08 TL base auto, 105k miles: Recent tune-up (oem plugs, filters, fluids, etc)

Been having an issues with my TL recently, no matter the temp outside, I have this hesitation/sluggishness that is very noticeable under acceleration. The car feels similar to a truck pulling a loaded trailer, like it wants to take off but something is holding it back. Some days, it will drive perfect with no issues and feel great. It will do this in 90 degree or 40 degree weather so temp is not a factor. Tried disconnecting battery to reset things with but no help. No check engine light either.

What could cause this? Any help is much appreciated. Everything I searched were 04-06 tl's. Just didn't see much with 07/08's having this issue. Thanks!

 

First of all welcome to AZ!!

The lag is normal, the stall converter(automatic clutch) engages fully at an RPM just above idle. That is what is causing the "lag".

Do you think it's more "lag" that this?

Perhaps resetting the ECU will help.

 

Did it start after your "recent tuneup?"

 

Yes, try resetting the ecu and see if that changes anything. It always does for me.

 

Thanks! Glad to have joined.

Nope did it prior to tuneup. And this lag deffinetely doesn't feel "normal" because it drives perfect like it should some days. It gets to the point where I'm almost flooring it to keep up with traffic, a better way to describe it would be more of a surging. I'll look up resetting the ecu and see if that helps.

 

Good read here:

https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...ight=ECU+reset

and here (long read):

https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...ight=ECU+reset

 

disconnect the battery for 10 mins, see if that works

 

It has something to do with the VSA mudulator under the hood. Mine is finally fixed. Im not sure what exactly went on but when i opened it up and checked for loose connections the problem fixed itself.

My car felt the same way for years... Now its like a dream.

 

Thanks for the replies everyone.

And BukvaMan, I was reading another thread that you had some input in and saw you replaced tons of sensors, a new battery, etc. I will certainly check into the VSA Modulator. Thanks for the input!

I've only owned the car for a few months and it has been driving me crazy.

 

Check out the APP sensor as well...

 

Thanks Blooze I looked into it and the OEM part is around $135. I dont want to just throw a part this expensive at it and hope it fixes it. Has anyone else had an issue with this sensor going bad?

 

It seems to be more common that I would personally like. I have an '08 as well and haven't had these issues. There are quite a few threads about it, including a DIY, and they all speak to poor, hesitant throttle response and/or choppy idle. The following is a thread from a quick search that was cross posted from the TSX group:

https://acurazine.com/forums/1g-tsx-problems-fixes-128/success-app-sensor-replacement-cured-p2138-non-smooth-accelerator-response-819824/

 

Reset the ECU. It should help for a bit until it 're-learns' some bad traits. Does well for me but will eventually degrade back to the hesitation and has to be reset again. Wish there was a long-term solution for this.