Acura TL Maintenance and Repair

pmf13

Thanks very much for the cogent analysis. I recently bought a Subaru Outback Sport for my wife and exchanged the OEMs for Pilot Sport A/Ss. I had a chance to drive them in light fresh snow last week and couldn't get them to spin or slip. It felt like I was driving on dry pavement - they're that good. I'll see what the price difference is here in Toronto. I know that I can get the Michelins at a place that has agreed to buy the EL-42s at about half list price. Falkens aren't generally available here so the few dealers that carry them might not take the OEMs.

wbernie51

I just need to ask a dumb question of everyone. I researched this car to DEATH. I had a budget that was nearly $10K more than I paid for the TL. I Finally pulled the trigger and picked up my Anth/Ebony car last Wednesday. I got a great deal on it ($30,200) and I LOVE it.

But... Everytime I drive it, rather than thinking about how much I like it, I think about if the tires are vibrating, or if a rattle is developing, if it is going to start right away, if the engine is sputtering, or if my seats remembered me. I'M LOOKING FOR PROBLEMS!! Can anyone sympathize?

msf2

Relax.....get a massage....go on a cruise......

kman1

Two quick comments based on some of the messages. First, I just picked my TL up last Friday. Am in love. But am detecting the passenger side rattle and some squeaking from that direction. Not cool considering the $$ involved. Second, the XM radio, particularly in the lousy Philadelphia area commercial radio environment, is awesome. Not everyday you get to hear rare 80s and 90s alternative like Sex Pistols, Love and Rockets, Chalatans UK. These aren't B grade cuts. They're solid tunes that didn't necessarily enjoy Top 40 success.

bodble2

Passenger side rattle/squeak - U2?

The demo I drove had the same noise.

kahunah

kman1 - Be sure to read my post #495 on this board.

igiban

You are not telling me all these 'memory loss' claims are due to trying to set/find it as the car is not in Parking?? "Good" grief!

kahunah

Yes igiban. You can actually create a new memory setting while driving, by manually changing the seat's position, press 'memo' button (listen for beep), then press button 1 or 2 (listen for beep). However, you cannot RECALL the memory setting (if the seat has been moved) unless the car is in Park (auto) or the Parking Brake is on (manual).

danny1878

Thanks kahunah for your info.

I had that problem for a week and for the last 3 weeks it seems completely gone. I didnt realize what the problem was, until you brought it up.

Having a hard time re-duplicating the problem and finding out the solution but actually a simple logical explanation does it. lol.

paulg54

Thanks Kahunah for the technique. I had not skipped any gears going up but skip every once in awhile downshifting. It just seems the culprit is the rpm staying up momentarily when the clutch is depressed. When I go to change gears the rpm stays up a fraction of a second and then heads back down the tach. It seems easier to shift when it is down a little than if I try to shift quickly while rpm is up at 2 to 3,000.

Do you choose your shift points by rpm or speedometer as manual suggests?

kahunah

Forget the manual. The manual's instructions are written to maximized fuel economy only. You have to develop a "feel" for shifting. When you drive slower, you shift sooner. When you drive faster, you shift later, etc. I make use engine sound, g-force feel and occasionally glance at the tachometer. Just remember to ease off the accelerator when shifting, otherwise you will cause the engine to rev too high before the clutch is engaged. Having said that, the TL's engine likes to be revved, so don't be afraid to push it a little. This car can take it, believe me.

soljc

I am able to change my seat memory while driving. Specifically, I set the 2nd memory position so that my mirrors tilt down to avoid headlights in my eyes at night.

I haven't tried actually changing seat position while driving, only a change to the mirrors. I'll see if I can change seat position with the 2nd memory position as well and will report back.

igiban

Ok I'd like to drop this from my TL problem watch list but just to confirm its 'feature' here.

In TL one can change manually the seat/mirror/temp. setting while driving (not in Park) and set to have it memorized. But to recall any memorized setting, the car has to be in Park. People who reported this memory seat problem were all trying to recall while driving. Are these correct?

