My '99 TL seems to be losing it's Pep
#1
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I have a '99 TL with 73,000 miles on it, and it seems lately when driving down the highway that when I step on the gas to get up and go that the VTEC doesn't kick in like it used to. It's like I have to really punch it for the VTEC to kick in, whereas I used to not have to step so hard on the gas.
I am useless when it comes to understanding engines, but I change the oil regularly and had the transmission flushed around 60,000 miles.
This is not the same problem as those experiencing transmission failures, because I had one of those in my '01 TL and this is not the same thing. It just doesn't seem to have the pep it used to have. Any thoughts. Thanks.
I am useless when it comes to understanding engines, but I change the oil regularly and had the transmission flushed around 60,000 miles.
This is not the same problem as those experiencing transmission failures, because I had one of those in my '01 TL and this is not the same thing. It just doesn't seem to have the pep it used to have. Any thoughts. Thanks.
#3
I've got a 99 TL as well and with valves out of adjustment, this can affect performance/economy. They're supposed to be adjusted @ 60k according to Honda/Acura (sooner for my kind of driving). There's a good bit of stuff to be done @ 60k. Have you done the service yourself or did you take it to the dealer?
#4
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Mine was a little sluggish and puffed smoke when I got on it hard at 30K miles. Took it to the dealer and they power flushed the carbon out of the engine, runs like new. If your dealer doesn't have the equipment you should be able to find a shop that does.
#6
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Knock on wood * *
My '99 TL (46,000 miles) is still running smoothly.
VTEC kicks in fine. I too have been taking care of the engine.
will change tranny oil and plugs at 50k miles. Rotate my 235/35/18 Yokohamas every 5K miles.
And yes the CAI makes our TL ROAR when the VTEC kicks in. It's such a nice sound... It' funny to see the expressions of the drivers around when the VTEC roars out of our 4 door sedan.... Thinking about installing headers and exhaust system - but worried about attracting too much attention from CHPs.
My '99 TL (46,000 miles) is still running smoothly.
VTEC kicks in fine. I too have been taking care of the engine.
will change tranny oil and plugs at 50k miles. Rotate my 235/35/18 Yokohamas every 5K miles.
And yes the CAI makes our TL ROAR when the VTEC kicks in. It's such a nice sound... It' funny to see the expressions of the drivers around when the VTEC roars out of our 4 door sedan.... Thinking about installing headers and exhaust system - but worried about attracting too much attention from CHPs.
#7
Oracle Apps/Database Dude
First lets identify why it is not a peppy
What kind of gas are you giving your TL. It needs a 91 octane or better. Are your tires fully inflated? Switch gasoline brands and see if the peppiness changes. Many time different gas brands have different kinds of detergent in it. I have switch from Texaco to Conoco and that made a lot of difference
Next changes
Change the following the next time you go to the dealer.
Flush and fill Radiator fluid, change Fuel filter, change transmission oil, change air filter, change oil filter, while you are it change PCV valve, change spark plug, inspect and adjust ignition timing. That should do it.
A little down the road you probable need to
Replace Distributor cap and rotor, change timing belt
Good luck
What kind of gas are you giving your TL. It needs a 91 octane or better. Are your tires fully inflated? Switch gasoline brands and see if the peppiness changes. Many time different gas brands have different kinds of detergent in it. I have switch from Texaco to Conoco and that made a lot of difference
Next changes
Change the following the next time you go to the dealer.
Flush and fill Radiator fluid, change Fuel filter, change transmission oil, change air filter, change oil filter, while you are it change PCV valve, change spark plug, inspect and adjust ignition timing. That should do it.
A little down the road you probable need to
Replace Distributor cap and rotor, change timing belt
Good luck
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#8
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Originally posted by 2001TL4KCdude
First lets identify why it is not a peppy
What kind of gas are you giving your TL. It needs a 91 octane or better. Are your tires fully inflated? Switch gasoline brands and see if the peppiness changes. Many time different gas brands have different kinds of detergent in it. I have switch from Texaco to Conoco and that made a lot of difference
Next changes
Change the following the next time you go to the dealer.
Flush and fill Radiator fluid, change Fuel filter, change transmission oil, change air filter, change oil filter, while you are it change PCV valve, change spark plug, inspect and adjust ignition timing. That should do it.
A little down the road you probable need to
Replace Distributor cap and rotor, change timing belt
Good luck
First lets identify why it is not a peppy
What kind of gas are you giving your TL. It needs a 91 octane or better. Are your tires fully inflated? Switch gasoline brands and see if the peppiness changes. Many time different gas brands have different kinds of detergent in it. I have switch from Texaco to Conoco and that made a lot of difference
Next changes
Change the following the next time you go to the dealer.
Flush and fill Radiator fluid, change Fuel filter, change transmission oil, change air filter, change oil filter, while you are it change PCV valve, change spark plug, inspect and adjust ignition timing. That should do it.
