Is there a way to determine if my problem is the immobilizer or the ignition switch?

About once a month my 2000 TL won't start. I let it sit for a day and all is fine again. Happens hot or cold. Dealer gave me a new key ($120 including diagnosics time). I put all other keys in trunk and used the new key this last time. Cranks and cranks but wont start. Green immobilizer light blinks or flashes indicating a security problem. I left the car at work, came back the next morning and starts right up. Very frustrating! It is not consistant. Also I do not have a non-factory alarm or anything.

The ignition switch is $78 at Advance Auto Parts but I'm not curtain that it is the problem. I've taken the car to a general mechanic who could find the problem....it magically started after some time. Next time it crapped out on me I took it to the dealership. It didn't stay "broken" long enough to find the problem and sold me the extra key. Now it left me stranded at work and I didn't want to pay the tow charge to dealership again.

I don't mind fixing it myself since I'm handy. I recently finished the 90k mile timing belt/water pump replacement. Now I need some help from the group here.

Thanks

PS I did search the forum and founds similar problems but I still have ?s

 

Well the easiest way would be to just replace the ignition switch. If the problem persists you'll have a spare ignition switch.

If you look around you should be able to find the ignition switch for about $50. I bought one for that price with shipping a few months ago from Acura of Escondido.

Replacing the ignition switch completely eliminated the intermittent starting and stalling problems that my 1999 TL was experiencing.

Also note that my car is on its third ignition swtch. The first one was replaced under the ignition switch recall. (BTW, did you check to see if there was a recall for the ignition switch on your 2000 TL? If so, you might be able to get a free replacement through Acura. Call Acura or register on OwnerLink if you're not sure.)

If you do replace the switch yourself, be aware that the Helm factory service manual failed to mention the need to remove a third screw in my 1999 TL.

I posted some details on that here:

https://acurazine.com/forums/car-parts-sale-361/nextel-i730-sale-look-156725/

Good Luck!

Bob

 

Thanks Bob. There is no ignition switch recall for the 2000 TL. Maybe I'll call the dealer and get a price for both, then install the cheaper item. thanks

 

That sounds like a good plan.

Also, try jiggling your ignition switch to see if that might allow the car to start. That could help you identify the ignition switch as the problem.

Bob