Hey all. I'm new to the forums. I actually just bought a 2002 TL-S over the weekend. It has 90K, and I have to say I love the car itself and how it's setup. Hopefully I won't run into any tranny problems - I was unaware until after researching on here unfortunately.

Now to my problem... I noticed last night that my driver's side headlight was out while driving home. I checked the fogs and hi beams and they were ok - but the headlight was out. The weird thing, is that this morning the headlight worked again?? Has anyone had the same problem? Do you think it's just a loose wire or connection? I'd take it back to the dealer - but they are out of town. Should I call them instead and just see what they say? The left side upper deck brake light is out as well. Is this easy to get to?

Any help or advice is appreciated! Thanks in advance!

And yes - i did search first and found nothing - I'm not one of those Newb's!

B

 

Welcome to the forum.
i wish i could help you with your prob but i'm new to TL's as well.

 

It could be a bunch of things but I would bring it to the dealer. I've had a similar problem and it ended up being a ballast. It could be expensive to fix depending on what it is. As for the brake light, if it is the one in the back window, you can get it by removing the cover on the rear deck, it just pops off if I remember correctly.

 

the rear stop light may be accessed from inside the trunk- thats how on my 01
The headlight is the death warning from the bulb- did you get pinkeye for a second on that side before it did this- watch when you turn it on against a wall

The 02 are covered trans warranty to 109k miles and 7 years- as long as its not salvage title- register here https://www.ahm-ownerlink.com/login.asp?brand=acura
Its great to buy a car and a month later get a $4000 trans free- the old owner selling it unaware of the warranty

Replace bulbs in pairs- upgrade- call excelerate from the sponsored sales area- in Off Topic
he has Kaixen 6000k xenon HID for us- they are WAY better than the OE
Beware of sticker shock- ebay oe bulbs 85 pair dealer 1 bulb 140 excelerate 140-150 pair of night vision masters~

 

Just read first post again, call the dealer- its the LAW that ALL the lights work on the car, you can get a ticket for those things - let alone the danger
Speak with Sales Manager to have parts dept order and service install at NO CHARGE to you

 

First of all - thanks for all the responses. After doing some more digging I found out that it could be a few things including the ballasts. It's def not just the bulbs - now both of them are acting up. I actually couldn't get both headlights to come on at the same time this morning!! I called the dealer last night as soon as I got home and left an urgent message. Expecting a call back soon - when I talk to them I am going to stress the fact that they sold me an unsafe car! I mean what happens if I'm on the way home and I get caught in a rain storm!?! At least the parking and fogs still work! This is BS! Now I'm worried that I got one of those horror story cars that you hear about (one problem after the other). I've only had the thing a few days!.. Someone try and reassure me that these are great cars!

I figured the upper deck brake light would be a pretty easy fix. I'll check it out this weekend.

Thanks again! I'll keep everyone posted.

 

Qs for snowman81... how much was it to replace your ballast?

 

a ballast in the blk market goes for about 80 bucks

 

I bought mine off of http://acuraautomotiveparts.org and it ran around $200 for a brand new one. You can probably get them on ebay or find some on the Black Market.

 

is the ballast the same as the headlight control unit? for you guys that have bought this, did you put it in, or did you let the dealer?

 

Update: Finally after getting a manager on the phone at the dealer... I told them I was going to take to a dealer here in town and I was expecting them to pick up the bill. It would have been different if I had been driving the car for a while - but I noticed it after the second day! They said to go ahead, get an estimate and then we could work something out.

So I called the dealer here in town and I just dropped my car off this morning for the estimate. He did price a ballast and said it was $485 for ONE!! DAMN!! Plus labor of course - outrageous if you ask me - but I won't be paying!! I'll let you know what happens.

Also - I read that a rubber washer should be put in place to prevent water from entering in the future. How do I explain this the dealer? The last thing I want is to get it back and then have the ballast go out due to moisture. Any other tips on future failure anyone?

Thanks a ton!! B

 

yea thats the price for a new one. thats what im NOT trying to pay by finding a used one.

 

how do i install my headlight bulbs?

 

Remove the bumper (take me about 5 minutes)
The bumper hold by plastic clip and 4 bolts.(It's really easy)
Take the headlight off.
The headlight hold by 3 bolts.
Use the torx bit for the bulb cover

 

^^ you don't have to take out the bumper.

 

For just the bulb, you have to twist off the black cap on the back of the headlight. I would wear some clean latex gloves or something like that so the you don't touch the bulbs. The oil in your skin can shorten the life of the bulb. Then you should be able to see how to remove the bulb. If you were doing the whole headlight housing, you would have to remove the bumper.

 

Before you twist off the protective black caps, you'll need a tamper-proof Torx T-20 tool to undo the locking bolts.

 

For me removing the bumper is easier
I dont see how can you get the tool on the driver side.

 

^^ yeah, i bet it is. But I just rather not take it out. Somehow, I get it to work. haha.

B, I had the same problem before. Maybe there's a leak in your headlight?? I just took both headlights out and put silicone on the ballast. Works for me now.. Make sure you do the same.