I have a 99TL with a red top Optima (1.5 yr old), and just recently, my CEL came on while driving. For all intents and purposes, everything is running fine. However, starting about 3 months ago, I had problems starting. Back then, I could start it fine, drive out some place, turn it off for 20 minutes. Then when I came back and restarted it, there was no starter noise. The key turned, all accessories came on, but the engine or starter didn't turn. I checked all fuses (engine, drivers, passengers), and all was ok. I let it sit, I turned the key, and it started up!

It seems to happen every few weeks at random times. I'll come out of the house to go to work in the morning and same will happen. Or I'll just go the store and it'll start the first time just fine but will have problems later when I leave the store. With the CEL coming on recently, I wonder if they're related.

I'm going to go into the dealership this Thu. Anyone have any ideas on things I could check myself?

Thanks.

Jung

 

Have you ever had the ignition switch recall done?

 

I had the same issues a few months back and switched to the gray valet key and haven't had a problem since. Mine would also stop running as I was driving so be careful.

 

That's what I was going to suggest. There is a recall for the ignition switch on the 1999 TL.

And even if you had the recall done you might still have an ignition switch problem. My 1999 TL had some starting problems that were resolved after I replaced the ignition switch. That was its third ignition switch as it had already had the original replaced under the recall.

Bob

 

I did get the recall done. However, I believe there were 2, weren't there? I remember receiving 2 different mailings. They were both ignition related, but had different wording. I got the first recall done. When I went to ask service about the second one, they said it would be ok, as long as I got the first one. I need to dig up what those 2 were.

Jung

 

Register your TL online on Acura's Owner Link page. That will give you all of the recall information including whether or not a particular recall has been completed for your car.

And yes, there were two ignition related recalls. One was for the ignition switch and the other was for the ignition interlock switch. (I still have to bring my TL in for the interlock recall.)

Bob

 

I brought my 99 TL in about 6 months ago for one recall (im not sure which one it was, i just knew it was an ignition one) and when they had it in they said there was another ignition recall so they did them both. IMO, make your dealer do both.