Zenica

My 1999 Acura 3.2TL shuts down on its own at random. I can be driving 40mph on D4 under load (accelerating) and the engine along with all dashboard instrumentation will turn off. The only thing blinking will be the "Security" indicator in the shape of a key.

I can either pull over or put the gear select in neutral and attempt to restart the engine. 50% of the time, it will start right away, 50% I have to pull over and wait a moment or two.

The car has a DEI Viper alarm with remote start and the primary key used is NOT an OEM key but was cut and programmed by an Acura dealer that sold this aftermarket key and reported having positive feedback on them.

Both the alarm and remote start as well as the key have been on the car for 4 years without incident, I only mention them because they are related to the engine starting.

I have been using an OEM original key but it still does it. The strange thing is the car is my spouses daily driver and has only done this with me driving. Several times with her in the car, sometimes by myself. I drive normally and not hard, this car has 200k on the odometer so "spirited driving" is not
part of its regimen.


Any ideas?

fsttyms1

99s had a ignition switch recall. Have you ever had it done? If not bring it in for it. Even if you have often times the replacement will do the same thing. Sounds like you need a new ignition switch

Zenica

I do recall getting the recall notice but this car has been flawless and troublefree
for all 200k miles that I shrugged the recall off.

Thanks...I'm calling Acura.

Bob_F

Another vote for the ignition switch.

As mentioned above, even the replacements can fail.

My 1999 TL is on its third ignition switch.

fobstylez

iTrader: (3)

lol sounds like an ignition problem. I havent had this issue on my TL but my previous car was a prelude which had the same recall, lemme tell you it was a big PITA. I would be driving and all of the sudden the car will shut off like I turned the key off. Its random, sometimes on the freeway, sometimes in the city, or sometimes at a stop light. At first it wasnt a problem, all I had to do was pop it in Neutral while I was rolling and restart. But after a while, it would take like 10 attempts to restart it, one time I was on the freeway and it took nearly 20 mins to start back up. This was after the recall had already been replaced but after the 20 mins time, I had to bite my tongue and pay to take it to honda, who stated it was the ignition again. But they replaced it. So my advice is to take it in for the recall before it gets worst, very dangercous if it stalls in an intersection. I had a 5spd so I can start it right back up, you cant.

Zenica

I made an appointment for Friday. They offered a loaner car, I am hoping it is
a TSX as I am interested in getting one.

On a side note, will the ignition key be changed? How would/could this impact
the remote start? My guess is that the remote start will not work anymore since
the chip in the old key embedded in the box that allows the car to remote start
won't match the new key's chip. How many keys will they give me, I have 3 keys
of which one is an OEM.

It has died in traffic at 40mph, I just pop the gear select into neutral and restart
the engine, then glide the gear select back to D4. Takes all of 6 or 7 seconds
when it wants to cooperate.

fsttyms1

They will use the same key.

Bob_F

The lock part of the assembly remains the same. The ignition switch is behind that. So your current keys will work fine.

If the switch replacement is not covered under the recall, you can also install it yourself. There's a great "how-to" thread linked in the DIY thread. The part is about $100.

matttc81

My 99 TL started doing the same thing about a year ago, it would lose all power and shut off while driving. I took it to the the dealer and it was fixed for free. They said something was wrong with the ignition switch and the recall covered it.

fobstylez

iTrader: (3)

yea it the ignition assembly, so your key will be the same. Snap pics of the loaner car for the hell of it! maybe its a new TL!

smartypants

Ignition switch for sure and a very well documented problem. Look under the DIY section for instructions and tips. Relatively easy to replace !

smartypants

Zenica

I verified with Honda that I have 3 open recalls, all related to the ignition.
They will resolve them for me on Friday while I have the loaner. With any luck
they don't finish on Friday and I get to keep the loaner for the weekend!

hehe

Zenica

I was given a 2009 TSX, a very sharp car and fun to drive.

More like a 4-door Z

My car is ready for pickup, recall work done at no charge to me.

I took pics of the TSX, I'll upload them later..