Experiencing issues with your 2012 Acura TL starting? A simple culprit could be the battery in your key fob. Recently, I encountered a similar problem and consulted a trusted local locksmith to explore potential causes and solutions. Here’s a breakdown of the advice I received, which might help you diagnose your Acura TL key fob issues.
The locksmith suggested a systematic approach to pinpoint the problem. First, when you attempt to start your car, pay close attention to the dashboard indicator lights. Specifically, look for a green light – in a 2012 Acura TL, this light ideally indicates immobilizer system status. If this green light is absent or doesn’t illuminate as expected, it might suggest an issue with the immobilizer system, potentially stemming from the key fob’s chip not being correctly recognized by the car’s ECU. While I had previously used my second key successfully, this possibility still needs investigation.
To further isolate the problem, the locksmith offered to test my key fob directly. Using a specialized device, they can quickly determine if the key fob chip is functioning correctly. This test can be performed independently of the car, offering a convenient way to rule out a faulty key.
If the issue is indeed with the key itself, replacement is a straightforward option. The locksmith quoted a price of $200 for an Acura folding key replacement and $180 for a Honda non-folding key alternative. Both options include programming to ensure compatibility with your 2012 Acura TL. Furthermore, if the chip within the key is found to be defective but otherwise programmable, they possess the capability to reprogram it, although the exact cost for reprogramming wasn’t discussed at that initial consultation.
However, if the green immobilizer light does appear as expected, or if other warning lights or the check engine light (CEL) illuminate, the problem likely lies beyond the key fob battery or chip. In such cases, using an OBD-II scanner to retrieve any stored diagnostic trouble codes becomes crucial. These codes can provide valuable insights into other potential malfunctions preventing your 2012 Acura TL from starting.
My next step is to visit my mechanic, but before that, I plan to investigate the key fob possibilities based on the locksmith’s helpful recommendations. If the issue isn’t related to the key, I anticipate a potentially more complex and costly repair. I will continue to document my findings and decisions in this forum, hoping this information proves beneficial to other 2012 Acura TL owners facing similar starting problems.
