I have an 06 Acura TL with 90k miles on it. On my way to work the car went into limp mode and I couldn't get it above 25 mph. My check engine and VSA light came on also. I turned the car off, restart and it was fine only the check engine light remained on.

I took it to the dealer where they're running diagnostics but are not able to replicate the problem. They keep talking about needing to replace the APP. I'm not car swavy and will let the dealer fix it but does anyone know an approximate cost for something like this (parts and labor). I'm in VA if that matters.

The car is also getting it's timing belt/water pumps replaced and that's around 1300.

 

if the car is being torn apart for the water pump and timing belt, there would be no additional labor for the APP sensor.
as the APP sensor is on top of the engine, and when they put it back together, they can easily switch out the APP sensor

 

APP is Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor! The car doesn't know how much you are pressing the gas since it's drive by wire hence LIMP MODE!

You can buy an APP sensor and install it yourself (DIY is on here) and save some money. Timing Belt & Waterpump shouldn't be more than 600 dollars unless you are getting other stuff done. IMO it sounds like this dealer is digging into your pockets!!!

 

Yup,
its the APP sensor. I think the dealer steals around $500 for them. I would replace it yourself is possible. They are really easy to replace. Literally, just 2 screws and one plug.

 

Sad lesson for a newbie, wish you were around on the forums longer. We would have pointed you in the right direction. At this point I've saved myself my car's weight in money by advice here.

 

Thanks for the responses. I'm one of those people that don't want to mess with the repairs. For the timing belt I actually did call around and the lowest I was quoted was 1200. Reason I went back to the dealer was because they were going to do the B service for free and they are not going to charge for the diagnostic. The car's been fine except for having to turn off the hands free since it drained the battery.

 

Here's a DIY video off youtube:

Here's the Part No:
37971-RBB-003 , SENSOR ASSY., ACCELERATOR PEDAL , $136

The part is 136 from acuraoemparts.com and you can find it cheaper if you look around and ask our vendors who sell parts! Nowhere near $500!!!!

 

If an APP sensor is bad, it'll often generate an error code which can be read by the code reader-- the illuminated CEL suggests that a code was stored in your car.
Does your paperwork mention an error code or engine code (like "P2138") to support the APP sensor diagnosis?

Welcome to AZ.