Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Options
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
On another forum a couple of years back, someone got a hold of images from the mechanics manuals and it confirmed the transmission was a new design. The schematics werre much different.
The 2001-2002 MDX transmission was an offshoot of the same design that had problems in other Honda/Acura vehicles. I wouldn't buy a used 2002 over a used 2003 for this reason.
At 53K maybe you could negotiate for a 70 or 100K mile extended warranty due to "known transmission problems"? If your lucky the dealer might go to Acura and plead your case...there is a good chance with the right negotiation you could easily get your warranty extended. You can call the regional customer support rep. If you really think there is an issue fight it. It isn't that hard and you can get a fair trade, extended warranty and they let a potential problem ride to see if it causes an issue.
I wouldn't take word of mouth though...if they say OK then ask for it in writing.
I understand from a co-worker with a TL that disconnecting the battery "resets" the transimission if it stops shifting long enough to get to a dealer.
3 weeks old, just get a soft cloth car wash...I think you have at least a year before you need to wax it in my opinion.
Sloshing tank: I was finally able to reproduce this the other day. It required something of a jackrabbit start and equally abrupt stop, but, not only could I hear it, I felt it. Not posting this to antagonize anyone who hears it regularly, but unless it gets worse (how? I dunno) this won't be a problem for me.
I've been more intrigued by the sloshing issue, so I haven't checked for brake clunk. Suffice it to say, I haven't heard it, yet. I'm sorta leary about listening for it. Once you hear this things, you can never "un-hear" them.
Wind noise: I should preface by saying that I'm coming from a 1999 CR-V as my last ute. There are few vehicles less noisy than the old CR-V. Having said that, my MDX suffers from a bit of wind noise at speeds over 60mph. Really odd because this Acura is fairly quiet until I hit 60. It's like someone throws a switch. My 2001 TL (year before they modified the side mirrors) has similar wind noise. But in the TL the sound increases gradually.
Interior rattles: None so far. The vehicle has 35K miles on it. I can force the sub woof cover to vibrate a wee bit with the radio turned way up, but not the same calamity as described by others here. I really have to listen for it. I'm wondering if the folks who have reported this noise have teens who crank the radio way up when they drive (or do so themselves). Perhaps the noise increases over time as the sub cover is subjected to repetitive vibration (?)
MPG: I'm averaging about 20-21 mpg in my normal mixed commute. Got 23.8 on an all highway trip this past weekend. Wonder if it'll go higher when they switch back to the summer blend. I always got about 2 mpg higher in the summer months when drving my CR-V.
Here's a new one (I think)... My oil dipstick is stuck. It feels like it's been soldered to the engine block. I can turn/spin the plastic handle, but the little bugger won't come out. Am I missing some sort of secret handshake or magic word for this thing? I didn't read anything in the OM.
:mad:
:sick:
WORKS GREAT. you still should eyeball the intake area to check for stuff clogging the area.
I just bought a 2006 Black/Saddle/Ebony Touring and noticed the same behavior. It is obviously downshifting. First I thought it was just air drag as the MDX cuts a big slice through the wind at highway speeds. But I have also noticed it at slower speeds (30mph) where drag would not be such a strong factor. Anyone have any comments?
Btw, it is a nice truck all around. First impressions are that the interior is not as meticulously built with quality trim as my 2001.5 VW Passat. It also does not feel as structurally tight or rattle free. But the seats are far nicer, the ride is quieter, and no doubt the MDX will statistically have better long-term reliability. The MDX/Honda Pilot are the best compromises as family SUV's.
Thanks
For adding MP3 capability, Acura just introduced their iPod link but the jury's still out on whether it works on MDX's earlier than 2006 or 2005. It does let you control the iPod somewhat via the steering wheel controls, though there is apparently no display capability (e.g. doesn't show on the trip computer of nav screen).
Most folks have bought the Blitzsafe adapter (http://www.blitzsafe.com/) and done a DIY install so they can plug in their iPod. On another forum, there are some pretty detailed photos of two self-installation methods. The preferred one seems to be the "Not an Ashtray" method, where you don't even need to remove any of the plood to get to the connection with the head unit (you do need to remove some plastic trim). Folks have routed the input into the center console where the iPod resides and gets charged up (requires drilling two small holes). There are photos that show how to run the cable without anything showing, a very elegant install that only takes a few hours depending on skill level.
With the Blitzsafe, you can't control the selection of the iPod with the vehicle's controls, just the volume. But most folks seem quite happy with it, and it's relatively cheap. The sound is clearly better than using an FM modulator or the cassette adapter (which also results in cables hanging out).
Thanks
Once I locked the doors, I turned on the car, drove home and into the garage, turned off the car, and pushed the lock button up. The locks on the door went up and immediately went back down. This continued to happen each time I hit the lock button. I even re-started the car, drove around my circle, and then tried again when I came back home. No luck. I could not lift the lock myself- nothing. I finally used the lock button on the front passenger door and was able to climb out that door.
Has anyone else experienced this? I am going to call the dealer- just thought I would check in here first. I have been able to replicate the problem if I go through the same sequence of events described above. Thanks!
I am emailing them with some questions...i.e. does the CD player still work with the MP3 adapter/player hooked up. The Cassette option isn't very good, I have used it before for plain CD Players back in the 80's and the sound is poor. FM Modulation? I am not sure? I will get the music selection, but not the sound quality...not sure if it matters while driving though.
I understand it also works with the single CD player as well. The only compatibility issue I'm aware of is with RES equipped units, but they provide their own inputs.
The Blitzsafe input will sound better than either FM modulation or the cassette adapter.
Local all makes shop ( Naples, Fla. Acura dealer 2 weeks out for appt.)checked for fault codes & said that 3 cylinders were misfiring. The car sat for the morning there waiting it's turn to be looked at. The tech said that he found a vacuum hose off, reattached it, car ran great.
We then put approx. 500 miles on a trip. car ran great. Back in Naples, same exact problem occurs. Car bucks badly, both dash lights back on. I an concerned to drive it. I might have to rent a car until the Acura dealer can fit it in. Any thoughts? Pete M.
You can be sure every effort is made to remove it before bringing it to dealer. Any suggestions