so I bought my 2003 TL used couple months ago. you can see it was an up north car because of the salt wear n tear. I'm driving home and the damn check engine light comes on. A f-ing lemon I think to myself. I get home call the seller, he tells me that happens. He tells me drive it more it will come off. I think this guy is flipping nuts. I hook up my computer, no codes pertaining to engine malfunctions. I drive my daily routine a couple days, and out of the blue I look at my dash and the check engine light is not on. OK, GREAT. I got a decent car after all. So today I go get a toothbrush cause my pitbull got hold of mine, and the check engine light is back on, and its got like a really slight dim to it, like its wanting to turn off but it doesnt...

has anyone else experienced this problem with their 2003?

please tell me what you think it is, and suggestions on what to check.

APPRECIATE all comment good or bad, lets hear it....

 

when light is on, a code will be set, plain and simple. It won't be on if there are no codes...

 

I am using Actron OBD II PocketScan CP9125. the only 2 codes I'm getting are:

P0420 - Catalyst System Efficiency, &
P1457 - Evaporative Emissions Control System Leakage

aren't these codes related to my exhaust system? & Why would my Check Engine light come on and off when it feels like it?

 

so, what the codes are saying....is that there is some efficiency loss SOME WHERE.
usually indicating a failing catalytic convertor OR bad or lazy O2 sensor(s).

so, what the O2 sensors do is read the incoming air and the ECU will ADJUST according to fuel trim. if a bad or lazy O2 sensor, sometimes it can read good results...and sometimes it will read bad results...thus why check engine light comes on and off.

 

P1457 indicates leaking evap

replace evap control canistor

 

because there's no such thing as a "check exhaust light"

 

dude in acura world forum said the same thing justnspace said to do with code P1457

P1457 Acura Evaporative Emissions Control System Leakage EVAP Canister System OBDII Engine Light Trouble Code | Engine-Codes.com

http://www.obd-codes.com/p0420

 

p0420 = you need a new cat.

 

Justin is a mufa genius!

 

I think we solved this one.

 

thanks guys for the push to do research. GREATLY APRRECIATED!!