Why does my headlight keep shutting off?
My left headlight keeps going out. But if I turn the switch all the way off and on it will eventually turn back on. It goes out every 30seconds to a minute
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2005 Acura TL Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Acura builds a compelling sedan with an overachieving engine.
One year into a fresh redesign, the 2005 Acura TL is big on power, edgy style, and standard equipment. It's one of the most feature-packed luxury sedans on sale—and one of the most fun to drive.
8/10
Athough it's based on the Honda Accord, the Acura TL is way more upscale than that best-selling sedan. The home-plate grille ends in a point below the A badge and connects with a vertical crease that perfectly divides the bumper (for owners in states without a front license plate, that blank spot proudly displays the Acura name). From the front, the TL looks like an angry hawk (the side mirrors are actually mounted on winglets) and the hood cuts a trapezoidal shape like on a Porsche 911. Thin headlights wrap around to the fender, connecting with a thin indentation that traces through the door handles, gas tank door, and ends with an equally-sized rear reflector. The C-pillar is extra thick to make the car feel longer and roomier than it is. The Acura TL's design is just good.
Acura put an equal amount of work into the interior, which is more progressive and tech-focused than anything you'll find in a BMW 3-Series or Audi A4. While it's less minimalistic than an Infiniti G35, the center stack has a commanding height and has a quality mix of standard leather, wood or metal trim, and plastics.
8/10
The TL is a front-wheel drive car (FWD) with a stout 3.2-liter V6 engine that makes 270 horsepower and 238 pound-feet of torque. It's almost too powerful for this car and causes loads of torque steer, which is the steering wheel tugging away from your grip when you're hard on the gas. There's a limited-slip differential and an impressive suspension that mixes comfort and agility, but they don't do much to overcome the TL's nose-heavy balance and lack of all-wheel drive (AWD). Still, this much performance is a lot of fun, especially with the TL's 6-speed manual transmission that offers short and precise throws. A 5-speed automatic is also available at no extra charge. Large Brembo brakes drive home the performance cred. Summer tires are an option with the manual, as is an A-Spec package that improves the suspension some more and adds a special body kit. Just be careful where and when you mash the throttle.
7/10
Three large, recessed gauges in the instrument panel glow a purplish-blue at night—no doubt they give off a look of the departing 2005 Acura NSX. Large LCDs for the radio and climate, with large buttons and knobs nearby, make operating everyday functions a breeze. The gated shifter, which has two extra gates for manual shifting and a low gear, may be the most cumbersome feature—but that's a stretch. The seats are supportive and there's enough room in all directions, though some reviewers have complained they are too low and narrow. Those interesting C-pillars do block rearward visibility more than in the previous-generation TL. Trunk space is on the small side at 12 cubic feet.
9/10
A lot comes standard, including heated power leather seats, aluminum or wood trim, moonroof, satellite radio, and both a cassette and CD changer. Xenon headlights, Bluetooth phone connectivity, and dual-zone climate are standard. The ELS stereo was developed by Grammy-winning engineer Elliot Scheiner and can play high-bitrate DVD-Audio discs in surround sound. Only navigation and voice recognition are available as options, which includes 3D Solar Sensing—Acura's way of using the car's location to estimate the position of the sun and measuring the actual sunlight from a sensor mounted in the interior to best adjust the air conditioning. Otherwise, every TL is loaded.
7/10
The 2005 TL comes with dual front airbags, front side airbags, and front and rear head curtain airbags as standard. ABS, traction and stability control come standard. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated the 2005 TL the best Good rating in the front moderate overlap and side tests. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rated the 2008 IS at five out of five stars for the driver and passenger in a frontal crash, four stars for the driver in a side crash, and five stars for the rear passenger in a side crash.
9/10
The 2005 Acura TL starts at $33,670 and comes in one trim. Maxed out with performance tires and navigation, the MSRP is $35,300 (either option can be ordered separately). Fuel economy is adjusted to modern EPA estimates at 18 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined with either transmission. The TL requires premium gasoline for best performance and efficiency. Considering the abundant tech and luxury features, the fantastic style, and the way the TL rockets down the road, this car is no doubt a great value.
