Acura TSX: Engine Performance Diagnostic Guide

This article applies to the Acura TSX (2004-2014).

Performance issues in the Acura TSX can be a result of one of more components wearing out or going completely bad. The dealership charges a fee just for inspection, sometimes the fee could be over a hundred dollars. Before going to the dealership and spending all your money, there are ways where you can perform your own diagnosis and figure out the issue. There are a lot of small, inexpensive components that could completely decrease the performance of your car when gone bad. Read on to learn how to diagnose those pesky performance issues in your Acura TSX.

Step 1 – Check air filter

It could be dirty or clogged.

The engine air filter is designed to filter all air going into the engine and prevent dirt, dust, debris from entering your engine. When the air filter gets dirty and clogged, it starts restricting the air going into the engine. To check the air filter, unclip the metal clips around the air box, then remove the lid and check the air filter. Replace the filter if it's dirty. Usually, a really clogged up filter will manifest itself as the car feeling like it's being "choked" during acceleration. This filter should be replaced once every two years, or sooner if your climate and driving conditions call for it.

If the air filter is clean on both sides, proceed to Step 2.

(Related Article: How to Replace Air Filter - AcuraZine.com)

Step 2 – Check spark plugs

They could be old or burnt.

The spark plugs play a huge and critical role in your Acura's performance. They create the spark inside the combustion chamber that allows the air and fuel to ignite. As the plugs age, they are more prone to producing weak spark, and occasionally a misfire. Additionally, it is possible for a spark plug to fail, where the electrode (tip of the plug) becomes damaged, or the gap between the prong and electrode closes up. A healthy, used plug should have a golden-brown appearance. If the plug is soot black, burned, or white in color, you need to replace the plugs, and consider checking your oxygen sensors for faults.

Reaching the plugs is a piece of cake of the TSX. Use your 10mm socket to remove the ignition coil atop the plug and then use a spark plug tool as well as an extension on your ratchet to reach inside the spark plug tube and remove the plug. Honda generally recommends replacing these at the 100,000 mile mark, but it's not uncommon to replace them every 50-75,000 miles. They're cheap and easy to replace.

If the spark plugs are in good shape, proceed to Step 3.

(Related Article: How to Replace Spark Plugs and Ignition Coils - AcuraZine.com)

Step 3 – Check fuel injectors

They could be dirty or clogged.

The fuel injectors are what inject the fuel into the engine. It's important to have the proper amount of fuel injected into the engine; if the injectors get dirty and clogged, the engine will receive less fuel than it needs, thus not performing as well as it should. When one fuel injector or more go bad, your engine can start idling roughly, hesitating, and performing poorly. To check if your injector is working properly, start the car and put along screwdriver on the back of each injector. Place your ear on the other end of the screwdriver to listen to it. If you hear buzzing noise, then your injector is working properly, but if you don't hear anything at all, then you need new injector. You injector could be working properly, but is just dirty, so the only way to find out is to remove it. The injectors are attached to the fuel rails, so you have to remove the rails to reach the injectors.

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