[wabaffet]

Hi! This is my first post on this forum so bare with me....So I bought a salvage title '05 TSX Auto 98k miles last week as is. It would crank but it wouldn't turn over. I got it for dirt cheap hoping that I could fix it.....

So what happens is that when the key is in the "on" position, the dash light blinks. CEL, VSA, green key (immobilizer), P and D. All those lights flash. When I turn the key, it cranks. I've checked for sparks and fuel, and they both checked out. I do hear a clicking sound from the throttle body and somewhere in the center console. When I unplug the sensor from the throttle body, the clicking noise stops. The clicking noise in the center console continues however. I've got it to start for a second or two before, but it stalls out. Sounds like misfiring cylinders to me but not sure.

So here are the things I've replaced thus far:
1) Battery
2) Throttle body with sensor
3) ECU

I've checked every single fuse as well. I've searched high and low on google if anyone had the same problem, but nothing. Only similar thing was a bad ecu, but thats out of the question now. And the seller stated that one morning he got into his car, started for a second, and died out, and the light flashing thing started occuring. Please help!!!

 

[wabaffet]

Also forgot to mention, the CEL light goes on so I've plugged in my code reader and it shows "no link." Won't let me communicate. I've tried other code readers as well.

 

[gideon's_test]

Was the replacement ECU a new unit?

 

[wabaffet]

It was a 05 auto tsx ecu from a local shop. 90k on it. After plughing it in, did the exact same thing

 

[daviddoroshenko]

Does it run on starting fluid?

 

[gideon's_test]

The "No link" message seems to indicate that there is a problem with the ECU. Try opening the ECU and see if it is corroded inside. There is a recall for this very issue. Memebers have had no starts/intermittent start problems that were due to faulty/corroded ECU's that looked fine on the outside.

 

[Rick66]

Also forgot to mention, the CEL light goes on so I've plugged in my code reader and it shows "no link." Won't let me communicate. I've tried other code readers as well.

I've had my ECU changed under warranty and I had the same symptoms as you:

-No communication between ECU and scanner
-CEL on(check emission system)
-Immobilizer key flashing
-Fuel pump blocked by the immobilizer(won't prime)

They opened the ECU and found some corrosion. Open it yourself or get it to a dealer if you're in the area affected by the recall. Acura says that they WILL change the ECU(read the recall) if there's no communication with the ECU.

 

[BluLabelCL9]

It was a 05 auto tsx ecu from a local shop. 90k on it. After plughing it in, did the exact same thing

So you replaced an ECU with a used ECU with no proof of it working, no good. Did you have the dealer match the immobilizer to the 'new' ecu? ECU is not plug and play.

 

[wabaffet]

I never went to link it because all the other lights such as the cel light and vsa and the P and D lights were flashing with another ecu. I was also under the impression that the immobilizer wont let you crank or pump fuel. I have both so im super confused. Im going to go get my ecu tested at the dealership tomorrow and go from there. Thx for the help so far guys

 

[wabaffet]

I got it reflashed. Still the exact same thing. I replaced the relays that were clicking. Still nothing. It starts for a second after spraying starter fluid, then stalls. I guess next step would be to check for power and ground to the ecu? Anyone have a diagram? Any other suggestions?

 

[evil804]

long shot, but ive had a similar crank/no start issue in 2 previous vehicles and both times it was a bad Camshaft position sensor. Probably worth investigating.