1998 acura cl 3.0 starts fine but idle dropps right away and it will stall out if you take your foot off the gas, what do I check

Any codes??? It is overheating?

Check the idle position sensor.

two things from what I read is the tps sensor and iac valve

I don't see this as related to the console. This issue is usually caused by the idle air control valve. The valve may be bad or possibly the wiring. If it's the wiring, normally the computer will turn on the engine light.
You can check the valve operation using a common obd2 scanner in data mode.
Here is more info from autozone.com:
Engine idle speeds are controlled by the PCM through the Idle Air Control (IAC) valve mounted on the throttle body. The PCM sends voltage pulses to the IAC motor windings causing the IAC motor shaft and pintle to move in or out a given distance (number of steps) for each pulse (called counts). The movement of the pintle controls the airflow around the throttle plate, which in turn, controls engine idle speed. IAC valve pintle position counts can be observed using a scan tool. Zero counts correspond to a fully closed passage, while 140 counts or more corresponds to full flow.
Idle speed can be categorized in 2 ways: actual (controlled) idle speed and minimum idle speed. Controlled idle speed is obtained by the PCM positioning the IAC valve pintle. Resulting idle speed is determined by total air flow (IAC/passage + PCV + throttle valve + calibrated vacuum leaks). Controlled idle speed is specified at normal operating conditions, which consists of engine coolant at normal operating temperature, air conditioning compressor OFF, manual transaxle in neutral or automatic transaxle in D .
Minimum idle air speed is set at the factory with a stop screw. This setting allows a certain amount of air to bypass the throttle valves regardless of IAC valve pintle positioning. A combination of this air flow and IAC pintle positioning allows the PCM to control engine idle speed. During normal engine idle operation, the IAC valve pintle is positioned a calibrated number of steps (counts) from the seat. No adjustment is required during routine maintenance. Tampering with the minimum idle speed adjustment may result in premature failure of the IAC valve or improperly controlled engine idle operation.

TESTING The IAC can be monitored with an appropriate and Data-stream capable scan tool

If you can keep it idling after start,with your foot on a accel. pedal , then most likely your idle control valve is acting up.

its on the fire wall yes it will help some i wouldnt expect a drastic change in fuel economy because acura dosent have a replacement schedule for fuel filters like most car companies. id check your air filter and if your check engine light is on it will seriously kill your mpg. hope this helps

Could be the ignition switch, if the green key light is flashing then the issue is the switch. There was a recall issued for the ignition switch for this car back in 03 for the 97 to 99 Acura CL.

I had this same problem on my 2005 monte carlo, took mechanic a while to figure out it was the idle air control valve. They also replace the idle air control motor.

There is a known issue with the ignition switch on the 98 Acura CL 3.0. The ignition was recalled by the manufacturer. This happened to my 98 CL as well. Since it was a recall, Acura may replace the ignition switch for you at no cost, not sure though as they announced the recall in 2003 I believe.

Its could be a few things. Most likely cause is you IAC (Idle air control valve) If this valve gets clogged up with carbon it will cause a idle surge on cold starts like you are describing.

Next your FITV (fast idle thermal valve). When the hot wax inside of this valve starts to wear it will cause a idle surge on cold starts.