PiFive

Hey guys I am a happy TL 99 owner since last year. Car has around 145 k miles. All service done up to timing belt. Lately my car was shutting off while I was accelerating.. now is not even starting. It goes click battery works but no start. What this could be?

Any input appreciated.

dreem1er

iTrader: (2)

Do you get one click and then the power cuts out?

It sounds like you 2 issues. Turning off while driving has nothing to do with the car not starting.

But if your car turns off while driving. And everything shuts off not just the motor you probably have a bad ignition. Around $90 and relatively easy to change yourself

PiFive

Yeah reading the net I see that this happen to this car. I am third owner and it looks like it was replaced already long time ago. But now my car not even start.

Still the ignition switch? I guess ill call AAA and tow the car to HONDA

dreem1er

iTrader: (2)

I would never pay the dealer. Especially I see your in mia. Fuck esserman. Bunch of douche bags. I've had to call acura cilent services 3 times on them.

Where in mia are you?

PiFive

I live in Brickell downtown Miami. I called Brickell Honda.. they dont have the switch in stock but they said they can get it from ACURA but cost 215.00


So I guess now I look on PEP BOYS autoparts or Advanced see if they have it. Should I try replacing it myself?

Thanks for the input

Skirmich

Replace yourself but don't get the OEM which is prone to fail.. Get Aftermarket...

TLer trash

Your not starting sounds more like a starter, or ground cable rotted off at the trans end. Typically, an ignition switch will start, then shut off as soon as you let go of the key, or randomly shut off while driving like you described. You might end up needing both. Even if you have no voltmeter skills, take a look at the ground cable where it bolts to the trans. If it's bad it'll be obvious; not just corroded and green powdery looking, but hanging by a few threads.

PiFive

I will get aftermarket

@TLer trash
I dont know if the starter is failing I can ask my buddy to see if he can check it. It will be a bummer if I have to buy a starter too.

nats007

From your description, it sounds like the starter may be done. I'd get the starter and alternator checked at at autozone, advanced or pep boys first before replacing to confirm that it actually requires replacement.

PiFive

Well that sucks.. I will test those and see what happens. I will hold the ignition switch purchase until I confirm what is gone.

Thanks all

3.2TLc

Will it jump start ?
The '99 models have issues with their ignition switches.
If ya have an auto parts store nearby and can get the car to run, have them load test the electrical system.
It could be a bad wiring connection as TLer Trash previously stated. Easy enough to check.

PiFive

It wont start so hard for me to take it to one of them stores. I just made a video of it .. Let me uploaded so you guys check.. I mean hopefully is only the ignition switch.

PiFive

pickler

could be the igntion was turned when engine was running and it stripped some of the gears off? (assuming it can't be jump started).

dreem1er

iTrader: (2)

Your starter is out. I can tell because your clock dims when you try to start but the cluster does not.

Its not really recommended but get a long metal object and hit the starter. Its just under the battery to the left, you'll see 2 cylinders thats the starter.


As for the car shuting off while driving no guarantee, starter has nothing to do the car once the motor is on.

PiFive

Dang. I was gonna do the ignition switch change in the morning. I will try hitting the starter see what happens.

Thanks for input

3.2TLc

While you're at it, don't forget to check the battery / starter wiring connections and grounds.

PiFive

Hey! Thanks all for input.. Question..Going to get a new starter from Advanced Auto Parts or Autozone.

My questions are.

Should I get one from them or from ACURA?
Should I rebuild the damage one?
Will I be able to install this starter?

Thanks again

ErickUa5

I say the starter, just make sure the wires are not corroded fix that first.

PiFive

YEs! Starter we all agree I think but my question is... should I get one from Acura or an aftermarket one like from Autozone or Advanced Autoparts will do? How easy to do this change myself? Should I try to just leave it for a mechanic?

appreciate input..
thanks

ErickUa5

Oops missed the last posts and yes go aftermarket had mine replaced years ago still kicking.

ErickUa5

Its easy you will have to remove the battery and tray, If you have the factory radio you will need the code.

PiFive

Ive got the Manual with the codes so that is not an issue. I will give it a try and see if I can do it.. if not Ill get a mechanic.

Thanks for input

nats007

No need for mechanic... YouTube Sir!!!


You can do it

David1221

It's a super easy job. I changed mine in the dark when it went out on me. I got my buddy to pick me up and take me to autozone. Got an aftermarket with a lifetime warranty, got a ride back to the car, and I was back and rolling about 45 minutes later. I would definitely give it a try and save your money.

PiFive

Cool! I will give it a try tonight.. any recommendations what tools do I need for this job?

Thanks for the input.

3.2TLc

Don't pay Acura 3x the price of a rebuilt starter for a new one. Either have your original one rebuilt by an specialty automotive electrical shop or simply get a better quality reconditioned starter from a reputable parts store.

Installation is relatively simple and straightforward if ya have any basic tools and some mechanical aptitude. Wrenches and/or a 3/8"rachet and sockets (12 & 8 mm) will get the job done in less than 1/2 hr. Definitely worth the "DIY".

PiFive

After this task is done do I have to do those Idle self learn procedures? If yes?? which one and how to do them?

Thanks

3.2TLc

Don't sweat the petty stuff, the ECU will basically do all the work for ya.

BetterBob

Just for the record. Smackin' it with a hammer may not be a horrible idea.

I've had fuel pumps go bad. I pulled it out, whacked it with a hammer.. then hooked it up to a 1/2 farad capacitor. Ito took off. Slapped it back in, all was good for 3 years.

Yikes

^

I think you mean starter. Fuel pumps rarely go bad in Hondas.

3.2TLc

Starters are also very reliable in most Honda products.
But, as BetterBob previously stated ..... often times things such as fuel pumps, starter solenoids and other misc. parts respond to a whacking. So, if in doubt....keep a whacking device in the trunk for that occasion, should it arise.

PiFive

Well I was so close of complete this DIY.. when the last bolt under the starter is no playing nice.. Hard to take off.. Hard to reach.. plus is too tight.. I was happy cause I was almost there.. got everything lose but this last bolt. Any ideas? I dont want to call a Mechanic for 1 bolt. @#!@#

PiFive

Well I manage to save some bucks doing this thing myself. At the end I could take the starter off and replace it. Car now is fixed .. Thanks all for input

Acurazine ROCKS!

ErickUa5

Glad to hear you got it working. Still having the problem while accelerating ?

3.2TLc

Yeah, sometimes the first time when ya try attempting a DIY, it's easy to occasionally stumble and cuss a bit at the last bolt. That's when ya gotta step back, take a deep breath and get a new angle of attack. Sometimes a protruding item requires loosened or removed to make access easier to the part being replaced.

Also, a good selection of tools and accessories such as universal joints, flexible adaptors, extensions, 12 & 6 pt socket variety, etc. But, even if ya gotta go buy or borrow a tool, ya still learn and save on labor costs.

PiFive

@ ErickUa5

I havent had the shut off while driving yet but I assume I still have to do it. I have the part already I will probably do it tomorrow morning.

@ 3.2TLc

Indeed! I invested in some tools instead of paying a mechanic .. the last bolt was successfully removed after a friend of mine borrow me a leverage lever .. But yeah the moment I had that problem I went to lunch though about it and called my buddy ... replaced the thing and everything started no issues.

Yikes

A good test is when your car is running and you wiggle the key. If it stalls, then it's your ignition switch.