A little down the road you probable need to
Replace Distributor cap and rotor, change timing belt
Good luck
#10
Timing belts @ 105k if you drive like grandma. I'd personally do it before then as preventative maint. I don't like the idea of getting cought off guard right when you depend on your car.
#12
Fuel injector cleaners should help give some pep back to the engine. If the injectors are really dirty, it can make idle a bit rough.
Also some Gumout for fuel injected engines (be sure to get the one for fuel injected since the bottles for both carberated and FI very similar). Half a bottle of Gumout sprayed into the engine helps a good bit too. I prefer having a friend help apply the throttle while I spray but since the TL has a cable throttle, you can do it yourself if you have no choice or insist on doing it alone. Just follow the directions and you'll be fine.
Also some Gumout for fuel injected engines (be sure to get the one for fuel injected since the bottles for both carberated and FI very similar). Half a bottle of Gumout sprayed into the engine helps a good bit too. I prefer having a friend help apply the throttle while I spray but since the TL has a cable throttle, you can do it yourself if you have no choice or insist on doing it alone. Just follow the directions and you'll be fine.
#13
Oh, and forgot to mention for those who don't know... Stay away from Z-Max and Slick-50 type products. The FTC has cracked down on both those companies and has proven their claims to be false.
#14
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Originally posted by BlackShadow
My 99 TL is still peppy after +68K miles on it. My VTEC still kicks in the same way. Actually, it sounds a lot better with the intake.
My 99 TL is still peppy after +68K miles on it. My VTEC still kicks in the same way. Actually, it sounds a lot better with the intake.
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#15
O.G.
Originally posted by AcuraClemm
I going to get a 99 TL in a couple of days. Do you know what type of chrome grill that is on the black TL pg. 2 of the gallery? It really looks good, and I'd like to look into purchasing one. Thanx.
I going to get a 99 TL in a couple of days. Do you know what type of chrome grill that is on the black TL pg. 2 of the gallery? It really looks good, and I'd like to look into purchasing one. Thanx.
![Confused](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/confused.gif)
#16
Blk Acura Pg. 2
If you go to the second page of the Gallery Home, you'll see three pics of a black & chrome 3.2TL. If you check out the chromed/mesh front grille, you'll see what I'm eluding to. I think I've found the grille kit at "JCW.com". You can buy a mesh grille kit for $34.95.
Do you know of anyone who's purchased this grille kit from JCW?
Peace out!
Do you know of anyone who's purchased this grille kit from JCW?
Peace out!
#18
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Re: Lack of 99 TL Pep
Originally posted by AcuraClemm
Msg for: 2_tl_owner
Hey dude,
Have you solved the prob w/ your car having a lack of pep? If so, what did you do?
Msg for: 2_tl_owner
Hey dude,
Have you solved the prob w/ your car having a lack of pep? If so, what did you do?
![Big Grin](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
I probably need to qualify my "lack of pep" statement. If I really punch it, it will go, but it seems like I really have to step on it more for the VTEC to kick in then I did when I first got it. I drive my car REALLY HARD, so my plan is to go ahead and get the scheduled 105,000 maintenance done now, instead of waiting. I'll let you all know how it turns out. Thanks guys for all the help.
In reference to the quality of gas, I learned that one early. I started out using Chevron gas when I first got my TL, but started using a lesser brand because I didn't think it mattered and I saved a few pennies. Then one day I went back to Chevron for about a month, and I could REALLY tell a difference. Needless to say, I have never gone back and now I get only the good stuff.
#19
O.G.
Re: Blk Acura Pg. 2
Originally posted by AcuraClemm
If you go to the second page of the Gallery Home, you'll see three pics of a black & chrome 3.2TL. If you check out the chromed/mesh front grille, you'll see what I'm eluding to. I think I've found the grille kit at "JCW.com". You can buy a mesh grille kit for $34.95.
Do you know of anyone who's purchased this grille kit from JCW?
Peace out!
If you go to the second page of the Gallery Home, you'll see three pics of a black & chrome 3.2TL. If you check out the chromed/mesh front grille, you'll see what I'm eluding to. I think I've found the grille kit at "JCW.com". You can buy a mesh grille kit for $34.95.
Do you know of anyone who's purchased this grille kit from JCW?
Peace out!
![Big Grin](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
#20
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Re: Re: Lack of 99 TL Pep
Originally posted by 2_tl_owner
In reference to the quality of gas, I learned that one early. I started out using Chevron gas when I first got my TL, but started using a lesser brand because I didn't think it mattered and I saved a few pennies. Then one day I went back to Chevron for about a month, and I could REALLY tell a difference. Needless to say, I have never gone back and now I get only the good stuff.
In reference to the quality of gas, I learned that one early. I started out using Chevron gas when I first got my TL, but started using a lesser brand because I didn't think it mattered and I saved a few pennies. Then one day I went back to Chevron for about a month, and I could REALLY tell a difference. Needless to say, I have never gone back and now I get only the good stuff.
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