bondeagle

3.2 TL 1998

1 slow windows, all windows squeek when opening/closing
2 windows rattle when I have it half way
3 20 mpg
__________________
MODS:
clear front bumper
hids
hyperwhite lights on emergency, standby, side doors, maplights
chrome rims
chrome exhaust tips

TLBaller

bondeagle: according to your #2, thats what happens when you buy a frameless door window. i hate that so much. what i do to avoid making it any worse is if i have my window down...it going all the way down or all the way up. NEVER slam your door shut while the window is half down.

unx979

got the same problem that most of you guys are having.

1. passenger side actuator is messed up (causing the weird locking)
2. D4 light went out, swapped it out with the D1 light
3. Dash rattles a bit (maybe cause i played around with the car a little too much)
4. windows go up waaaay too slowly.
5. get only 260miles per fill up which translates to something around 17-18 mpg.
6. the empty light went out on me....didn't know it until i was stuck on the freeway w/o any gas....grrr
7. car's feeling sluggish right now but i'm due for a 75000 maintinance in about 200 miles.
8. front right suspension squeeks, but i think that's cause the people who did my cambers didin't grease the gaskets.
9. scratched windows.

other than those things the car's awesome!

dan jacobsen

1. Very slow driver's side front window. Found a pc of rubber messed up on front window mirror; had to replace mirror.
2. Starter had to be replaced at something like 90k mi; was disappointing.
3. Here's the biggie--transmission just failed at 150k, some kind of catastrophic failure w/out warning.

ELA.TL

1. Overheated 1 time which was due to radiator crack - replaced with aftermarket for 350 including labor at 70k
2. ALL windows are too darn slow two front windows all scratched
3. Back passenger window the wire inside is somewhat broken, causing my window to not always go up or down when i push the button
4. Shifts kinda hard, which other people have told me could be a tranny problem.


I think that is it for now.. if i get some more ill post it

wackjum

1. Front bumper turn lens get broken by rogue rocks (twice, and always on driver side)
2. Driver's side power mirror loses position with hard door slam
3. Slow 02 sensor (will probably have to replace soon)
4. D4 light works when it wants to (so it isn't burnt out...)
5. Rear bumper/body plastic piece is pulling away from the rest of the car.

I haven't gotten the scratched windows thing, and I have tinting. But now I'm concerned. Just wondering where the scratches come from. Inside the door?

96_2.5TL: I had a trunk rattle. Maybe a different problem, but mine was from the license plate frame hitting the little license plate holder pegs. I glued some rubber pads to there and it fixed it.


'98 3.2

xanddar

Here are my issues:
1. Tranny replaced at 52K
2. Slow passenger window
2. Burnt out D4 light
3. Engine Light (intake manifold and gasket replaced) no charge
4. Inner CV joint boot replaced
5. Burnt out reverse light
6. Occasional disgusting door lock noise; door locks keep clicking on their own while driving.

CreoleHustla

96' 2.5 tl

1: CD Player plays CD's when it feels like it (Bought a Pioneer HU)
2: Crazy noise when doors are unlocked.
3: Driver Door sensor over sensitive, if i lean on the door lightly, all the lights in the door activate.
4: Fan makes crazy noise when i deccelerate and sometimes when I shut the car off.

sonnyd

'96 TL 3.2, 70K

a) D4 light burnt out.
b) Slow windows..Drivers side squeeky
c) Radio doesn't play some burned CD's.
d) Rear bumper/body plastic is out of alignment.
e) Keyless entry remote weak around heavy electrical interference.
f) Moisture in the tail lights.

erick999

I have this problems:
Slow windows

D4 light burnt out
windows kinda loud rollin up and down
door handels feel weak

does anyone know how to fix the D4 burnt out light?

brucebeardmore

i'm new to the list, but have had my 96 3.2 for three years. (wifey got the minivan, dumped the TL to me)

Same problems:
1. headlights/foglights constantly burning out.
2. CEL has been on pretty much since we bought the car.
3. CD player decided it didn't like playing CDs anymore (will be replacing with aftermarket this week

other problems:
1. gas peddle feels sticky
2. could the suspension in this car be any looser?
3. black paint rubbed off wipers

and here's the kicker...has anyone else had trouble getting the wheels off?! we had two seperate occasions where we had flats and had to call a tow truck because no matter how hard we beat the crap outta that wheel (yes, lugnuts off) we couldn't get the wheel to come off!

OK, Great list of problems...now who's gonna take the top five/ten and post a list of solutions?!?!?