Published May 25, 2021 by Clifford Atiyeh
User reviews for 2005 Acura TL
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by Anonymous
Apr 19, 2015
I bought this after having a 2003 TL it is truly a ports sedan handles above it's weight class reliable never in the shop still looks like a contemporary car great for trips got 30+ on the highway enough power Apr 19, 2015
by Carlos T
Mar 04, 2015
Very reliable and strong in every aspect like power, handling, feel. Everything in this car is tight and remains tight. Many better looking cars out there but not many that reward the driver with such a high level of confidence. I have had 2 Acuras (TL and MDX) looking at getting a newer TL soon.Mar 04, 2015
by Anonymous
Jul 21, 2014
I loved this car. I usually trade every two or three years. However, with Vera, I enjoyed her so much and her handling is so good I have had her just shy of 10 years. New TL was too expensive for the life style I choose to live now but would recommend them to anyone.Jul 21, 2014
User rating:
by Anonymous
Apr 19, 2015
I bought this after having a 2003 TL it is truly a ports sedan handles above it's weight class reliable never in the shop still looks like a contemporary car great for trips got 30+ on the highway enough power Apr 19, 2015
by Carlos T
Mar 04, 2015
Very reliable and strong in every aspect like power, handling, feel. Everything in this car is tight and remains tight. Many better looking cars out there but not many that reward the driver with such a high level of confidence. I have had 2 Acuras (TL and MDX) looking at getting a newer TL soon.Mar 04, 2015
by Anonymous
Jul 21, 2014
I loved this car. I usually trade every two or three years. However, with Vera, I enjoyed her so much and her handling is so good I have had her just shy of 10 years. New TL was too expensive for the life style I choose to live now but would recommend them to anyone.Jul 21, 2014
by William K
Dec 27, 2013
Could not look for a more perfect overall car between electronics, size of engine, low cost, reliability, space, ease of driving, quality, fun to drive, ease of driving, sophistication, great maneuverability, braking, acceleration, comfort, and overall quality and ability to have fun while driving.Dec 27, 2013
by Kevin G
Jul 11, 2013
The third generation TL is a good combination of looks, luxury, and low cost maintenance.
Acura is known for added value for your money and the third generation TL seems to have the perfect mix of sporty feel, luxury options, and low cost of ownership.
Acceleration from the 3.2 liter V6, is nice with quick pickup to cruising speed when entering a highway on ramp or passing other vehicles. No need to worry about power. There is plenty of it available (270HP) to the driver whenever it's needed. Acura requires premium gasoline for this enging, and that may make some buyers shy away from this car, but I'm a firm believer in the fact that if you pay for the premium fuel in this engine, you will not have the problems that others have in some competing luxury brands.
Braking seems confident, but not too "grabby". It's generally a smooth process to slow the car, however it will come to a stop quickly if you need it to.
There is an abundance of seating room in both front and back. The leather is of nice quality and the heated front seats work well. Seating is comfortable in both front and rear. The only possible area of issue would be legroom for a passenger in the back behind a taller driver.
The heating and cooling work efficiently and seemingly without much effort. There are dual climate settings to adjust for each individual in the front seats.
The Acura Hands Free Link is supposed to be extremely easy to use with a cell phone; unfortunately I am unable to get my specific phone to work with it to try it. I hear from others that it is very convenient. Too bad that there are still bluetooth profile and pairing incompatiblities in 2013!
The stereo with XM Radio and a multi disc changer works flawlessly. The sound is fantastic and the multi speaker setup (Including subwoofer) provide an amazing aural soundscape. I would say that this is a major highlight of the car. The only additional feature that I was hoping for in the stereo, was the ability to play back mp3 files from disc. Apparently that ability was added in later model years.
There is really only one area that I wish could be improved, and that's cargo space. There is plenty of room to carry things like groceries and bagged items in the trunk, but trying to put in several large suitcases or any extra bulky items can be difficult. Also without a folding rear seatback, many longer items are basically impossible to move in this vehicle. Sure there's a pass through, but I'm not a skier and about the only thing else I could see fitting through it would be a couple fishing poles. I wouldn't give this generation of the TL a failing grade by any means, but I really believe that a folding rear seatback would help go a long way on improving the overal cargo carrying ability.
