2003 Acura Tl Type S Maintenance Required Light

Let's talk about that little orange gremlin on the dashboard. You know the one. The Maintenance Required light on your trusty 2003 Acura TL Type S.

The Eternal Flame

It's always there, isn't it? Lurking. Burning. A constant reminder of… something.

I have a confession: I kind of ignore it. Okay, maybe "ignore" is a strong word. More like… "amicably coexist" with it.

An Unpopular Opinion

Here's the unpopular opinion: That light is dramatic. Seriously, it's a diva. Does it really need to be on *all* the time?

My car runs fine. I check the fluids (sometimes). What's the big deal?

Look, I know, I know. "Maintenance is important!" "You'll ruin your engine!" I hear you, responsible car owners. I really do. But still…

The 5,000 Mile Myth

That light loves the number 5,000. It's obsessed! Five thousand miles and BOOM! The orange glow returns. It's like clockwork.

I'm pretty sure my car could run on hopes and dreams for another 5,000 miles. Maybe even 6,000. Don't tell Acura.

Is it *really* necessary to change the oil every 5,000 miles in 2024? Feels a bit… excessive. But what do I know?

My Relationship with the Light

We have a complex relationship, that light and I. It judges me. I judge it back. We're locked in a perpetual battle of wills.

I tell myself, "It's just a light!" But deep down, I know it represents responsibility, adulting, and spending money. Things I sometimes avoid.

Sometimes, I consider putting a piece of electrical tape over it. But then I remember I’m probably going to forget about my car completely.

The "Good Enough" Approach

I subscribe to the "good enough" school of car maintenance. If it ain't broke, don't fix it... too much.

Look, I change the oil eventually. I promise. And I get the other stuff done too… eventually. Just not always when the light *demands* it.

Is it the smartest approach? Probably not. But it's my approach. And my TL Type S seems to tolerate it. So far.

Living on the Edge (of Scheduled Maintenance)

Maybe I'm living on the edge, driving around with that persistent orange glow. But honestly, it adds a certain thrill to my otherwise mundane commute.

It's like a little reminder that I'm a rebel. A car maintenance rebel!

Don’t tell my mechanic. He wouldn't understand.