My check engine light is on. Is it safe to drive?

Basic rule that holds true with any vehicle, if the check engine light is on steady, and the vehicle is running ok with good oil pressure and not overheating, then it should be safe to drive until you can have the vehicle checked by your shop. If however the check engine light is flashing, and or you detect a performance problem, then it’s not recommended to drive the vehicle any distance.

My battery light is on in the dash. Is it safe to drive?

Normally when the battery light is on, that indicates a possible issue with the alternator. If indeed the alternator isn’t recharging the battery, you run the risk of being stranded if driven as the battery voltage will become depleted.

When should I have maintenance items like spark plugs, driveline fluids, timing belt, filters, etc?

By far the easiest way to keep up with all the maintenance items on your vehicle is to stay close to the Manufacturer’s recommended service schedule. Remember all vehicles may not have the same service intervals for a certain item. So It’s always best to check the owner's manual for your specific vehicle.

We are driving on a long trip soon, but my car isn’t due for any maintenance yet. Should I have the vehicle looked over before leaving?

Absolutely 100% you should have the vehicle checked over before driving on any long trips. Things like spare tire pressure, quick visual inspection of tires for nails/cuts and pressures. Visual inspection under the hood to assure no leaks and all fluid levels are good. These things take maybe 15 minutes and are totally worth the piece of mind while traveling long distances.

There is a warning light on in my dash. What should I do? It seems to be running ok.

Every warning light on the instrument panel has a purpose. Warning lights are there to alert us that a computer/module has detected an abnormality in one of the systems on your vehicle. If you’re not sure what the light indicates, there is a section in your owner's manual that will give detailed information related to the light in question.

I have noticed a fluid leak under my car when parking ?

Any fluid leak should be inspected by your shop to verify the source. Trying to identify fluid on your driveway or parking lot can be a bit tricky. Coolant while water based, can have an oily feel on your fingers and may lead you to think it’s engine oil. Engine oil and transmission fluid are similar, but transmission fluid if not too spent, will have a red look unless it’s a CVT transmission. Engine oil could be darker looking, or clear if you just had the oil changed recently. Brake fluid is usually clear, but oily feeling much like engine oil. Checking the under hood fluid levels many times can lead you in the right direction.

How often should I change my engine oil?

I don’t think any 2 vehicle manufacturers are the same. At Creech Import Repair, we recommend every 5,000 miles to change the oil and filter. Many mfg’s recommend longer intervals, but if they extend past 5k we highly recommend checking the engine oil level every 1,000 miles. By nature of design, any internal combustion engine is going to use or consume some amount of oil. Also detergent in oil is designed to suspend by-products of combustion, which is what eventually turns the engine oil dark. At some point the detergent content will become loaded and can’t store anymore. This is the point when the engine can start to gum up inside with deposits and can be harmful to your engine and shorten its life.

Acura EL Repair - Creech Import Repair

Specialized Service for a Rare Import That Blends Comfort and Character

You don’t see many Acura ELs driving around Raleigh. And that’s part of what makes owning one so satisfying. Originally a Canada-only release, the EL was Acura’s take on a compact car that didn’t feel cheap. Under the skin, it shares a lot with the Honda Civic—but don’t let that fool you. With more refined trim, upgraded suspension, and a touch of luxury, the EL carved out a unique identity for itself.

At Creech Import Repair, we know what it means to drive something different. We’ve worked on these cars for years—even before they made their way across the border. If you’re lucky enough to own one of these low-key gems, we’re the shop to help you keep it on the road

What Makes the Acura EL Unique?

Acura introduced the EL exclusively to Canadian buyers between 1997 and 2005. It served as the brand’s entry-level luxury sedan, replacing the Integra sedan and later giving way to the CSX.

First Generation (1997–2000): Based on the sixth-gen Civic platform. Powered by a 1.6L SOHC VTEC D16Y8 engine. Leather, alloy wheels, and a nicer stereo were standard for many trims.
Second Generation (2001–2005): Rode on the seventh-gen Civic chassis and received the 1.7L D17A2 engine. More insulation, tighter handling, and optional navigation made it feel more premium

Although not originally sold in the U.S., plenty of ELs have crossed into North Carolina from Canadian owners. If you’ve got one, you're part of a small club—and we know how to support your ride.

Common Acura EL Problems by Model Year

1997–2000 Acura EL (1st Gen)

Blown Head Gaskets: Overheating from worn radiators or stuck thermostats often leads to failed head gaskets in high-mileage D16 engines.
🛠️ Solution: Replace gasket, inspect for warping, and flush the cooling system.
Ignition Distributor Failures: Sudden no-starts or misfiring can often be traced to failed distributors—especially in cars over 120,000 miles.
🛠️ Solution: Replace the distributor and reset timing.
Rust in Rear Quarters: Canadian winters and salted roads are notorious for causing rust near the rear wheel arches.
🛠️ Solution: Cut out rusted panels and apply corrosion protection after repair.
Trailing Arm Bushing Wear: Clunks over bumps often come from degraded rear trailing arm bushings.
🛠️ Solution: Install new bushings and perform a four-wheel alignment.
Sticky Power Windows: Window regulators weaken over time, especially in cold weather.
🛠️ Solution: Lubricate the tracks, replace motors if needed.