Reliablity is first rate for Acura products and I have experienced just that. The visual appearance is a winner and looks classicly attractive without being over the top with styling cues. Build and quality of materials is excellent. Overal the 2005 Acura TL is a very nice mix of features for the price. It has many luxury options without paying an excessive cost to enjoy them.Jul 11, 2013
by Pete A
Jun 03, 2013
I bought it new and regularly maintained it. Other than a couple of recall's, have never had an issue. I run 89 octance and the performance is just as good as new. Brakes have been outstanding, handling is great (rear wheel drive version would be killer).Jun 03, 2013
by Tyler P
Nov 17, 2011
`This car is a rocket, luckily i got one of the very few manual tl's out there
before the year where the engine was refined. 0-60 in less than 6 seconds in a
family/luxury sedan out of a 3.2 liter is quite good for the size of it. The brakes
are far better than those of the average car because they're 4 piston brembos;
they have kept me out of a lot of accidents with the idiots who inhabit the road.
Handling is pretty good for a 3500 lb car, but there is some understeer and
torque steer when your punching it.
The build quality is phenomenal, not one thing is broken and its a 6 year old
car. the nav is a little out of date, but generally gets you to where you want to
go. Mechanically this car is bullet-proof; besides the gearbox problem with all
hondas. This problem can, however be solved with a simple swap of
transmission fluid with amsoil.
It is the best looking tl in my opinion, and the interior does not appear to be
cheaply made. And its optional tech-package gives you the feeling that your in
something resembling a spaceship.
Gas milage is average around town, but 28 mpg on the highway is very good
for a v6 that runs on premuim. Maintenance is on the expensive side, but this
car is a acura so that is to be expected.
This car feel rock solid, while still having that amateur racer feel to it, so it is
very fun to drive, athough it is notorious for its clutch being hard to learn.
Nov 17, 2011
by Carl M
Oct 09, 2010
Never had any problems
looks nice very good on the eyes decent on gas
very fast for a sedan and also very roomy
car was very expensive to purchase
would rec any acura to anyone. great car to won
very fun car to drive
Oct 09, 2010
by Kevin H
Jan 28, 2010
Solid built, super-Honda. I love the simple, but agressive styling and all the added featues, including Navigation, 6-disc cd changer, voice command, bluetooth hands-free link for telephones, HID lights, heated seats, XM radio and tilting rear view mirrors (when in reverse). I love this car and only wish I had gotten one sooner.Jan 28, 2010
by Scott I
Nov 04, 2009
Performance - Good acceleration and braking, handles nicely
Build Quality - Black dash fades quickly for some reason, otherwise good
Appearance - Sleek and sexy ;-)
Cost - Reasonable for what you get
Fun Factor - It is definitely fun to drive, even as a manualNov 04, 2009
by Travis H
Oct 22, 2009
Performance- Solid performance for a 4 door sedan. Nice handling, good brakes, decent acceleration
Build Quality- Very good nothing has broken because of bad quality.
Appearance- Amazing interior (one of my favorites among cars) and exterior, Xenon lights
Cost- Standard maintenance fees, not outrageous, no reliability issues
Fun Factor- Very fun to drive, although standard all season tires leave something to be desiredOct 22, 2009
by Anonymous
Aug 10, 2009
It's a top pick for the amount of technology you get for the value. High quality fit and finish. Cost of ownership is average. It is a blast to drive in all conditions. You must get the navigation system on this car.Aug 10, 2009
by Dennis M
Jul 20, 2009
The only thing this car needs is rear wheel drive. Awesome car in every aspect. Performance is decent for a 260hp front wheel drive car. Honda quality at it's finest. Very aggressive look for the 2004 debut. Ownership costs have been very reasonable.Jul 20, 2009
by Daniel L
Jun 10, 2009
Handles very well for a fwd. The interior is amazing and I love how they set up the controls in the front. Most of the controls seem inherent. The Styling on the outside is very aggressive and elegant at the same time. Very clean, modest, and upscale.Jun 10, 2009
by Anonymous
Dec 05, 2008
Bought this car when my 95 Accord had 300k miles. Honda now has 430k miles and this car is my toy. I like the style inside and out, acceleration, handling, and brakes are fantastic. Have some quality issues that surprised me for Honda product. Glad I got this style before they changed it. No plans to sell it.Dec 05, 2008
by Anonymous
Oct 21, 2008
I loved this car. I had the 6 sp manual transmission/ The car was a rocket...and I didn't even get the "type-S." My favorite part was thing was that Acura includes almost all of the options. Try to equip another similar car for the same price. I personally love BMW 3's and 5's...I love German styling...but my experience was that to get the same features as are on the Acura TL, I would have spent about $9,500 more.
