So I'm 100% new to Acura. Bought a 2004 TL for next to nothing so I was expecting some work. Was driving it to the garage and it went into limp mode. All the dash lights came on, guagues flatlined, and radio was out. Pulled over and shut it off, wouldn't turn over. Got it started with a jump no lights on dash, rwo minutes later same thing, was stuck at a stoplight and it eventually sputtered out. Had to call a tow who took it to a shop. I was assuming I may have to replace the tranny when I bought it from all I've heard. This doesn't seem like a tranny problem per se, at least not anything my other vehicles have dome with a tranny issue. Didn't know if anyone had similar problem.

 

battery terminal loose/corroded or a bad battery.

 

I did check the terminals, they were tight (the positive was way overtightened and dug into the post), so I went ahead and told him to swap the battery and the terminal clamps in case. Waiting to hear what it turns into.

 

Found out alternator is shot, so will be replacing that, battery, and cables. I've never had a car go limp from just an alternator, but really any sensor can show error when voltage drops. Compared to the $$$ I was expecting to put into it, this is pretty minor for now.

 

got it backwards!
the battery didnt have any juice, due to the alternator failing...
if battery doesnt have juice, cant turn on radio, wont start up, etc...

 

Replacing battery was just an extra. It's about 5 years old and while it might still have a little life, I like to err on the safe side and just get one in now instead of waiting for it to die.