My GF's 99 Acura TL is giving her some trouble. A few times in the last 3-4 weeks it's failed to start for her. IT turns over just fine... and will start to run but seems to drown out (for lack of better word) and stall.

Sometimes you can give it some gas immediately after starting to get it going and it will stay running.. other times it will stall out again even after giving it gas.

Once the car is running there seem to be no other symptoms.

My initial thoughts are something fuel related as it is seems to be clearly getting a spark. We have run some seafoam through it in the event it was something injector related but it doesn't seem to have affected it.

Fuel Pump?
Clogged Fuel Filter?
Busted Injectors?
Oxygen Sensor?
Plug wires?

Something having to do with Idle air controller or throttle position sensor?

Thoughts?

Thanks in advance for any assistance you guys can provide. Looks like a great knowledgebase here...

 

Those are all good ideas but a common problem in a 1999 TL is a failing ignition switch. There was a recall on the ignition switches and, if it hasn't been replaced already, Acura will install a new one for free.

I'd check on the recall first. Just call Acura with the VIN number or check Acura's OwnerLink online.

And don't rule out the ignition switch if it has already been replaced under the recall. My 1999 TL is on its third ignition switch. (Acura will only install one under the recall.)

It's about a $50 part if you want to install it yourself. I installed one in my TL. The new switch eliminated all sorts of unpredictable starting and stalling problems.

Good luck and post an update when you figure out the problem.

 

Excellent information...thank you!

That is the sorta stuff (common issues) that I was looking for

I'll look into the VIN/RECALL on that part... does it manifest itself in that manner? (ie turning over okay and sorta starting but stalling out quickly?

 

Yes, it can manifest itself in that manner. You can get all sorts of odd behavior with a failing ignition switch. My car would sometimes start and then immediately stall. Sometimes giving it gas would help, other times not. I could go weeks between incidents. And that made troubleshooting a bit of a pain.

Initially I thought it was a sticky Idle Air Control Valve (IACV) and I even had that cleaned. When the problem disappeared for a week I thought the problem was eliminated. But then it returned.

At some other point I thought I was getting interference between two Honda/Acura "immobilizer" keys on the same key ring. (The owners manual says not to do that.) So I removed a Honda immobilizer key from my key ring and the problem seemed to go away. But again it returned.

Then I was sure that my key itself was failing. So I swapped it with my spare only to have the problem return after a week or two.

In the end the problem was due to the ignition switch.

 

Definitely sounds like the ignition switch

 

Also note that there's no expiration date on the ignition switch recall. As long as it hasn't been replaced yet, Acura will install one for free.

 

Also note that replacements have been known to fail as well.

 

you guys kick ass... love this forum

Going to check the VIN with the local dealer tomm. Thanks guys... hope this is it

 

im having the same problem. do you guys know if a canadian model 2000 TL is also covered under this recall?

 

I have no idea if a Canadian TL is covered. But, if it's the same part, you would think that it would be covered.

 

the recall was only for the 99.