Hi All, I'm new to the forums

I just bought an 02 Acura 3.2 TL- S with 58K on it for $12,000

The car is in mint condition, and nothing seems to be wrong with it mechanically, BUT there is a stupid maintenance required light thats on and wont go away.

I already took the car to the mechanic, and he checked it out, he said the car is as new as can be, with absolutly no mechanical problems, so the only thing I did was change the oil and filter. The mechanic also connected tested the battery, and it read 14 or something like that. He also said that was good.

Now, here's the part that REALLY worries me, the guy I bought this car from didnt start it for a really long time, and when I was ready to buy it, the car wouldnt start at all, none of the lights would go on, nothing. So I had to give it a boost from another car.

And now, everytime I start the car, it barly starts, its like very weak, like its about to die or something. I'm not a car specailist, so I dont know the proper way to explain this, but I'm pretty sure that its not supposed to start like that, as it only has 58K on it.

I have no idea what the problem could be, but I do know that the car was never in any kind of accidents or anything.

So could somebody please tell me what kind of problem this is, and how to fix it?

I already spent alot of money on this car:

Radio had a lock code, I followed the instructions on this forum on how to obtain the serial number, then called an Acura dealer and they gave me the code, but everytime I entered it, it wouldnt be accepted. So had to take the car to a dealer, and he said the only way to fix that was to take the radio out, disconnect the antenna, and stick the radio back in, which cost me $150

Had to replace the windshield wipers, and change the oil, was $23 + $45 = Total $68

Also, my car doesnt include the navigation system, but I really need one, so I looked at a few in Circuit City, and decided on getting the Pioneer AVIC-N3, BUT then I found out that all in-dash navigation systems wont work in my car, WTF?

Is there any way to install an in-dash navigation system, I need it to have DVD and TV Tuner.

Anyways, I hope someone can help me with these problems, and I really appreciate all the responses.

 

mayb a new starter?


and is the light constantly on or blinks wen u first start ur car

 

The maint req light is nothing but a dummy light. Its pre programed to turn on ever 7500 miles to remind you to change your oil.

To reset maintenance light:

I.) Press & hold RESET & SELECT buttons together,
II.) While you holding those 2 buttons, put the key in igition to II position(Don't start the car)
III.) Maintenance light will start blinking. Wait until the Maintenance light turns off and let go those buttons
IV.) Start the car and make sure it's off.

 

you got a nice deal on that car

 

The weak start is a weak battery, it has to be. It makes sense since you just jumped it off to get it to start.

Did you by any chance do a carfax on this car? That mileage and price seems to indicate maybe a bad past.

 

yeah im pretty sure its a bad battery by what you have told us...cant be the starter if not it would have problems starting not once its started...id change the battery if i was you.. keep us posted..good luck

 

thanks alot for all your replies, now to answer some questions

to nguyen, when I start the car, the light blinks like a couple of times real quick, and then just stays on. I dont know if that means anything, but I'm going to go ahead with the other guys advice and reset the light so it turns off.

Also, I have another very big problem. I have no car alarm.

I have 3 sets of keys, 1 original, and 2 more copies. I was thinking of getting the Python Security System 460HP, it costs $199 + 20 tax and free installation.

I just wanted to know if there is anything better I could get at the $200 price range.

 

what happened to the factory alarm?

 

I guess the car never had any alarm....

anyways, im getting an alarm next saturday, and I still havent decided which one to get, anyone got any suggestions on what to get in the $200 price range?

Also, I really wanna buy a nice in-dash navigation system, like a pioneer AVIC-N3 or an Eclipse AVN7000, but none of them are compatible with my car, so anyone got any suggestions?

 

the car comes with a stock alarm...

as for compability... why not? they are single-din units, just buy wire harness and metra kit and your good to go

 

what do you mean not compatible with your car? get a dash kit and harness and plug it in. they will work with your car

 

Search My Brother, it is the way.

 

so if my maint. req light blinks for ten secs. when i start my car then there is nothing to worry about right??