If the car is idling there is a periodic whining sound, maybe every 2 minutes or so. It sounds as though its coming from the rear. Any thoughts?

Also - if the passenger side lock isn't working with the key fob, is that an easy fix?

 

If your power lock doesn't work chances are your door lock actuator stopped working. These are pretty common to fail in these cars. The replacement part is cheap.

https://acurazine.com/forums/1g-tsx-problems-fixes-128/diy-how-replace-front-power-lock-actuator-690275/

https://acurazine.com/forums/1g-tsx-problems-fixes-128/%5Bvideo%5D-how-replace-door-lock-actuator-2005-acura-tsx-848273/

 

Check the ground wires first. Do you have aftermarket stereo installed?

 

no aftermarket installed. how could i check the ground wires? my wife says it sometimes happens with the rear passenger door also, but i haven't noticed that.

 

So the dealership today quoted us a nasty $175 for the actuator. i'll replace that myself lol.

they noticed a noise from the rear of the car and said it's the exhaust shield. but my wife, who told me she told them, just told me she didn't explain the noise WE hear. so not sure if it's the same noise or not, but does anyone know if an exhaust shield is a DIY job?

 

^^ it should be a DIY job, just look for the part number of the shield. If it is the shield becoming loose though, it will be more of like a rattle sound than a whining sound.

 

i'll listen closely again. i never noticed the rattle, but my wife noticed the original noise since the TSX is her daily driver.

 

Heat shields are pretty simple. Normally you can just bend it back or rip it out, nothing too terrible.