I am losing coolant from my radiator coil on my passanger side. Looking at radiators online there seems to be two types of radiators. One with a violent sensor port and one without it. I don't know which one i need. I have 03 acura tl 3.2, advice would be appreciated!!

 

Sorry "violent"- Coolent

 

You want the radiator with the sensor hole. The sensor that used to be by the thermostat housing is now on the radiator on the 02-03 TL. The 99-01 TL use the radiator without the sensor hole.

 

99 has the fan sensor A on thermo housing
00 and later it went to lower right rear corner of rad

 

Ok it seems my information was off a little bit. I went through the service manual and it says J32A1 engines do not have a radiator fan switch C. The J32A2 does have the fan switch C.

So to clarify the J32A1 is used in all 99-03 non type S TL's. These engines do NOT have a switch at the radiator. The J32A2 is used on the 02-03 Type S and these DO have a fan switch C on the bottom of the radiator.

I did check my 2000 TL non type S to make sure and it did not have the fan switch. I am using switch instead of sensor only because that's what the service manual calls it. Hope this helps the OP.

 

Additionally, 99 models had a trans cooler built in. Some aftermarket companies will cover all bases, and include the cooler, and every hole ever used, but with plugs in them. If you go this route, don't assume the plugs are all tight, and make sure the trans cooler fittings are snug as well.

 

I recently had to replace my Radiator and I can confirm that only the J32A2 Radiator have a Fan Switch C


Basically when looking for a Radiator:
1999 J32A1 = "No Sensor" ATF Cooler
2000-2003 J32A1 = "No Sensor" No ATF Cooler
2002-2003 J32A3 = "Sensor" No ATF Cooler

 

Great! Thank you for the replys. I plan on changing the my radiator this weekend. To clarify. I have a 03 3.2TL. It is NOT the type S. I should get the radiator without the sensor. Correct?

 

^ Yes and no biggie if you get one with the sensor by mistake, it comes plugged in with a plastic threaded cap in the hole so it's not open.

 

now I have to go look at my 01! (note: type S was not avail until 02)
Was sure of fan sensor A location - we talk about it every time an overheat question is posted

Sorry Folks, the park is closed for repairs
The Moose out front should have told you

 

^ Yah pages 244 and 245 of the Service Manual confirms that the J32A1 Radiator doesn't have any sensors at all..
Only the J32A2 has the Fan Switch "C" Sensor Hole.


Fan Switch A is at the T-Stat Housing 99 tru 03
Fan Switch B is at the Water Pump 99 tru 03
Fan Switch C (J32A2 Exclusive) is at the Radiator 02-03