AC_DADDY

well as a whole
i feel the TL is an overall great vehicle
so what minor shit that we are bitching about on here.
thats nothing. like the Type-s cars that were dumping like 3-4 transmissions a week
i love my acura and plan on keeping it for awhile

Cornflake

I have to agree Ac-Daddy, except that it is a real pain in the ass having your door buzz at you like it's gonna shoot the locking mechanism through the metal right at you when you unlock it, and Waiting at the drive through in -25 degree celsius for your damned window to roll back up !! haha... but in all honesty, I do agree, these are realtively minor problems, and my car has been great. I would kill for a 6sp stick though....

AC_DADDY

see though, i have only the slow window prob. so i have to rack on more miles i guess

97ak

God... i dont know where to start...
97 2.5tl now @ 191K , lol and it still has ummph!

1) Exhaust manifold is craked.
2) Exhast o2 sensor is bad, need replasment.
3) Exhaust makes a weird rattling noise.
ummm.....
4) Oh yeah! My motor blower went out and it cost me $1000 to replace and fix. They had to take out the whole dashboard. Stupid Engineers... I know i wont make a mistake like that.
5) D4 & D3 were burnt out. fixed em
6) Locks dont bother me.
7) Windows are tacky. The gets nosiey on the highway from all that wind. Also another stupid engineer concept, its becuase our doors dont have the entire frame work so the windows arent perfectly sealed. i was thinking that if we buy the jdm windows wind deflector... that might help us get ride of the noise.
8) CD player never worked... always said it was dirty...??? I installed a Pioneer sound system instead.
ummm.....
9) Yea tranny is a little sluggish too. i havent tried a flush yet.
10) I havent realized about the windows sctratching, but they are kinda slow.
11) The sound sys. makes the rear dashboard and trunk rattle like crazy. Its driving me crazy. I know its from the powerful sys. I have to do somthing about it.
Thats all that i can think of right now but damn....
Oh yeah i only get like 21 mpg

WavyGravy

96 2.5 TL, all of the same.

=]Shinoshi[=

You know, now that I think of it, my D4 light has come back on. It's been like years with it off, and now poof... Weird.

scottosan

Hey guys, new owner here. I just bought a 98 TL and I'm curious if you can let me in on what the D4 light is that everyone talks about and how can I tel if its burnt out?


Thanks

emmilou

Ignition problems. Takes several attempts to get the engine to turn over. Battery is brand new.

dan jacobsen

Starter failed at ~90k miles. Replaced it.
Slow window, then it got stuck. A piece of rubber had failed in the external rearview mirror. Replaced rearview mirror.
CEL came on due to failed O2 sensor at ~80k miles.
CEL came on due to low EGR flow @~140k miles. Cleaned out EGR passages.
Tranny failed at 150k miles. Had it rebuilt.

alphason'sac

1996 2.5TL Premium 152,000 miles.

The old girl still runs like a champ, but here's my list:

1. slow & scratched front windows (surprised?)
2. habitual CEL illuminating (O2 sensor replacement fixed, some other thing under warranty)
3. radio plays cd's when it feels like it
4. D4 light went out when I first bought it 4 years ago at 54,000 miles
5. back window motors went out when I first bought it too (both fixed under warranty)
6. replaced starter about 2 years ago
7. Heater doesn't blow hot unless my foot is on the gas.
8. I replace front brake pads like no one's business
9. had wheel bearings replaced to stop this whirring noise coming from the rear of the car.
10. transmission was shifting roughly, had a flush that fixed it.

All in all, the AC has been really good to me. It's really agreat car. I understand that cars break down, and the Ac doesn't do that very often.

SRK85

Yeah same here for my 3.2 tl

1. D4 Light burned out
2. My window's wheel thingy brook so the window would mess up and go up on the outside. I got it fixed at the dealership.
3. My emergency brake lights up when emergency break is off. I got this fixed too.

jaimelynn1

My starter just started giving me problems. (several attempts before it starts) It will act up for a day or two, then no problem for a few weeks. Then it will act up again. Anyone else with this problem that knows what is going on?
Other Probs:
-D4 Light
-CEL came on 2 days ago
-slow windows that rattle and squeak
-poor seals around windows
-Alarm goes off for no reason
- Keyless entry only works when it wants to (but never when it is raining, or when my hands or full)
-starter
-CD Player says CD PEO (whatever that means)
One last question, what are some of the signs that your tranny is about to go?

