Hi AcuraZine!

I'm a new member and this is my first post!

I own a 2003 Acura TL and have been experiencing some issues the past few days while starting my car in -20C weather.

Listed below are the symptoms:
- Car starts, but runs very rough
- Lots of grey smoke from exhaust (not like the typical condensation type)
- Terrible burning smell similar to a diesel truck
- Build up of black soot on exhaust tip

On the first day that this occurred, another weird thing happened. After letting the car warm up for 5 mins or so, I put it in reverse and then the RPM started fluctuating like crazy even though my foot wasn't on the accelerator.

Any ideas what could be the problem? Or maybe it's due to the cold weather and I'm just being paranoid. But, keep in mind that I plugged the block heater in the previous night.

Thank you!

 

Welcome to Acurazine!

 

Is the CEL on ? If so, have the codes read at your local auto parts store for free and then let us know what the codes were. This might help narrow down the problem.

It appears as though the idle speed is off and that the motor is running rich.

Some things that may be worth looking at are the IAC valve (cleaning), the EGR passageways (cleaning), TB intake (cleaning), O2 Cat sensor, coolant level, injectors/coils/plugs, vac leak, air filter dirty.....etc., etc. Hard to say ?

 

Thanks for the responses!

There are no lights present on the dash. Is there ANY chance it's due to the engine oil? My car was overdue for an oil change (mistake on my end). I just had it changed today with synthetic oil, but it was running on conventional oil previously.

It's been running fine since the oil change, but I'll keep you guys posted!

Thanks again!

 

Welcome to Acurazine
The check engine light could be burned out or there could be codes stored and the light wont light up, It wouldn't hurt to have it scanned many auto parts do it free. What just happened might be a sign.

 

Hey Paul.tran94......good to know all's well so far after the oil change.
Just how "overdue" were ya on the change ? Was the level low ?

Keep that block heater plugged in on those "-0" nights !!!

 

the oil type and change doesnt matter for this problem
the reminder light is set for miles driven since reset,,not condition of oil
synthetic for your temps is a good idea

sounds like a bad-failing coil or worn out spark plugs ,,use ONLY correct ngk,,8 dollars each!
seafoam gas tank 1 can per half tank done twice
is a real tune up in a can
clean the complete intake manifold- egr system, and TB service- clean IACV idle control gets gunked up
after that- front O2 sensor could be worn

canuks dont get the free code reading like we do, but there are many ziners there -
look in Meets section,,one will have a scanner..or use a shop for code ck

note when change Coil- reset ecu by pulling the CLOCK fuse on passenger end of dash for a minute..clears codes for you

 

reminder; letting the car sit for weeks, then doing short drives where the battery never gets a full charge will cause running problems
Get out on the road for 30 minutes at freeway type speeds to fully dry moisture from all the oil systems and fully charge battery
extra use of amps in winter will put the hurt on a weak battery

I just replaced mine~ cd wouldnt play,,car hard to start,,,= wont pass load test