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2005 Acura TL

2005 Acura TL

The 2005 Acura TL comes with several engine and transmission options:

  • 3.2 L VTEC V6, 270 hp and 238 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission
  • 3.5 L VTEC V6, 286 hp and 256 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed automatic transmission

People like the TL for its sporty handling, powerful engine, and luxurious interior. However, it has been criticized for its cramped rear seat and lack of some features found on competitors.

Engine

3.2 L VTEC V6

  • Valve Adjustment Issue: The valve adjusters can wear prematurely, leading to excessive valve clearance and noise.
  • Description/Symptoms: Tapping or ticking noise from the engine, decreased engine performance.
  • Solution: Replacement of valve adjusters and timing belt.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.5 L VTEC V6

  • Timing Belt Tensioner Failure: The timing belt tensioner can fail, causing the timing belt to slip or break.
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, loss of power, catastrophic engine damage if the belt breaks.
  • Solution: Replacement of timing belt tensioner and timing belt.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic Transmission

  • Shift Solenoid Issues: The shift solenoids can fail, causing erratic shifting or a loss of gears.
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh shifting, delayed shifting, transmission slipping, or failure to engage gears.
  • Solution: Replacement of shift solenoids and transmission fluid flush.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

6-Speed Manual Transmission

  • No Issues Found

Suspension

  • Lower Control Arm Bushing Failure: The lower control arm bushings can fail, causing excessive noise and vibration.
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or grinding noise when turning or driving over bumps, misalignment of wheels.
  • Solution: Replacement of lower control arms and bushings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Starter Relay Failure: The starter relay can fail, preventing the starter from engaging.
  • Description/Symptoms: No power to the starter, no cranking when turning the ignition key.
  • Solution: Replacement of starter relay.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Sunroof Panel Binding: The sunroof panel can bind when opening or closing, causing damage to the sunroof mechanism.
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty opening or closing the sunroof, grinding noise.
  • Solution: Lubrication of sunroof tracks, adjustment of sunroof mechanism.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • HVAC Blower Motor Failure: The HVAC blower motor can fail, causing a loss of airflow from the ventilation system.
  • Description/Symptoms: No airflow from vents, low or no air conditioning, heater not working.
  • Solution: Replacement of HVAC blower motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2005 Acura TL is a reliable and sporty sedan, but it is not without its issues. The most common problems include engine valve adjustment issues, timing belt tensioner failure, shift solenoid issues, suspension bushing failure, and electrical problems. The severity of these issues varies, but they can be expensive to fix, ranging from a few hundred dollars to over $1,500.

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