Boarder.97.TL

It's the Drive 4 light in the middle of your guages. Park, Reverse, all the other one's work fine in my car too, except for the D4, the one I'm always in. lol

MARANELLO

anybody know where i could find a radiator for my 97 2.5tl? my coolant has started leaking on the radiator...

thanks

papivo

I've had my TL for 2 years now 57K

- OEM Head unit replaced 2X under warr. After period of time CD no longer plays. POS.
- Check Engine light seems to go on even if you pass gas to close to the car LOL.
- D4 replaced and working fine now KNOCK.
- Taillight seal had to be replaced.
- Slowwww windows.

Other than that I really cannot complain about this car. I plan on keeping it for some time unless a good deal on an RL appears.

palric

I had this problem too. Took the car to Acura and had the starter rebuilt. Problem went away.

RP.

CreoleHustla

Exhaust Manifold cracked
O2 sensor went out.

Both were replaced by Acura, both were under warranty.

I suggest all you tlers go to an Acura dealership to get an oil change, then they will find a bunch of stuff wrong with your car and fix some of them for free.

jaimelynn1

palric,
I actually took it to the dealer. At first, they wanted to charge me 82$ just too look at it. (I laughed and said no way) When they did look at it they said they couldn't find anything wrong with it.

tlw

'98 TL 2.5 with 68,000 miles

1.) Gas mileage - although I do get the advertised mpg (20) so I shouldn't bitch...

2.) Wind noise around driver's window at highway speeds (50+ mph)

3.) Leather seat cracks - the material doesn't seem to be too thick.

That's about it - I have never had a breakdown (knocking on wood firnly) and I have replaced only a couple light bulbs, the battery, air filter, tires, and other various wear parts. I hope to keep this thing for a while.

tlw

It should come on briefly when you first start your car, along with the other warning lights.

TLW

Rumble

When you guys replaced your starters at about 90k miles, did you notice that the car would start sporadically and noticed that the starter was dying? Or did you wait until the car would not start anymore at all when you did this?

If the starter is dead, can you still jump start the car?

How much did you guys pay to have your starters replaced with labor included and where?

My car the last two days has taken a few times to start up... Not a few cranks, I have to try to start it a couple times before it goes. The electrical system starts up fine everytime its just the engine is sporadic. The people that say their starter is goofy or off sometimes, did you bother replacing yours or does it just still have occasional problems? I'm wondering about the urgency of this matter.

Johnnysks

97 3.2 TL

1) Slow front windows (fixed with tips from this forum )
2) Really bad fuel consumption (is it the car or do I have bad O2 sensor? and how do I find out? Dealer diagnostic? Another $90?)
3) Powered driver seat will not move forward anymore (actually, half the adjusment for that seat is dead, just happened within the week).
4) When viewed from the back, the car tilts to the right ..... I think I should ask a mechanic about that one.
5) Really slow throttle respond. Is this typical of this car? I would floor it on the highway, and the throttle wouldn't open up for another 1 to 2 second.
6) Spontaneous relocking of the door (comes and goes)
7) Weird buzzing sound from the interior of the car after a drive (mechanic fixed that when my parents had the car).

Cornflake

I did mine before it completely died to avoid the tow, cause once the starter goes, boosting it won't help.

DoUbLe0

a weird noise from the engine once and a while like a loud vibrating sound any one know what it that is??

dan jacobsen

Sporadic problems; replaced the starter prior to total failure. It is my wife's car, so I cannot afford for it not to start.

PA TL

I am new to the forum. Found it by accident. Here is my list of repair/troubles.
1996 3.2 TL with 174700 km (108550 miles for the US reader). I owned the car from new.

Replaced the master brake cylinder (under warranty - made metal clicking sound when the brake pedal was pumped).
Replaced driver seat under carriage was squeaky (under warranty)
Scratched driver and passenger side front windows
Slow windows
Replaced D4 transmission light. (quite easily to get to once you figure out where the hidden screws are located - to remove the instrument cluster front panel)
Replaced passenger side rear marker light bulb
Replaced driver side brake light
Dash CD will not play some burnt CDs
Open the trunk and the car alarm system went off twice (2 times in 7 years so I guess it is not bad - reason unknown).
Replaced valve cover gasket at 130000 km or 81200 miles
Replaced differential pinion seal at 162000 km or 101000 miles (4 hours job to replace a $10-20 parts).
Driver side heated seat bottom cushion failed (dealer want CAD$1000 or US$500 for the parts - come in one piece with the leather).
Cigarette lighter socket just died
Cruise control will not stay engage. Brake switch was replaced but problem persists. If control module were to be replaced, Module is CAD$500 or US$350.
Gas milage 17-18 US miles/USG for cold winter stop and go traffic, and 25-28 US miles/USG for summer highway 100-110 km/hr driving. On my car, the gas milage seems to improve when the A/C is on and I am travelling at 100-110 km/hr.

