Acura TL Diagnostic questions

[MajorCavalry]

2012 TL SH-AWD automatic

Was driving home last night. About a 3 hour drive. As I was driving I got a message through the Nav screen. Actually multiple messages.

Air bag error noted. This one came up 4 times. Once with the code 61-1
Check oil level. I did this at home and the oil level was right at the full level.
Brake fluid level low. Did not check this, but with 55K could be low.
Emissions error with a code number.

First, it seems odd that these occurred simultaneously.
Second, no warning lights on the instrument cluster.
Third, oil level was OK

I have an appointment with the dealer to evaluate, but was hoping someone might have had this problem and could give me some insight.

 

[cpayne5]

With several codes/electrical problems popping up at once, it could be a faulty ground somewhere. Could be caused by a bolt backing out or a chewed wire(s), causing intermittent issues.

Or it could be any number of other things.

Hopefully it's something simple and cheap.

 

[KrisZ]

Sounds like an electrical issue.

 

[Hokiefyd]

I guess an electrical issue. Various interface issues like this are sometimes traced back to a bad or flaky battery. Possibly something with the charging system or voltage regulating system, but my first guess would be the battery.

 

[HangFire]

Do the basics first.

Remove, degrease, burnish and reconnect battery terminals and grounds.
Fully charge battery with external charger.
Reset codes.
Check battery charge level, reserve, and alternator (a battery shop will usually do this for free).

 

[tdpark]

I know people with Hondas who got weird messages like that and it turned out being a bad battery.

 

[MajorCavalry]

Thanks for the replies. This car seems to be known to chew through batteries. I already had one replaced at 35K miles (under warranty). I did get a "check battery" warning prior to replacing it.

 

[CT8]

The more plumbing there is the easier it is to clog the pipes. The manufactures are really screwing the pooch with the unnecessary complexity they market to the mass consumers.

 

[MajorCavalry]

Final follow-up. Car was at the dealer yesterday.

The diagnosis is no diagnosis.

Dealer confirmed multiple error messages on the nav screen.
No error codes were logged into the computer.
Reset error messages on the Nav.
Test drive 10 miles with no return.
Washed an already clean car
Returned car

Speculation is a "voltage spike of some sort"

Reassuring, but useless. At least now it is documented.

 

[Vikas]

Did they charge you $135 diagnosis fee for the car wash?

 

[MajorCavalry]

Originally Posted By: Vikas
Did they charge you $135 diagnosis fee for the car wash?


Nope. I do really like this dealer. No charge on the diagnosis or the car wash. Quite apologetic for not being able to determine the source of the problem.