I recently purchased a 2003 TL that was a total loss. All the body work is complete and now I am moving unto mechanical issues. On the dash I have few lights on and would like to know where I should start on trying to diagnose. The lights that are on are the ABS, Low gas indicator, and finally TCS. I have done a couple of things already:

*I have a code reader and there where no engine codes
*For ABS I checked the fluid level and it looks good.
*For Low gas indicator I put $11 worth of gas in and the needle only moves to right above two notches from empty. The body shop had to pull the gas tank to put in a new crossmember, so I checked the electrical connector at the gas tank and it is connected.
*For the TCS, the car drive very smoothly but I don't see any indicators that something could be bad with the tranny.


Any suggestions

 

Code readers wont read some of those codes(tcs/abs). The dealer can find those. It could be any thing from a bad connector to a bad sensor. Fuel gauge is probably the sending unit. Unfortunately unless you can see the sensor or know what it is your going to have to bring it in for those.

 

11 bucks of gas- that was what - just over 2 gallons, and the shop probably put in 1/2 gallon with tank install just to get it out of the shop door

The fuel light comes on with 3 gallons remaining- so try another couple of gallons and see if that fixes it

change the brake fluid- its due, based on age, and the car has been sitting a while and moisture gets absorbed by the fluid

 

You can remove some of the fuses to reset some of those lights on the dash that are on, what fuses I am not sure but a simple search on the forums will tell you.

 

I checked all the fuses and all my fuses where good, I had one fuse "ABS check motor" on the passenger side that would not light up but the fuse looked good and I replaced it with a spare.

Took the car to the stealership, it turned out as follows (just like fsttyms1 said):

*TCS and ABS: Bad ABS sensor Right Front and Right Rear, Low battery voltage
*Fuel sending unit is bad

Stealer said they reset TCS and ABS light and the only code that persisted was the Right Front Abs sensor. They recommended that I begin with replacing the right front ABS sensor to tackle the ABS & TCS lights. The quoted me $286 to fix he Speed Sensor (1.5 hr labor ), and $245 for the fuel sending unit (labor only). I told them no, as I found the ABS sensor for $34, which seem like a pretty easy repair. I wish there was some way to check this dash light without going to the stealer. They are such liar and cheats when I asked the service department for the price of the part they said $61 I then ask for the part number, they transfer me to there parts department where the parts counter guys tells me $50.40 and refused to give me the parts number. Thanks Morande Acura nice dealership but I guess you gotta make money like everyone else. Lucky for me I was able to find the sensor at oemacuraparts.com, I could not find it at acuraoem or acuraautomotiveparts. Is the sending unit difficult to replace? If the car drives then why would the sending unit be bad? Should I change all the fluids in this car since it has been sitting for a while? Thanks for all the help guys.

 

I don't know if the sending unit affects the fuel pump itself, but I would most definately change all the fluids out - especially if it has been sitting a while. Look at it this way - you have no idea how long those fluids have been in it - go ahead and replace them all for a fresh start / baseline and piece of mind. Spend small amount of money on the front end to avoid higher amount on the back end when something goes bad.

Good luck!

 

Thanks. I will change all the fluids. Just wanted to inquire if I change the fuel sending unit, is there any gasket that is recommended I change with the fuel sending unit. I want to order but just want to make sure I get all the right stuff.

 

A friend and I changed the right front ABS sensor and also the fuel sending unit. The ABS/TCS lights went off and the fuel gauge is getting a reading. For the fuel sending unit I got a rubber gasket that goes on the top part of the fuel pump, I would also recommend anyone who does this repair to also replace the fuel filter as you have the pump out already. Thanks all for the help.

 

I have searched the whole site, and I just want to be clear. When doing the brake fluid flush, the only way to get all the fluid out is by pumping it out through one of the bleeder lines? Also can you drain it all the way or do you have to fill it back up before it completely leaves the reservoir, the reason I ask is that brake fluid in my car look pretty clear and will have a hard time distinguishing between the old and the new.