2001–2005 Acura EL (2nd Gen)

EGR Valve Clogs: Carbon deposits in the EGR can cause idle hiccups and stalling.
🛠️ Solution: Clean or replace the valve and reset the ECU.
Strut Mount Failures: Front end clunks can be traced back to collapsed strut mounts.
🛠️ Solution: Replace mounts and inspect struts for leaks.
Dim Dashboard Lighting: Instrument clusters on older ELs often lose their backlighting.
🛠️ Solution: Swap the bulbs or install LED replacements.
Catalytic Converter Efficiency: A failing cat can throw codes like P0420 earlier than expected.
🛠️ Solution: Replace the cat and inspect upstream O2 sensors.

Problems That Show Up Across All Acura EL Years

Sunroof Drains can clog, letting water soak the carpets.
Corroded Ground Points cause electrical weirdness—flickering lights, weak starts.
Radiator End Tanks become brittle and crack.
Brake Line Rust is a major issue in ELs from northern climates.
Hood Struts tend to fail, letting the hood slam down if you're not careful.

How to Tell If Your Acura EL Needs Help

It’s easy to miss the signs until something big breaks. Here are symptoms EL owners often see:

Engine stumbles or dies at idle
Loud knocks over potholes or speed bumps
Windows move slowly or stop halfway
Mysterious coolant loss
Dashboard lights are too dim to read
CEL comes on with sluggish throttle
Gears shift harshly or slip under load
Brake pedal feels soft or fades

Acura EL Services We Offer at Creech Import Repair

We know your car inside and out—whether it’s still running strong or in need of some TLC.

🛠

Engine Repairs

Head gasket replacements
EGR system cleaning
Valve cover and cam seals
Idle air control valve service
Radiator, thermostat, water pump installs

❄️

Heating & Cooling

Radiator pressure testing
A/C recharging and leak checks
Heater core and blower motor fixes
Thermostat replacement

🚗

Suspension & Steering

Rear bushing replacements
Front struts and control arms
Power steering service
Inner/outer tie rod ends
Alignment and camber correction

🛑

Brakes

Pad, rotor, and caliper service
Brake line repairs
Master cylinder and ABS diagnostics
Fluid flushes

🔋

Electrical & Interior

Cluster lighting fixes
Window regulator repairs
Ground wire cleaning
Battery/alternator testing
Door lock actuator replacements

Acura EL Maintenance Timeline

Keeping your EL in shape is all about the long game. Here's a general guide we recommend for our Raleigh-area customers:

Task	Interval
Oil Change	3,000–5,000 miles
Coolant Flush	Every 3 years
Spark Plugs	100,000 miles
Brake Fluid	Every 2 years
Timing Belt (if equipped)	90,000 miles
Suspension Check	Every 20,000–25,000 miles

Why EL Owners in Raleigh Choose Creech Import Repair

We get it—your car isn’t just another Civic clone. It’s something a little different. And when you bring it to our shop, we treat it that way.

Why customers trust us:

Deep knowledge of Honda and Acura platforms
Real-world experience with Canadian-market vehicles
No-pressure estimates and friendly service
Quick turnaround and fair pricing
Reliable parts sourcing for import-specific components

From Our Acura EL Customers

Kevin M., Raleigh

My ‘99 EL came down from Toronto, and Creech knew exactly what they were looking at. No guesswork.

Lisa R., Cary

The A/C was shot and the idle was rough. They cleaned the EGR, recharged the system, and now it’s back to daily duty

James B., Durham

Most shops had no clue what the EL was. Creech didn’t flinch. They treated it like a true Acura, and I appreciate that.

Book Your Acura EL Service Appointment Today

Whether you need routine maintenance or help solving a tricky issue, Creech Import Repair is ready. We’re not just your average shop—we’re your Acura specialists in Raleigh.

📍Visit Us:Creech Import Repair – Raleigh, NC
📞Call Today: 919-872-1999
🌐 Book Online: Contact us

Contact us today

For an estimate with the most trusted auto repair shop in Wake County, Creech Import Repair!

Shop Location

1818 St. Albans Dr #106
Raleigh, NC 27609

Monday - Friday

7:30 am - 5:30 pm

Call us 919-872-1999

Our Commitment to You

At Creech Import Repair, our philosophy is simple: Treat customers with kindness, respect, and honesty, and success will follow. Contact us for any and all of your automotive repair needs.

Please Note

Online bookings are not considered confirmed appointments until verified by a member of our Service Team.
We take your privacy very seriously. Learn more about how we protect your information by reading our Privacy Policy.

Schedule An Appointment

Acura EL Repair in Raleigh, NC