My 96 3.2 TL (130k miles) fails to stay on. The starter seems fine, it clicks, when i move from II to III, the engine starts and i can rev the engine but as soon i release the key back to II, the engine dies. Can i conclude that the ignition module is what needs to be replaced/fixed?

Also, if it is the ignition module, can that be easily replaced by a novice like me or should i ask for help from a friend who is very experienced with cars? Should i take it to the shop/how much do you estimate it will cost?

 

Almost certainly an ignition key switch fault. Not sure if that's what you meant by ignition module.

Not sure about the 3.2 TL, but 2.5TL looks to be relatively easy. It's same on all Honda products to my knowledge. See following link for typical procedure.

Honda Ignition Switch Replacement

good luck

 

I replaced the electrical half of the ignition switch on my 3.2TL in January. The switch failed so that the only way to keep the engine runnng was to manually hold the ignition switch between II and III. I didn't touch the key portion of the switch, the steering lock or the shear bolts, just removed the cover (6 screws) and then the switch. Also due to close proximity of the air bag Acura recommends disconnecting BOTH battery terminals and waiting 3 minutes before working in this area.

I purchased the switch from an Acura dealer for $40.00, less expensive than Autozone on the web. Private mechanic estimate for the repair was $170.00. Most difficult part was removing the cover and the connectors.

good luck

 

The ignition control is an easy fix because it's relatively easy to access in the engine bay. Your problem is almost guaranteed to be the keyswitch and not the ignition control module.

~Cheers~

 

My switch is failing and I already bought the part.
How do I remove the shear bolts without a drill?
Any help is appreciated.

 

ok so I got the old switch out and replaced it with a new one, Car started right up with no problems I was even able to move the car to a shadier spot in the parking lot. Put the covers back on and tried again.. nothing. The lights in the interior came on to show that I was getting juice. Now I put the key in the ignition and it beeps at me. Then I turn it once, lights still on still beeping, Turn it again and it's like it cuts off juice from the battery, all interior lights go off and nothing happens. I checked the fuses and the battery connection. I just spent my last dime on this new ignition switch( just the blue and white plastic piece not the whole thing) HELP!!! I'm about to pull my hair out, I'm taking a zero in class today for not being able to get there

 

Sorry to hear that. Its quite possible thanewbswitch switch is defective. Where did you buy it from?

 

I bought it from autozone I don't understand what went wrong it started fine .. twice! then I moved the car and now it's like turning the key to the last position turns the car off. Like cuts off all juice from the battery and everything. I thought maybe just maybe something didn't get put back right but surely if there was something not put back right the car wouldn't have started the first 2 times. I'm going to go down there and take off the other panel and check every connection to make sure everything is plugged in right. I swear if I have to ride my bike 5 miles to the autozone again I'm gonna scream.

 

ok I need to dye my hair. it was the battery connectors they were too loose. I couldn't find a socket and tried to tighten them with a regular wrench... apparently that's a blonde thing to do lol. Took it to Walmart and they tightened the connectors for me I'm back on the road! YAY
So apparently I can change an ignition switch but I can't connect a battery LMAO