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.

 

When was the last time plugs and Fuel filter were changed-???
-at 60 both items are due for replacement .

 

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?

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

 

Umm.....Cap and Rotor ?????--Its a DIS System - ( Distibutor Less Ignition ) and Timing Belts are do at 105 K-

 

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.

 

So should I start using those fuel treatment coupons that I get in the mail? I always wondered if it was worth doing.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Unless I am blind but there are no black TL on page 2 of the gallery.

 

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!

 

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?

 

Not yet, but not because I didn't get some great advice, I just haven't had time to completely address it at this time. I'm a CPA, so things are a little busy at the moment.

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.

 

I checked it again and to me it's on page 1. You can make that grill by purchasing gutter guard at home depot. A lot of guys have done that and it costs less than $10.

 

Yes I completely agree about Chevron gas...I've tried others (Shell, Esso, Petro Canada) but didn't get the same performance results as with Chevron. Chevron gas is