Hey guys, I just bought a used Acura TL and it has a variety of electrical issues. Car is in good shape otherwise, but I figured there's probably something in common somewhere that I can fix. The following is what I've discovered so far:

- Radio/media center doesn't turn on. The backlight is on, but nothing shows up.
- Trunk doesn't open using the front button, it opens using the remote however.
- Airbag light is on, carfax was clean and no accidents reported
- various lights don't seem to be working, like the backlight for the right heated seat and the indicator for the rear view mirror.

I've taken a look at the fuse box and they look good. I'm planning on taking it to a mechanic to see what's up, but I figured I'd get your guys' opinion.

 

For the bulbs, the t3 neo wedge needs replacing.
The trunk not working with button, most likely the valet switch or the valet switch is broken/assembled incorrect if it was ever removed and dropped into pieces.
airbag needs to be scanned.

 

If the radio isn't turning on, try undoing the battery for 30 minutes and plug it back in. The radio & nav will ask for the security code. You should have it on a sticker in the driver door jamb, or under the fuse box covers, or on a card with the owners manual leather binder if you got it. If not, you'll have to go to acura to get the code for the radio.

Undoing the battery may eliminate the SRS light too. Best bet is to go to autozone and see if they can see what the code is. If they can't do it, go to honda or acura dealership and they can pull it up with the honda diagnostic software (HDS).

If you want to avoid the dealer, you can buy the HDS software and a cable on ebay for cheap and use a laptop to get the codes.

For your trunk, it sounds like you have the valet trunk mode enabled. Open the glove box and you'll see a switch near the top. Move the switch and it should enable the interior button to work. IF moving the switch does not work, it might be unplugged from behind (happens when changing the cabin filter) and will cause it to be in the lock/valet position.

 

Thanks for the replies guys.

As an update, the SRS light seems to have disappeared on its own. I'm not complaining but I'll run the HDS to be sure. You guys were also spot on with the trunk, but I'm going to have to see about replacing those bulbs.

Sadly, the radio doesn't seem to be working. I unplugged the battery for over an hour and it's the same after I reconnected it. I did notice that the negative end on the battery is loose and won't tighten correctly, so I don't know if that contributes in any way.

I also found out that the cruise control doesn't turn on. If I press the cruise button, the light flashes on the dash for a second then turns off.