I'm looking at an '02 TL through a private seller. It's in seemingly perfect condition except for the following: the D5 light is flashing and the stereo shows an error code ERR3. Does anyone know what either of these indicate. I have seen references to the D4 light being indicative of transmission problems but nothing with the D5 light. Are these minor issues or would I be asking for trouble if I purchased this car?

 

D5 light flashing means the transmission is on its way out, I think. Don't know about the stereo code though.

 

dont get it. sounds like the transmission is on its way out and they pulled the battery to reset the ecu trying to get rid of the check engine light. Now the stereo needs a password to reactivate. this is total speculation though.

Im the resident conspiracy theorist

 

when the battery is disconnected the radio says CODE on most years- can vary
if the owner didnt have the security code to reset- thats fishy
Flashing D5 is generally the trans warning signal
Is the car clean title- not rebuilt or salvage title?
then the trans has warranty to 7 years 109k miles-
Get the VIN number off the car and call acura 1-800-382-2238 x5
tell them you are looking at purchase and can they look up warranty and recalls
for the vehicle- they have all the info including first date in service.

 

D5 = if the guy didnt mention any problems with the vehicle than I wouldn't trust the sale.

 

If you find out it's not salvage and still under warranty, it might be worth purchasing for a low price and then driving to an Acura dealer to have the transmission replaced. Point out the flashing D5 light as something you're going to have to address so therefore, you want a price break because your're buying a car with most likely a bad transmission. I would have the car fully inspected by a mechanic you trust before considering the purchase. If the seller won't let you get it inspected, then there's probably more underlying problems that would make the car more trouble than it's worth.

 

Sounds like a lemon in the making (if it is not already). Make sure to run the vin and find out if the warranty is there.

 

lemon, thats why they selling it

 

How does it feel when you drive the car? Does it feel normal when the gears are shifting?

D5 could be trans, but it could also be the trans fluid sensor is bad, it could be flashing when trans fluid is over normal temperature.

 

The D5 light flashing DOES NOT necessarily mean the trans is dying. There are plenty of codes that cause that that are easy fixes. (ie like stated above) the trans temp sensor. ive had it and so have others go bad