Nicks2001tl

HI. Just Purchased a 2001 Acura Tl and so far changed the plugs to (ngk iridium) and the oil. 114,000 miles. What if anything else should be done previous owner was no help at all. I know I need a timing belt but what else? Also Tranny was rebuilt in 2004 via acura.

01tl4tl

tbelt water pump and all the belt tensioners are done together
DIY
clean egr system INSIDE the intake manifold--removed from engine
clean IDLE control and TB while off too
lube throttle cables

flush brake fluid- see threads on special order LF RF RR LR ONLY!!!!
clean and lube brake parts
flush ps fluid with honda fluid
change over to new honda dw1 atf
replace trans external filter
Seafoam the gas twice

see diy link,,near top of main gen2 thread title list- NEW OFFICIAL DIY,,,
everything we know how to do is posted in there

also register as new owner with acura 1 800 382 2238x5 and www.owners.acura.com download free owner book there and store radio security code
need the cars VIN in hand for both those
ck if all recalls are Done.

welcome to the ziner family
ck out the special section links at bottem of pages for wash and wax tips and more
make it look better than new again!

3.2TLc

Welcome with the "new" used TL.

.....01tl4tl gave you a good place to start. It's unfortunate that the previous owner was not more co-operative. But, with utilizing this forum and the experience of fellow "Ziners" you'll be able to start from fresh and be able to learn what the common problem areas/hot spots are with these 2nd gen "TL"s.

Do some research and compile a wish list of things you would like to check or improve upon. Any 10 year old car with 100k is entering it's middle age and may need attention.

Nicks2001tl

Thank you both for the advice. This is my second acura. First was an Integra that went 205,0000 miles. When I am done with the engine, tranny, brakes etc.. will get some tires and rims. Will post pics when finished.

01tl4tl

cant say enough good things about the cusco brand lower frame cross brace
under 100 bucks from our sponsor mrheeltoe
first thing I did to the 01, makes an amazing differance in roll into corners,,flattens the car out

IDOMENEO

Probably also a coolant flush just to be on the safe side (if not doing wp and tb soon)

Nicks2001tl

Yes a coolant flush is definately going to happen. Better after a tb wp change or after?

3.2TLc

Hey Nick, get that car up on a rack and have the basics checked. Things like the suspension, brakes, exhaust and fluid leaks. The tranny fluid along with the coolant should be serviced if unsure when last done. The tranny was replaced quite awhile ago, so i'd advise the 3x3 drain & fill with genuine "Honda" fluid. Check out the DIY's !

Stay away from the mods until you know that you've got something solid and reliable.

01tl4tl

coolant gets changed with water pump job
if low miles car- every 5 years MAX on the coolant and change it

Nicks2001tl

I already used mobil 1 synthetic tranny fluid. It seemed logical and from everything i`ve read is comparable to honda and amsoil. Only did three quarts because of no experience in doing a tranny drain and fill. But will do the other 2 -3 quarts drain and fill, since the first pretty good and already shifting better.

3.2TLc

If you are considering the Timing Belt Service soon, just wait as the coolant will be drained at that time. Do some research as to what all you would like to have done at that time. It's a labor intensive job and there's alot of other parts that should be replaced while having the T-belt work done. It's only a matter of adding the part's additional expense as everything is already opened up.

It's best to have a local reputable independent shop, that is familiar with this kind of work perform the service. The dealership labor costs along with parts would be around $1000.

01tl4tl

you are a test pilot with m1 synth trans fluid
dont know where you read that on here
m1 engine oil- sure!!

honda dw1 atf
redline street and race mixed is also popular

Nicks2001tl

So far, Had the battery replaced. (Interstate). Diy Plugs (NGK Iridium). Diy Tranny Fluid 1st Flush Mobil One Synthetic. 2nd flush will be Honda. And third Redline. Just to see which treats my car the best. Mobil One so far so good. Had a timing belt scheduled today but had to be at work. All four brakes and rotors and left front caliper before winter. Also Tires before winter. Yokohamas on now great for rain and taking turns but not snow. only mod that I am itching to do is getting 18 inch wheels and tires. Timing belt B.T.W. was quoted to me from my mechanic of 25 years, $500. <old school Greek, great with repairs.

ParaSurfer1979

Don't try 3 diff tranny brands. You'll end up mixing all three. It takes 3 drains to get a case of full new fluid. Also replace the pressure switches in the tranny.

01tl4tl

the word flush is used with caution on here
shops mean a machine- often filled with the wrong fluid for us- power flushed thru the system to replace all of the fluid at once

for the transmission only: acura uses it to mean manual gravity drain and refill of the atf,,
3 times with 5 minute drive between draining

each time gets out 3 to 3.4 qts
total trans capacity 7.4

mixing fluids very bad idea,,it may feel good for a week....
use honda on an old trans - dont experiment unless you have cash to burn on a replacement trans soon

be more concerned about timing belt water pump than getting 18s
those are not best for snow anyway

01tl4tl

front calipers- replace in pairs if one failed seal or pitting- fluid issue exist
from never FLUSHING the brake fluid (pushing all new fluid thru system)

upgrade for same price as TL parts- to 1995 Legend LS-Coupe dual piston calipers and SS brake lines