Kazkadaz

Hey guys and gals, having a problem I'm unable to solve, I had driver my car to the store, as I was driving there the gas light had come on, when I came out of the store the car wouldn't start, it would just crank, thinking I had run it too low on gas I walked to the gas station, got 2 gallons of gas and put it in the car, still the car would just crank, I had the car towed back, I had read that it could be the fuel pump relay, I replaced that and it still won't start, I can hear the pump turned on (little whining noise) but still nothing, I checked for codes and there is no codes, any other suggestions? Any help is appreciated it

MrMoAcuraPar

No codes would be present. If you can hear the pump prime and there is fuel in the tank, I would suspect a clogged filter or injectors. Run a fuel pressure test and use a nod light to verify the injectors are pulsing, and if that all checks out, it could be an ignition problem or a bad sensor, either crankshaft or camshaft sensor, as those are used to fire the coils and subsequently the spark plugs.

Always use the K.I.S.S. method and you'll find the answer eventually

3.2TLc

Possibly something with the '99 TL's ignition switch problems ???
Was the fuel gauge below the "E" when the light came on ?

fsttyms1

Do you see a green key light flashing on the dash while trying to start the car?

01tl4tl

the ignition switch is number 1 suspect on sudden no start on a 99
many have to replace switch back/electrical part 3 or more times in cars life!!
start there as 50 dollar fix..wiggle key -much weight on keyring?
see the diy links for pics -
its the 4th line down the main list- where you are now- just look at top of list for OFFICIAL GEN2 DIY
the 2 threads contains all the links by type of work

the possible bad news- if its the timing belt broken = engine toast!
has tbelt and water pump been replaced- hopefully a few years ago!

note: low fuel light comes on a 3 gal remaining- approx. 2.5 useable/50+ miles to find gas,
no damage was done by running it to the low light- I do that every week as do many ziners- that's what the light is for!
hope its that ign switch!

ECRD

Whats mileage?

Its your Main Relay under the dash. Replace it and your good to go.

01tl4tl

E - it will crank but no start with main relay prob?
is that related to the solder issue under relay box/hosuing?

TLZINE99

It can be as simple as low battery charge or starter.

Kazkadaz

Sorry I'm just getting back to you all

I tried looking for a fuel filter but none of my local auto parts carry one, would that cause it to not start when I had just driven it and it was running perfectly fine?

The gas gauge was just about the E, when the light came on, which is about how it always comes on

I'll have to look for that green key light tomorrow, if it does flash does that mean the ignition key can be the problem? I'll have to do some reading on that

I only carry 3 other keys and the remote for the car on the keychain, would that be enough to mess it up?

The timing belt and water pump where replace in about 2011 when the car had about 150,000 it now has 185,000 miles, is there a way to tell if it was the timing belt with out taking it apart?

I already replaced the fuel pump relay, and it didn't help, it keeps doing the same thing

Battery was replaced about 1 year ago, it's the original starter but I've had it tested before and it's fine

I really hope it's the ignition switch too! I wouldn't be able to afford and engine right now

Thank you everyone for your input! I will fallow all the leads you guys have given me and will let you guys know, if any more ideas come on please send them my way, I appreciate everyone help

01tl4tl

if the tbelt was done right with all new tensioners then its probably fine
the inspection holes are small and no big deal to access view-
if the belt is broken you will be able to tell thru viewer

we don't have a replaceable fuel filter- its a sock over the pickup in fuel tank
The low light gives you plenty of time/miles - you did nothing wrong and caused no problem from that

It sounds like ign switch back- ck the diy and pop yours out- melting plastic-fire type damage is a bad sign, well good sign for diagnostic purposes
The green light on dash means the car recognizes that key as the cars owner and allows system to operate,,not blinking means a prob in that system

01tl4tl

have we ckd for actual spark at plug?

Kazkadaz

I took the little plastic caps on the timing cover, the ones on top, had the wife crank it and the cam gears spin, which I'm guessing the timing belt is fine, and not broken

When I was cranking the car, I notice that the green key symbol wouldn't light up, or blink

Thank you for all your imput

Kazkadaz

How would I be able to do that?

Thank you

01tl4tl

by removing a front spark plug and cranking engine- if it gets spark its probably not the ign switch
BUT
Its sounding more and more like the ign switch is allowing cranking but not working in the run position or is not sending spark to start
Its a 99 right? 99% chance its a repeat failure of the switch- replaced once under recall then on the owner to deal with

ck with acura 1 800 382 2238x5 ask if all recalls- especially the ignition switch were taken care of, Need cars VIN to register as owner there
Wouldn't that be funny to find an original one at this age~!

MrMoAcuraPar

As i stated in another post, my '99 is on its 3rd oem ignition switch, just seems to be the nature of the beast.

The diy section has an awesome thread about it, first time I changed mine I used that diy thread and was able to do it in 10 minutes, in the beginning of a thunderstorm. Just disconnect the battery first, ignition switch lives in airbag wiring territory

01tl4tl

VERY GOOD ADVICE there! airbags are intended to save lives-
but can also end them quite unexpectedly

maybe next time get an aftermarket part = instead of that same pos the dealer gets to sell you 3 or more times!