Hi guys, been surfing around the site for the past few days, recently bought a used '99 TL with 130k mi on it (I know, high, but it's an Acura, right?) :-) Kept well, engine looks pristine, got it from a Honda dealership timing belt, water pump, belts all changed @ the 100k mi mark.

Anyways, everything seems to be running fine and my CEL comes on, forget the exact code but the Autozone diagnostic said something about the Gas cap or purge solenoid, so I was assuming I didn't tighten the gas cap enough (just filled up the night before) - and from what I've gathered from reading the forums - the light should go away after tightening and starting the car 3 times, but it hasn't yet - and this has been a few days.

I've also noticed a slight ticking sound from the drivers side under the hood - again from the posts sounds normal (I guess) seemed to be louder tonight after driving home - just wanting to make sure this isn't something to worry about. I also noticed a slight whining noise (best way to describe it I would imagine) from under the hood on the passenger side for the first time tonight. I had driven a long way home, guess just worried - the engine sounded slightly louder than it had the past few days - however nothing loud enough to hear in the cabin unless windows down and at complete stop.

Anyway, sorry for the long post - hope someone responds - I'm coming from a 95 Mits Montero w/ 200k+ miles on it that made all kinds of noise - and this is only my 3rd vehicle - not quite sure what a NORMAL engine sounds like anymore! LOL

 

Welcome to the forum.

The light IF it is for the gas cap may take longer than 3 starts. Just pull the clock backup fuse on the passenger side fuse panel for a min or so and it will reset the light. If it comes back on you need to address the problem

As for the ticking its normal. Not sure of your location but they do make more noise when its colder out (like below50). the part is like a 30$ part new and takes a few min to install yourself and is easy to do if it bothers you

 

Okay so official codes from Autozone:

P0401 - EGR Insufficient Flow

(2x) P1457 - EVAP Control System Leak Detected (Control Canister System)

Any suggestions? He said to have EGR Valve replaced, price on the part alone seems a little high, but if that's the only option I guess it'll have to happen. I've made sure the gas cap is tight now @least 4 clicks

A) No noticeable drive-ability problems - is this something I need to fix ASAP or would it be fine to drive until I have some extra $$ ??

B) Something easy do it yourself (w/help) - or better off at a shop?

 

Nice choice with the '99. Your post reads like you're getting acquainted with the sound of your car...be patient and realize it just may suppose to sound like that.

Autozone scanners are general and only give you a direction, keep your eyes on this forum for an education and pay attention to fsttyms1.

Your P1457 fault indicates you might have topped off your tank too much and saturated your evap canister. Don't do that. When the pump handle stops you stop. My fix was $150+ and I learned my lesson. Was going to replace it myself but I don't play with flammables.

The P0401 is a common fault for this car but replacing the EGR valve is a last resort and I have yet to read (this forum) where it solved the problem. Your first step is to pull the intake manifold, per the intructions on this forum, and clean that damn little orifice at the end. The first time I did it was gentle, the second time was a well-deserved aggessive scraping that did the trick. Easy, 2-hr job, AND you get to bond with your car. It's not urgent but the nagging dashboard light was my motivation.

 

Thanks for the EGR info will def do.

As for the gas issue - I've never completely filled up and I did notice with the first couple trips to the station the pump handle would stop very frequently but I know the tank wasn't even close to being full...... So I dunno, maybe the evap cannister is saturated? Not sure - the problem hasn't happened ... well since the CEL came on, I haven't had the handle stop on me since... but dunno if that means it's already saturated? I dunno

Dealer said they'd read the codes and clear them for me and see if they come back on.

 

Clean the EGR ports via the DIY in the DIY thread. Then Reset the ECU by pulling the clock backup fuse on the passenger side fuse panel. (no need to have the dealer reset it)

Also make sure your gas cap is fully tightened. Just give it a few more twists.