be replacing the rear struts soon.
Starting to get wind noise from the front windows.
I get about 23-24 mileage with both high speed highway and regular road driving.
Squeel from Driver's window when raised.
Starter replaced
CD Player not working
ECU replaced by Acura under special emissions waranty
I think that I'm going to be replacing the rear struts soon.
Starting to get wind noise from the front windows.
I get about 23-24 mileage with both high speed highway and regular road driving.
#154
Registered Driver
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Bristol, Rhode Island
Age: 37
Posts: 2,493
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
Originally Posted by delicate483
was it shifting real hard from 1st to 2nd? and the tranny flush definately fixed it?? i just bought mine ('96 3.2) and have had all the same problems...
-starter (replaced the starter silanoid and fixed it)
-wind noise
-D4 lights out
-slow windows
-the latch on the cup holder cover broke
-hard shifting
also, should i be driving in D3 OR D4????
-starter (replaced the starter silanoid and fixed it)
-wind noise
-D4 lights out
-slow windows
-the latch on the cup holder cover broke
-hard shifting
also, should i be driving in D3 OR D4????
#155
2nd Gear
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Dallas, TX
Age: 49
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Trouble with AC Control Unit
My 97 3.2 has most of the same common problems. The newest one is my A/C Control Unit has gone out. A/C & Heat work great, but the display is gone! Dealer wants arm & leg to replace the entire unit! Found a couple locally, but not sure if they work. Anyone else with info on this? Greatly appreciated!
#156
Reppin' the T-Dot!!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Age: 49
Posts: 1,347
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
1 Post
Originally Posted by L8R-TL
My 97 3.2 has most of the same common problems. The newest one is my A/C Control Unit has gone out. A/C & Heat work great, but the display is gone! Dealer wants arm & leg to replace the entire unit! Found a couple locally, but not sure if they work. Anyone else with info on this? Greatly appreciated!
#157
Senior Moderator
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Better Neighborhood, Arizona
Posts: 45,634
Received 2,328 Likes
on
1,308 Posts
Yeah, its an easy swap.
#158
1998 2.5TL
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Malden, MA
Age: 46
Posts: 175
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Bought my 98 2.5TL at 84,000miles (current mileage 98,500)
Problems:
1) D4 light out
2) An A/C relay went out...had it replaced.
3) Trunk leaks
4) Radiator Fan motor went bad....fan was vibrating real bad - got the motor replaced
5) Radiator was leaking from the top...wasn't bad enough to have it replaced...but did so coz the coolant was spraying around at high speeds (Got a pretty good deal from RadiatorBarn).
6) Heater blower/fan takes a few minutes to come on sometimes
7) The emergency brake light tends to stay on even if the brake is not engaged (This typically happens on really cold winter mornings...and goes away once the car warms up).
8) Suspect an exhaust leak...not sure on this (coz it's not loud...just a wee bit loud to get me suspicious)...just hoping it's not a cracked manifold.
9) Get about 21-22mpg (city/hwy)
Maintenance done so far:
Changed the Valve cover gasket, spark plugs, fuel filter, air filter. Had the Transmission fluid changed.
Will have my timing belt, water pump, tensioner and drive belts changed soon.
Does anyone know what is the recommended interval to change the fuel filter?
This is my first Acura...and it's converted me to the Acura camp! TL's are the way to go!
Thanks!!!
Problems:
1) D4 light out
2) An A/C relay went out...had it replaced.
3) Trunk leaks
4) Radiator Fan motor went bad....fan was vibrating real bad - got the motor replaced
5) Radiator was leaking from the top...wasn't bad enough to have it replaced...but did so coz the coolant was spraying around at high speeds (Got a pretty good deal from RadiatorBarn).
6) Heater blower/fan takes a few minutes to come on sometimes
7) The emergency brake light tends to stay on even if the brake is not engaged (This typically happens on really cold winter mornings...and goes away once the car warms up).
8) Suspect an exhaust leak...not sure on this (coz it's not loud...just a wee bit loud to get me suspicious)...just hoping it's not a cracked manifold.
9) Get about 21-22mpg (city/hwy)
Maintenance done so far:
Changed the Valve cover gasket, spark plugs, fuel filter, air filter. Had the Transmission fluid changed.
Will have my timing belt, water pump, tensioner and drive belts changed soon.
Does anyone know what is the recommended interval to change the fuel filter?
This is my first Acura...and it's converted me to the Acura camp! TL's are the way to go!
Thanks!!!
#159
'96 2.5 tL prem
door lox freeze up
door lox operate independant of human touch(poltergeist?)
slo..oo.ow windows
squeaky windows
D4 light!
1st. to 2nd shift (i'm waiting...)
cd player skips when driving over large bugs in road
need to attend MIT to figure out heater/ac controls(ac, on, off full auto, half manual...wha the ...?)
door lox freeze up
door lox operate independant of human touch(poltergeist?)
slo..oo.ow windows
squeaky windows
D4 light!
1st. to 2nd shift (i'm waiting...)
cd player skips when driving over large bugs in road
need to attend MIT to figure out heater/ac controls(ac, on, off full auto, half manual...wha the ...?)
#160
crankshaft pulley prob
has anyone had a problem with
the harmonic balancer(crankshaft pulley)
mine crapped out and started a screeching
sound and wobbled almost completely off,
taking all accessory belts with it.
watch for it, repair cost can climb into the
the stratosphere.
the harmonic balancer(crankshaft pulley)
mine crapped out and started a screeching
sound and wobbled almost completely off,
taking all accessory belts with it.
watch for it, repair cost can climb into the
the stratosphere.