I went out to my 1999 TL yesterday morning to start it up and all I got was a rapid clicking noise. The power turned on, just the engine wouldnt turn over it seemed. Well from reading other posts and talking with my dad and others, I get the sense it is the starter. As I said it is a 1999 TL with 78,000 miles so it doesnt neccessarily surprise me a whole lot.

Anyways, I have heard of people taking it places and getting their starter changed for $500-600. So, my question is if anyone has changed their starter themselves and if so, is it difficult? I am not sure where the starter is located in our cars but if it is easy to get to, I would think it shouldnt be too hard to change out?

Let me know if anyone has any experience or suggestions?

Thanks a lot!

Eric

 

I've never changed a starter on on eof these cars but as for it's location, that's literally in front of your face . Just look under the air intake tube to the throttle body and you'll see a round chunk of metal a little smaller than a 2lb. coffee can. That's it! As for getting it out, the underside and the firewall side may be a little tricky.

All this being said I'm assuming you have a 3.2 liter.

If your still a little apprehensive about how to do it but still want to try here's a good suggestion. Go to www.helminc.com and order a factory service manual for your car. It runs about $75 with shipping and as far as service manuals go that's extremely cheap. It's the same manual that the Acura shops use. I tired looking for one at Hayes and Chiltons but coould find one for our cars.

 

Check you battery first. What you describe sounds most like battery is dying.

 

thanks.... yeah it isnt my starter i don't think...

I jumped it with my friends car and it turned over fine and everything, so I will be going and getting my battery and altenator checked out...

thanks for the replies,

Eric