Despite all these issues, I still like my car (lots of power and yes I have that 1-2 seconds downshift delay before full acceleration).

Does anyone know how to fix the cigeratte lighter socket issue? I cannot find the fuse for that from the manual.

Or, suggestion for the cruise control will also be welcome.

spooky3ce

New to the forum but not to the site... got my bumper single lights here... anyways...

1998 Acura 2.5 TL with 170,000 miles...
Listed from Major to Minor:

1. Replaced all breaks from the drums to the disks and pads. Front left break was making a squeeky noise and it was a little peice of metal that needs to go there that broke in half. About $700 and a week w/o my car for the parts to arrive. (I don't know what caused it... wear i think)

2. Intake gasket cracked (fixed within the week)

3. Exhaust manifold gasket/o ring cracked (still working on it)

4. Air Conditioning Idler, bearings fried (Fixed within the week) Recomend you all check it if you like to have the AC on a lot. Check it anyways because it still spins even without the AC on...

5. Stock HU CD player wouldn't play CD's and would scratch them when they came out. (Replaced with crapy $80 Aiwa)

6. Crapy $80 Aiwa blew out my stock speakers in my doors and the 6X9's in the back. Tweets still ok. (Crapy $80 Aiwa volume level went to 80 which was the cause of blow out...lol)

7. Passenger window doesn't close correctly and its loose... loud air noise when driving freeway speeds. (Caused when they broke into my car to take my 1st aftermarket stereo out. Crapy $80 Aiwa... Replaced with second Crapy Insurance Pioneer that burned out 6 months later when Circuit City installed it... Changed it to a cheap Alpine then replaced it with a Blaupunk with more features. Have had the Blaupunk Orlando ever since.)

8. Passenger door lock doesn't lock anymore (see reason to 7th problem)

9. The button that tells the car that the door is closed to my rear passenger side door went out...(Nothing duct tape didn't cure...lol)

10. AC Smells like someone pissed in it. (Might have been me when out drinking... i don't remember but living with it and a lot of car freshner thingys...

11. D4 light went out (never noticed it ever being on... but living with it and will never replace because it looks ok)

12. Steering wheel, Seats, and Acura Stock Floor mats are all worn out. (Traveling to much every year from Sac, CA to Yuma, AZ even to Santa Fe, New Mex. where i got my 83 Coupe DeVille, also all over Texas.

13. Front Bumper cracked down the middle (Stupid guy in a Mits. hit it, his ended up towed)

14. Rear Bumper Paint is scratched (Stupid lady hit and ran, left me her info on my window though, still under my mothers name so she got the money and the paint is still the same, looking into a new paint job.)

15. Minor un-noticable parking dent and from college when friends would sit on the hood and the metal was still hot dents. (Will be fixed when it gets new paint)

16. Trunk and everything in the rear of the car is loose (due to the 1400 watt rms 2800 wats peak system installed)

17. Bulb to the right side tail light when you reverse went out/broke in my tail light... nothing a little vacuuming wouldn't fix. (Due to to much vibration. See reason 16)

18. Wires are begining to look kinda worn out. (Heat from engine, will replace sometime betweet the next 30,000 miles most likely when it hits 200,000)

19. I didn't want to kill my original Acura stock battery so i installed a yellow top Optima and stored the stock battery. (Changed for no reason, just didn't want to kill the battery)


Thats about it so far for my TL and i'm keeping it until death do us part since its under my name now...

youngTL

-dealer replaced D4 light free
-chrome 'wrap' coming off driver door handle...fixed with superglue
-outer C/V boots cracked. Replaced.
-cd player is arbitrary, only plays cd's burned on good burners at 1x, 2x, and (with the Plextor drive) 12x
-passenger side front tire deflates faster than others, about twice the rate
-hole in crappy mitsu power steering belt, need to fix still
-average fuel eco city, very good on highway however
-when revved high (~6000-6800 RPM), oil depletes quickly...getting synthetic for higher flash point properties soon
-slow passenger side window
-rear passenger side window squeaks JUST at the closing point

hdhaliwal2002

Hi,

I had the same problem. My brake lights were working but not my cruise control. It is because the cruise control is much more sensitive to the switch.

Fix:

adjust brake light switch so that the threads are just touching the brake pedal lever. In other words, when the brake pedal is in its highest position, the pin for the switch should be all the way in and only the threads visible.

You will only need a 14 mm wrench to adjust and a flashlight. When done make sure to check that your brake lights turn on when the brakes are engaged.

Tell me how it goes,

Hopefully it works, should only take 5 min.