I just purchased 3 weeks ago, a 2004 Acura TSX w/ 131K on it. 1 owner had all the normal maint Oil Changes ect by Dealer. Today I went to start car, first try wouldnt start when 2nd try it did. I noticed when turning on the maintance required light came, then turns off when car was started and running. Is this normal or if something was wrong would he light stay on ? Thinking maybe I should take it to someone to look at. Maybe it needs a tune up. The car did sit for 9 months before I bought it ? This is the first used car I have had in 14 years. I have always previously leased.

 

If starter did not turn engine over, you may have starter issue (bad start solenoid), bad battery cable (corroded), or possibly weak battery.

If engine turned over OK, but did not start then it could be an engine issue (fuel or ignition).

All lights come on for a few secs on initial start to demonstrate the light is working. You get a warning when service is due w/i 15% of calculated mileage due.

good luck

 

2004-2005 cars had a mileage based MID. The light always comes on at startup then goes off immediately. 7500 miles after the last reset, it will flash for a few seconds after startup, then go out. After 10,000 miles, it will stay continually lit. 2006+ cars had the MID that displays the % of oil life remaining. Many service techs forget to reset the MID if it is not lit when they work on the car.

Your rough startup could have many causes. Do you also have a check engine light? Get the codes read.