I have a 2002 3.2 TL Type S. About two weeks ago, while driving with the radio on, I noticed that it would power off for a few seconds then come back on. Since then, I've also noticed that whenever this happens, the check engine light goes on and my gauges seem "hick-up" as if electrical power in the car is momentarily lost. I also notice that the digital clock on the dash is not affected -- it stays on for the few seconds during which the radio goes off. Has anyone experience anything like this?

 

does the car shut off or just the gauges? could be a bad ground. have you checked to see if there is an actual code with the check engine light??

 

Another possibility is a failing ignition switch.

I had symptoms like that in my 1999 TL that were due to a bad ignition switch. The engine would hickup and the tachometer and speedometer needles would drop towards zero. This lasted for a second or two before everything returned to normal. The car would also have occasional trouble starting and it would sometimes stall at low RPMs.

There was also a recall for the ignition switches for the 1999 TL. Perhaps that recall extended to the 2002 TL. (And even the new ignition switches can fail.)

Bob

 

In my case, the engine continues to operate during the momentary interval of what seems to be an electrical power loss when the gauges and radio stop operating. The check engine light (and VSA light) go on only for that brief moment as well. How would I check for a code? If it is a ground problem, where should I look?

 

to check for codes just go to autozone/pepboys/advance auto and they will check it for free.

now given the possibitiliy that you won't have any error codes you should definitely call acura and check on the ignition switch (firstly to see if it has ever been replaced and secondly to make an appointment because the replacement is failing). it definitely sounds like the switch is your problem now that Bob_F has given his experience.

if it's a ground problem then we'll just have to revisit it once it happens again. in the meantime you can always clean your battery terminals and check where the negative battery cable bolts to the body of the car in the engine bay. those are the easiest places to check first. look for looseness or excessive corrosion.

 

It turned out to be a corroded positive battery cable clamp. I'm going to replace it today. Thanks everyone!

 

Always start with the battery connections. They are usually the cause

 

Thanks for the update! That's a good reminder of the importance of good battery connections.

Bob