Hey guys so just a day ago my 05 TL was having difficulty starting up (I would turn the ignition and it would struggle for a few seconds before starting). Just tonight I was out and it did the same thing when I started the car up. When I got home, I tried to turn it on again and this time the car would not even start. Instead, it just started making fast clicking noises when I turned the key. The light, GPS, radio, etc. all work so I am thinking this is not the battery. The odd thing is only one headlight works now for some reason. First the left was out and only the right worked. Then I turned both off, turned the switch and now the left works and the right does not. I live in Illinois and it is freezing cold out here. I know it is time for a battery change anyways as the car is approaching 50K miles, but I was wondering if anyone could help me diagnose the issue. I called Acura TLC and they have sent a tow truck for my car now to be dropped off at the nearest Acura dealership. Hopefully they can take my car in to look at it.

 

dead battery... the number one reason for stranded acura tl owners...


go to your nearest auto parts and buy a battery, make sure you get the one with the best warranty available... good luck

 

100% sure its your battery. i think the problem with your headlights is hid's need more power to ignite than halogen lights...and the clicking is your ignition trying to start the car.

 

you guys are awesome. Thanks for the feedback. FYI. 4 hours later and the tow truck is still not here yet! Screw Acura TLC.

 

so your still on the side of the road?

 

Call them back and complain

 

No, luckily the car is parked in the parking garage at my girlfriend's apartment complex. I am just pissed that I wait this long, called back and found out that the original person who was supposed to come for the tow cancelled and Acura TLC never informed me of it so I just sat here like an idiot until the middle of the morning and was told that they tried to call over 30 tow truck companies and no one was available. Did I mention Chicago weather right now sucks the big one? Well, I think I am going to just get the car jumped, and get another battery. Not sure if Acura will replace it for free. If I find out they would I think I may still try to get it dragged to the dealership.

 

The only other thing I would like to note is I had Acura do an oil change 2 weeks ago and they stated that the battery was in good condition. What do they really even do to test that?! So let see, in the past 3 weeks I have had to get new brakes and rotors, a new windshield because once again, Chicago winter weather sucks and caused one massive crack along the front windshield, and now this.

 

acura hooks up the battery to a little PC and it just reads off the CCA's. If its near 500 your good by their specs. Acura will replace all batteries within 2 years of installation date for free, and the 3rd year will be pro-rated.

 

honestly, i think your better off ditching the acura battery and getting a battery with better CCA

 

i think the stock battery is ~500cca i think, im pretty sure it says it on the battery...and most likely they will say ur battery is good and it wont be replaced

 

Okay so I called Acura TLC back up this morning and based on the comments on this thread I requested a jump start versus a tow. The guy came within an hour and the car started right back up once he jumped it. I took the car to NTB and got a new battery for about $130 which included labor and a 7 year warranty (first 3 years they replace no charge) remaining 4 are prorated.

They discovered that my original battery was leaking and did need to be replaced. I am just a bit disappointed that Acura did not notice any of this which shows how well they really inspect the cars brought in. Regardless, I think I paid a decent price for a battery that is guaranteed to last for a while. With the car approaching 50K miles, I think the original battery had a pretty good run. Thanks again for all of your comments and help.

 

One more note on how much money was spent on the TL in just 2 weeks:

$700 for new brakes and rotors (NTB)
$270 for new aftermarket windshield (Safelite Auto)
$130 for new battery (NTB)

Total Spent: $1100
Current Miles: 48,500
Current Age: Almost 4 years

 

Just came out to a dead battery this afternoon. Let's see 08 Type-S with 5k on it and the frickin battery is dead, give me a break. Called the Dealer and some other guy with a 08 Type-S had the same problem. They want to look at it, but they're gonna replace it.

 

^^ You wouldn't be the first one, so dont worry, its a common occurance

 

Is there any more "common occurances" I should know about (haha)?? I've owned the car for less than 2 months and I'm thinking I left BMW for this I was expecting more I guess.

 

^^ LoL, you got a bargain luxury car, so you will have some simple quirks that will require some simple fixes. Wait till your subwoofer deck starts rattling.. lol. However lets not try to make BMW superior, we all know Germans and all their electronic problems. Your car will be in the shop less overall compared to a BMW, but when it does go in, it will be for stupid shit like this.

 

I just got my 05 TL battery replaced 2 days ago free. I called in and they said if your car has less then 50k, then they will replace my battery free. I got a brand new one.

 

stock battery is 550CCA. they will recharge it, chances are they wont replace it(if needed) unless u argue with them

 

Lol about the subwoofer since I had the same problem with the BMW. No way would I say BMW is superior because you're right the electrical problems were a nightmare. I've been spoiled with the many accords and civics I've owned so I figured Acura would be even better. I know the maintenance costs will be much lower than the German cars

 

lol on the subwoofer deck. Mine started rattling a bit. It's most likely on the next thing to take care of and I agree, its mostly dumb crap that we have to deal with.