Malfunction indicator lamp!
 

My MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP, has been coming on as of lately. I have already put in chevron techron concentrate plus, with 91 chevron gas(only gas I use). I have also made sure the gas cap is closed correctly. It has been doing it for at least a 2 weeks now. It will go away after 3 drives. But today I started my car and I suppose I went to much with the key; meaning cranking too much at the ignition. Once I did this the INDICATOR LAMP came on again. I don't know what could be the problem any info. would be helpful.

thank you,

Kris

Hi,
Either buy an engine analyzer (around $40) or run to Autozone or the like for a free check. They will read the code(s) that cause the light to go on and be able to set you on the path to resolution. Please keep in mind the codes are just clues to the problem and not always the actual issue. An example would be a code for insufficient EGR valve lift. More often the valve is fine but the EGR port(s) in the intake manifold are clogging.
There are hundreds of threads the seafoam treatment -read up.
Good luck.

^ Thanks, I'm located in CA so I don't believe I can get a free check @ Autozone etc...

Ask any friends if they have a reader as well, or the family mechanic. Figure out why the MIL is turning on before trying anything out.

Yep find a friend or a member here with a code scanner or maybe an independent shop can help. We really cant help until we see some codes.

Malfunction as in Check Engine soon light OR Maintenance Required light? If its the CEL light we cant tell you what is wrong unless you have codes.

^ Malfunction as in Check Engine soon light

look in Regions section at top of pages here- so cal has many ziners, more than one of them carries a code reader and are happy to help you out

ck the actual seal on the gas cap, or go ahead and replace it based on age- to eleminate a possible
thats IF the prob occurs imediatly AFTER refueling

otherwise it could be too many things
Do you always stop at first auto shutoff of gas pump? - or do you top off the tank?
dont do that- really bad on other components and will cause codes

car year and miles always helps in posting for assistance
plugs replaced? etc

^ so your suggesting to replace with a new gas cap? I always stop @ auto shutoff of gas pump, never top off. 2000, 156,000, plugs were replaced last summer.

Need codes read. Right now we're just picking straws.

Bought a scanner, 3 codes; p0118, p1676 and p1739

p0118= engine coolant temperature circuit high input

p1676= FPTDR signal failure

p1739= automatic transaxle


need help

Sometimes the 1739 is a random code. Fix the other issues and it goes away.(hopefully)
The other codes are not in my mental library. Must seek higher knowledge.

Google!

Googled.....

Seems like 1676 has to do with the TCS/ABS.

From Acura:
DTC P1676: FPTDR Signal Line Malfunction '99 model TL
Reset the PCM. Start the engine and wait 10 seconds. Is DTC P1676 indicated? YES -Go to step 3. NO -Intermittent failure system is OK at this time.
Check for poor connections or loose wires at the ABS/TCS control unit and the PCM.
Step 3-Turn the ignition switch OFF. Disconnect the PCM connector E (12P) and the ABS/TCS control unit 16P connector. Check for continuity between body gound and PCM connector terminal E1. Is there continuity? YES -Repair short in the wire between the ABS/TCS control unit and the PCM (E1).n NO -Go to step 6.
Check for continuity between ABS/TCS control unit 16P connector terminal No. 1 and PCM connector terminal E1. Reconnect the PCM connector E (12P). Connect PCM connector terminals E1 and C28 with a jumper wire. Reset the PCM.
Start the engine and wait 60 seconds. Is DTC P1678 indicated? YES -Substitute a known-good ABS/TCS control unit and recheck. If the symptom/indication goes away, replace the original ABS/TCS control unit.n NO -Substitute a known-good PCM and recheck. If the symptom/indication goes away, replace the original PCM.n Is there continuity? YES -Go to step 7. NO -Repair open in the wire between the ABS/TCS control unit and the PCM (E1).n

Basically, it's an ABS/TCS control unit failure......

Well, I've viewed the forums here and some have installed a new ignition switch for the p1676 code. In addition, some have installed a new third pressure plate, for p1739 code, still can't find a part # for the third pressure plate or switch or solenoid? As for engine coolant temp. still not sure but pretty much the same, install new sensor yet to find a part # for that code p0118. Any help or advice would be highly appreciated.

interesting my.daily'tl' I took the notion that p1676 had to do with the ignition......

There's a recent list of codes post. Look in there.

Our switch failures symptoms usually are loss of power while driving, hard start. Recalled on 99's. Later models had fewer problems.

Took mine apart and cleaned it. Saved 50 bucks.

DTC P1676: FRAME-TO-POWERTRAIN TORQUE DOWN REQUEST (FPTDR) SIGNAL LINE FAILURE

Basically its sensing an issue with the wiring from the tcm to the trans. Youll need to go through the steps above to find the problem.

Well, I spoke to my certified Acura mechanic and he said I would need a new ignition switch as well new engine coolant temp. sensor. As for the third pressure plate he said that would be a waste of money due too the high mileage of the vehicle. He basically said that I would need a new transmission in the near future.