I'm NEW! Just bought a 1999 TL

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Old 09-22-2012 | 09:25 PM
  #1  
ChompNChew's Avatar
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From: Beaverton, OR
I'm NEW! Just bought a 1999 TL

Hello fellow Zine's!

I just bought a 1999 Acura TL @ 205K for $1000. She had some issues as you might expect at that mileage and price. I just had the following REPLACED:

- both drive belts
- timing belt and tensioner/pulley via kit
- water pump
- front and side engine mounts
- water hoses and cap
- front brake rotors and pads
- brake master cylinder
- coolant flushed and replaced
- transmission fluid swapped with Z1 fluid
- oil and filter change
* spark plugs, wire harnesses, filters and such in good shape...

She NOW drives like a kitten and am VERY pleased!

Any other recommendations???

Also, I've read a fair amount within the forum about the transmission issues. Even after having the engine mounts replaced and putting in Z1 fluid, I've noticed that the transition from D4 to Reverse on the shifter can become "stuck" at the NEUTRAL position at times. When I toggle through all of the gears, i am usually able to engage reverse after one try, BUT once in awhile it seems like the shifter does get "stuck" in neutral until I wiggle it a bit.

Other than that, I'm pretty happy thus far and look forward to pampering this car to give to my first born in a few years!?!

Thanks in advance for your help and suggestions.
Old 09-22-2012 | 09:36 PM
  #2  
randomthought's Avatar
rebmeM deretsigeR
 
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: San Francisco, CA
Welcome. Might want to clean the intake manifold and throttle body as well, and some seafoam through the fuel and vacuum. 1 full can at about half a tank of gas and about half a can through the vacuum hose that leads to the brake booster.

Was trans fluid done 3x3, or just drained and filled once?

Might want to inspect the suspension as well. CV joints, ball joints, shocks etc. Make sure nothing is torn or leaking.
Old 09-22-2012 | 09:52 PM
  #3  
ChompNChew's Avatar
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From: Beaverton, OR
Thanks Random.

The tranny fluid to my knowledge was done just once by my mechanic, BUT without knowing exactly which fluid was in there to begin with, it did look pretty clean to me. I realize that the forum recommends the 3x3, and perhaps I will need to do this myself if issue persists.

I will do the seafoam in the near future.

I don't pretend to be a mechanic but did briefly look at the suspension and didn't see anything obvious that was torn or leaking. Any tips on further inspection of joints or shock concerns? I do seem to get a bit of a vibration from the rear suspension when going over bumps.
Old 09-22-2012 | 10:33 PM
  #4  
01tl4tl's Avatar
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do NOT use vac line to brake booster for seafoam!!!! -line has a valve in it and doesnt work right for us

use the correct Master vac port at TB, or thru TB throat while cleaning the air plate/throttle plate,,
please see our diy section -3rd item down main gen2 list `OFFICIAL DIY,,,`
thread` seafoam for 03 but works for all years`

atf:it must use honda fluid= NOT dextron 3 as many machines use!!
if done at honda-acura dealer they use the right stuff

introduction of DEXTRON 3 is absolutely forbidden!!!!! and THE REASON why the 3x3 was developed- per owner book
That fluid kills our clutches... near instantly ~

First thing is find out what fluid is in it!!!
Old 09-22-2012 | 10:35 PM
  #5  
01tl4tl's Avatar
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sway bar end links break and make some thumping over bumps

replace with MOOG brand,,easier install and way better part
Old 09-22-2012 | 11:51 PM
  #6  
randomthought's Avatar
rebmeM deretsigeR
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 572
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From: San Francisco, CA
Originally Posted by 01tl4tl
do NOT use vac line to brake booster for seafoam!!!! -line has a valve in it and doesnt work right for us

use the correct Master vac port at TB, or thru TB throat while cleaning the air plate/throttle plate

Sorry, forgot about that. Do this.
Old 09-23-2012 | 12:06 AM
  #7  
3.2TLc's Avatar
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Welcome aboard ! Congrats on the TL !

The '99 TL's are much more durable than the 2000 and up models with the 5 speed AT.
It seems as though you got a bargain. It appears as though you've put a considerable amount of money into PM repairs. Get the car up on a rack and have the undercarriage checked out from front to rear. Look for leaks, corrosion, anything loose with the suspension or exhaust.

The gear shifter may need the gear position switch or cable adjusted.
Old 09-23-2012 | 10:58 PM
  #8  
ChompNChew's Avatar
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From: Beaverton, OR
Originally Posted by 01tl4tl
do NOT use vac line to brake booster for seafoam!!!! -line has a valve in it and doesnt work right for us

use the correct Master vac port at TB, or thru TB throat while cleaning the air plate/throttle plate,,
please see our diy section -3rd item down main gen2 list `OFFICIAL DIY,,,`
thread` seafoam for 03 but works for all years

Thanks for looking out for me 01tl4tl!!!
Old 09-23-2012 | 11:02 PM
  #9  
ChompNChew's Avatar
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From: Beaverton, OR
Originally Posted by 01tl4tl

First thing is find out what fluid is in it!!!

I currently have Z1 fluid in the transmission. I just don't think a 3x3 was performed by my Acura mechanic. I'll be most likey doing it again myself.
Old 09-23-2012 | 11:05 PM
  #10  
ChompNChew's Avatar
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From: Beaverton, OR
Originally Posted by 3.2TLc
Welcome aboard ! Congrats on the TL !

The '99 TL's are much more durable than the 2000 and up models with the 5 speed AT.
It seems as though you got a bargain. It appears as though you've put a considerable amount of money into PM repairs. Get the car up on a rack and have the undercarriage checked out from front to rear. Look for leaks, corrosion, anything loose with the suspension or exhaust.

The gear shifter may need the gear position switch or cable adjusted.

Thank you 3.2TL!!! I appreciate the advice. I will investigate the gear position switch and cable.
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