MPG was unbelievable! I regularly got 26 mpg in town and 31 on the highway. (Wish I still had it in Summer '08).
The stereo sounds great, low interior road noise. This was my first car with navi and blue-tooth wireless. I won't go back.
My Acura TL experience was so great that I knew I was sticking with Acura when my family got larger and we needed an SUV. I love my dealership and the whole Acura product. I would recommend this to anyone. Oct 21, 2008
by Andrew B
Aug 30, 2008
We love the TL. Great finish, more than enough power and incredible handling. THe 6-speed MT really makes for fun weekend driving in the twisties. Only comment is that its a lot of HP for a front wheel drive, you can get a bit of torque steer especially exiting low speed turns in lower gears.Aug 30, 2008
by Marc F
Jul 04, 2008
Great Quality - no mechanical problems in three years (except for the Bluetooth Module). Performs well for a sedan in it's class. Very nice interior, Great Navigation system. Strong Recommendation.Jul 04, 2008
by Chantelle C
Jul 04, 2008
Performance: acceleration, braking, handling, poewr
Build Quality: beautiful design, nice leather, its an Acura.
Appearance: gorgeous..... nothing else to say. black on black.
Costs: bit of gas, its fine. maybe need to change the oil a little bit more often
Fun: YESSSSS
amazing car.... recommended highly over Mercedes Benz C-Class or BMW 3 series. they're all about the same... but Acura has surround sound, is cheaper, more reliable, prettier, and is absolutely amazing.Jul 04, 2008
by Jerry T
Jun 17, 2008
comfortable, well built, bluetooth and trunk space for 3 sets of golf clubsJun 17, 2008
by Dani L
May 19, 2008
This is actually my husband's car, but I have driven it on occasion. It handles really well and is fun to drive. He got it fully equipped with nav, Bluetooth and leather. We have had no maintenance problems, other than minor upkeep. It is a really good looking, sporty car, that can also be used to transport our kids, if in a squeeze.May 19, 2008
by Anonymous
Apr 09, 2008
Every aspect of the car is fantastic and for the value no car can beat it.Apr 09, 2008
What users have asked
My Acura TL won't move why
My 2005 TL Acura it's started to lose power and just a minute ago I was driving it felt like I was putting my foot on the brake when I wasn't it jerked now I'm stranded on the side of the road it won't go backwards forwards it'll go in every gear but it will not move any suggestions please
48 views
2005 Acura TL 3.2 w/auto transmission
I have a 2005 Acura TL 3.2 w/auto transmission. It seems like my car is not going into higher gears at higher speeds. It seems like it cannot go past the 4th gear. At speeds over 60 mph, it sounds like the transmission is in the same lower gear. Any idea what could be the issue?
8703 views
What is wrong with my navigation system?
Good morning, My navigation unit in my car start showing DVD disc reading error please consult your dealer. I was still able to use the touch screen to control my FM and XM radio stations. I bought my car to the acura dealership for scheduled maintenance and to check the DVD unit..The service person called back and said it needed to be repaired / replaced and a list of other problems my car was starting to have. When I went to pick up my , the error I was receiving for my navigation unit went to "downloading software" then check disc. Now, I'm unable to use the touch screen to control my radio stations. Before I left, i reported the issue to someone because the service person who handle my car was gone for the day. Eventually, 2 service consultants and the service manager came to help and told me the guy who did the work on my car mentioned that was the only error that showed for him! I went back and forth with them which was worthless because they believed the guy who did the work on my car .. I apologize for the length..Can someone explain how I've been receiving one message for weeks then magically after a dealership visit a new message appears and now I can't work the touch screen?? Oh and clock has the wrong time now to .. Before, it was the correct time..
97 views
Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 2005 Acura TL?Compare this car
2005 Acura TL Pricing
Original MSRP
$33,300 to $35,300Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · 6 disc in-dash CD · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Center console trim: alloy · Door trim: alloy · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Lights
Headlights: HID
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · 6 disc in-dash CD · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Center console trim: alloy · Door trim: alloy · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Lights
Headlights: HID
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · 6 disc in-dash CD · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Center console trim: wood · Door trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Telematics
Navigation system: touch screen display
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · 6 disc in-dash CD · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Center console trim: alloy · Door trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Telematics
Navigation system: with voice recognition
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent