SGXV

Hey, I have an Acura TL 2004 model just need some advice.

Last year I had the alternator changed because the battery light came on. However, everything was still charging fine. I spoke to a mechanic about it, he suggested changing the alternator. I end up changing it, the light is still on. He then refers me to the best electronic guy in Toronto.

I see the electrical specialist he checks all around the car, after about an hr he says that the “computer” (I have no clue which computer) is damaged. He says this can happen from a loose alternator. Apparently the alternator I swapped out could’ve been good. Says he can put in a used one and the reprogramming will be about $200CAD with labor.

Symptoms are:
- Battery light on
- Windshield washfluid sensor on even though it’s full
- Left headlight decides when it wants to work (just put in a new one)
- lights on the gear shifter not lighting up
- lights on the drivers door button panel for windows not working
- right window has some issues sometimes going all the way up

ive searched the forums and can’t seem to find anything. Please forgive my lack of car knowledge as this is my first.

SGXV

forgot to add, I just changed the battery as well

now one side of my speaker system isn’t working.

everything electronically has been very inconsistent.

csmeance

have you ever had the windshield replaced? Any body work? Sounds like water is shorting out circuits. A shop should have the electrical diagram and determine what connectors/systems/locations are involved with your issue and figure out where the issue is. Randomly throwing parts isn't going to fix it. It could be a bad ELD (electronic load detector) which the acura tl has to make the alternator efficient.

SGXV

Thank you so much for your input.

I haven’t replaced the windshield or had any body work done. Now that you mention water, I do remember about a year and half ago, we did have a terrible winter storm. My check engine light came on, then about 30 mins driving my car to the shop it went away. About two weeks later the battery light came on.

thoiboi

Might be the MICU/ multiplex unit (located in drivers kick panel) that's on the fritz if there's that many issues

SGXV

okay, thank you for your input. Will look into that

WDPanda

You changed the alternator, did you test the battery?
Did you test it now? Car running and off voltage

SGXV

changed alt and battery, both are running fine.

my left headlight seems to work when it wants on start up