Hi all. In 2024, my 2011 Chevy Equinox gave up (terminal engine) while visiting family. Stuck for a vehicle 600km away from home, I scoured the local market and came up with a 2003 Acura TL Type S with 230,000 km on it. The car had been in an accident, repaired, and safetied. Automatic transmission had been replaced in 2023 with a refurb tranny. Engine sounded good.

I bought it thinking that it would not be a primary driver. My goal for it is to be a summer beater/road car.

Drove it the 600km home and then the issues started.

Front suspension had to be worked on as it had some excess play. Had a local shop do that.
WIndshield washer pump not working. Shop replaced it.

This year, I started researching this model and came up with things to do on it. The goal is to get 5 years use out of it.

I'm not a mechanic. I am literally a summer back yard mechanic (no garage), with a penchant for researching things on Youtube and the Net.

I did get a copy of a service manual for the Acura TL, so that does help.

No sign that the timing belt has been replaced. I previously had a 1998 Acura EL and I did the timing belt/water pump on it, but I'm not going through that again (Thank you Eric the Car Guy). Waiting on other major maintenance to be completed before I contemplate having a shop do the timing belt, if at all.

Progress Report on this year's maintenance.

Replaced all spark plugs (Bosch platinum) and several ignition coils.

Replaced PCV valve.

Fog lights were non-functional and broken. Replaced them with aftermarket ones but currently passenger side not working. Something electrical on that side along with passenger side high beam not working.

Cruise control set switch (on the steering wheel) had a broken pin and so no cruise. Ordered a pre-ownrd switch off of ebay and installed it. Cruise control now working.

Car had VSA light on the dash on. Got a Foxwell scanner that cleared the light.

The negative battery terminal connector had split and so a secure connection to the battery could not be made. I got a $5 universal connector. I split the original connector by chiseling and prying it apart to free up the battery cable rather than just cutting it, as there would not have been enough length left for it to be workable.

Started work to replace the brake pads and replace brake fluid. Found out that all brake bleed nipples are seized/rounded, even after liberal amounts of penetrating oil. These are the original calipers. Rather than spend copious amounts of effort to free up the bleed valves, I gave up and ordered Front and rear calipers. CMX brand FWIW. Staying away from the absolute bottom end stuff.

After seeing videos of how carbon can build up in the engine passageways, I'm going to remove the top manifold plenum cover and do a carbon clean and replace the plenum gasket. Going to clean/replace EGR valve and gasket while I'm at it.

Car idles normally, so no concerns at the moment about the Idle Air Control Valve.

Going to do a complete coolant drain and fill. I was surprised to learn about the hidden engine block coolant drain bolt. I have a replacement bolt on order which I will get before I even attempt to loosen that bolt. In case I break it. The car is up on jack stands and I will go in behind the front wheel hub to get at that bolt.

I'll end with this. I told my wife that I found out what the "TL" in "Acura TL" stands for. It stands for "The Lemon". Hence the car's nickname and my user name.

 

Welcome and congrats! Great work so far.