hi everyone

this is my first post because this is my first problem with my '98 TL 2.5.....just bought it used 3 weeks ago from someone who kept IMMACULATE records of all repairs and inspections. the car is in great shape. but, a week ago, the orange check engine light came on.

i took it to the acura dealer here in nyc today, and they told me that i need two new oxygen sensors, and more expensively, a new exhaust manifold, which is cracked.

grand total? $1996 for everything. i wanted to cry.....is there anything i can do? can i have someone other than the dealer weld it together? buy the parts used? can i let one of these things wait? i need to drive it upstate on wednesday. will the car explode? help. i'm poor!

 

try this out before you decide on buying new parts. http://www.car-part.com/

 

Yah don't get too stressed.


Firstly is your check engine light on? If not your O2 sensors may be fine don't change them until you fix the manifold.

As for the crack in the manifold this is very common in the acura first gen TL's and vigors. I had it in my 96 TL and the part is over $1000 plus labor and the gasket. This really should have been a recall but it hasn't as of yet.

I took out the manifold myself with some help and got my dad to weld it. It is not an easy job. You will metric size 12mm and 14mm socket set and open and closed end wrenches. The manifold is a very tight fit. You will need to take of the the sheilds and some other stuff. If you are not very familiar with cars or do not feel comfortable doing it yourself, ask acura how much the labour would be to remove and reinstall and asks some other reputable shops as well. Make sure you take the O2 sensors off before you take out the manifold. I didn't and had to replace one after fixing the manifold but they are easy to do yourself or can get it done cheap by somebody else. I think Bosch makes on for our car that fits the existing wiring harness.

Next you will need to find someone who is good with welding. This manifold is quite difficult to weld because the metal is very thin and just burns away. My dad welded it very carfully.

We then put the manifold back on and didn't even change the gasket because it seemed pretty in pretty good condition. Torque all the bolts slowly by doing each one equally and in small increments or get it done by a mechanic.

There you have it your car will be fixed and it will sound much nicer with the crack fixed. With the crack it usually sounds like a tractor.

I fixed mine about a year ago and it has worked great ever since and I have had improved fuel economy as well and much smoother and quieter engine.

If you have an questions just post back.

Later,

 

Good information. You are talking about a 2.5L right? My 97 2.5TL has developed a very small exhaust leak (or at least what sounds like one) from under the hood area. The noise goes away slightly after the engine heats up a little. How do I find out if it is cracked? If I remove the heat shields will i be able to see it? Any suggestions?? Thanks!

 

Well it is pretty difficult. Because the crack usually occurs right where the pipes meet the flange which bolts onto th engin block. You can usually take of the sheild and start the engine and keep reving it on and off and try to listen for it or feel it with your hand. You can't do this too long becuase it will get hot quickly. You really should do it in like less than 1 min or even 30 seconds. It gets very hot so be carefull, if you have the automotive stethescope you can use it to see where the sound is coming from, but I am pretty sure it is your exhaust manifold if it is coming from under the hood.

And yes I am talking about the 2.5 TL.

Thanks,

Let me know if you need anything else.

Also, once the manifold is reinstalled, if you check enging light comes on just take out the back up radio fuse for 30 seconds or so and put it back in this should reset everything, if the enging light is still on you will probably need a new O2 sensor(s).

 

:gheywave: DUCT TAPE!!! :gheywave:

since everyone has helped you 113% already, id just thought i'd make a funny...

 

Last year when I had my 100k maintenance on my 96 TL the mechanic (who only works on Honda and Acura) noted that the exhaust manifold was cracked. He told me to take it to the dealorship and that they would take care of it, that he had already sent several people to the dealer for the same problem. I made an appointment and checked with the service guy to make sure that the repair would be free; he said that it was covered under warranty. They even changed the oil for free as well. Make sure you check into that, Good Luck!

 

Federal law requires that dealerships repair/replace an exhaust manifold for FREE due to emissions.

Use that to your favor!

 

I have already used that extended emissions warranty on my TL once.. for the O2 sensor, never thought about the exhaust manifold being an emissions item, but you're right, thats exactly what it is. The warranty is good for 14 years or 150,000 miles, for 96-98 TLs.. Thats what Acura told me. Cant wait to get my free 1000 dollar exhaust manifold installed!!

TLM

 

Is the extended warranty good for 95's also???? I just bought mine and I work at a dealership. I had one of the service guys tear apart the shields and it sounds just like what you are talking about. I would like to get it fixed and need to know more details. PM me if you can help me out. Is there a link to where this extended warranty is outlined I would like it fixed for free

 

Call Acura customer service dude. They will ask for your VIN and tell you what your car qualifies for...

 

I'm covered

 

hi everyone

i still need to call acura, but the dealer told me it was only covered in 96-97 TLs. Mine is a 98, unfortunately, which sucks.

The weird thing is that we haven't noticed a noise at all....possibly it is a small crack? And my check engine light is on....the dealer told me i need new 02 sensors...

However, if I really can claim that it is against the emissions law to NOT replace it....where can i find this information on the web to show the dealer/mechanic so they'll do it for free?

comet.

 

Dunno, but I got my O2 sensors for free along with my exhaust manifold along with spark plugs/wires/oil/filter change. All in a 97 2.5 though. Try out a couple dealerships if you can, one of them may just be blowing shit at you trying to get money, but don't quote me on that.