HELP! I have a $2,600 problem, according to the dealer. What's the REAL story?

My '96 3.2TL has both, Check Engine and TCS lights on. ABS comes on occasionally, usually after a long drive, but that's another show. Diagnostic codes are 1316 and 1318, which are Spark Voltage Detection Module Malfunction (left & right), OR Low SparK Voltage Detection (left & right), depending on what manual you check.

I changed the spark plugs, tested the ignition units and reset the ECU, but the lights came back on immediately. Instead of blindly buying more parts, I had Sierra Acura inspect it. They said I need a whole new ABS unit at the cost of $2,600! They couldn't explain why the diagnostic codes indicated a problem with the spark or spark voltage detection module. I don't feel confident in their diagnosis because it doesn't match the trouble code descriptions and the ABS light doesn't come on very often, but the Check Eng & TCS lights are on all the time.

What to do, what to do?

 

Man if I were you, I would without a doubt get a second or if need be a third opinion. Do not tell the other mechanics that are diagnosing the problem you went somewhere else and what they told you. Act as if you know nothing and see what happens. If it is that expensive, I do not know your money situation but if you can spend that much, you could use that for a down payment for atleast a 2000 TL. Good luck!

 

Those codes on my OBD-II reader are:

1316 - Spark Plug Detection Module Circuit (Bank 2)
1318 - Spark Plug Detection Module Reset Fault (Bank 2)

I would say there is definitely something amiss with Bank 2. The ABS system may be a separate problem, but could explain the TCS light, since TCS uses ABS to function. Definitely get a second opinion from another dealer.

 

my first guess at it would be to check the spark plug detection module??? run through the troubleshooting charts. what are the codes for the tcs???

 

I don't know where this spark voltage detection module is located. I checked one of those so-called shop manuals, but it doesn't indicate where it is. Do you think it's simply a circuit in another unit? I, too think the problem might really be this circuit or unit because I believe the 1st generation TL's used ignition to reduce power when TCS is engaged. The 2nd generation started incorporating ABS into the equation.

Does anyone know where this Spark Voltage Detection Module is?