In Lexus I know you can't set new position while driving either so there's less confusion. For TL it gives you more freedom on one side but not the other and I think that may have caused some confusion, tho I do think that a nice little feature, once understood.

exb0

Seat memory problem is a defect, not a feature. Once in a while the memory is just lost, and there is no way to get it back. I just had my TL in for service, they told me that the Acura is aware of the problem and they are working on a fix, as soon as the fix is available they will notify everybody.

However, they are playing dumb about the tire issue: “What flatspotting? What is flatspotting? We have never heard about any tire problems!” And this is from the highest volume dealer in America, Pohanka Acura in Chantilly Virginia.

igiban

If the seat can't be recalled even when it's in Park then it's a defect. That it can't be recalled while moving should be a feature. Sounds like there're indeed TL with the former case/defect. Well then it's back to my watch list.

The dealer I talked to have not heard of flatspotting either. Well hell they don't even know about the mem. seat issue either... They heard of deposit for TL tho.

orange_peel

According to another TL site, a TSB has been issued (TSB# 04-005) and it addresses the memory issues with the seat memory. Apparently this problem exists in cars with VINs 00001-18476 (the last 5 digits of VIN.

Hope this helps.

paulg54

Well, I do have to admit, I am babying the TL right now. I guess that is why the mileage is in the 22 to 25 mpg right now. Maybe I'm getting old. How soon did you start finding out what the TL could do?

On another note. Have you had anyone flash their high beams at you when your fog lights are on? When I crest a hill and the low beams catch oncomers in the eyes, I get their high beams flashed at me to lower my lights. When the fog lights are off, I don't get this treatment. Was it a mistake to place the fog lights next to the headlights? Should Acura have put them nearer the road even though they're "yellower" than the HID's?

billyperks

I hope Acura put them back where they belong- under the headlights.

Maybe on the 2006 model year.

kahunah

I did heed to the break-in guidelines which I recommend you do as well. That is, drive normally but no hard braking, no hard accelerating and no long stretches at constant speeds (i.e. avoid using the cruise control). I did this for almost double the recommended mileage (1,000 miles instead of just 600). Now I have about 4,500 miles on the car and I feel totally conformable pushing it but not to it's very limits (I'm not getting any younger either, plus I want to maintain by perfect driving record to avoid insurance hikes).

As for the fog lights - for some unexplained reason the Canadian TLs do not come with fog lights, so I don't get "flashed" like you do.

bodble2

I do get the odd moron flashing me because they think the HIDs are high beams.

capm

I called Sprint again today, and they FINALLY have the T608 available for purchase. I ordered mine directly from them over the phone for $199. I can't wait to get it set up next week.

paulg54

The lack of fog lights in Canada surprised me. What does the headlight look like? Do you have the HID's for high and low beam or is there a high beam where our fog lights are located?

I bought some 80w HB4 bulbs to put in place of the yellowish fog lights but took them out. They actually seemed worse than the 51w bulbs. For some reason it seemed the yellower light showed more of the street when flipping them on and off. I also figured people would flash their highs even more if they saw 2 bright lights coming toward them.

billyperks, I would like to see them lower too, but I don't think I'll do anything about it. My wife will go beserk if I buy another car in 2 years. I'll hang with this for awhile as if this is some cross to bear. If they come up with a kit to put fog lights below the headlights in the small grill area, I may buy them and keep the main fog light switch off.

kahunah

We also have Daytime Running Lights.

lglwizard

So, if the technical service bulletin says the problem affects cars with Vin numbers ending in 00001 - 18476 does that mean that none of the Acuras currently being built will have this problem? I.e. has acura "fixed" the bug in all cars currently being built?

orange_peel

Supposedly...

boneyardjelly

The VIN on my '04 TL ends in 26XXX and I have no problem with seat memory. I brought it home 2/10/04

raher

I messed up one of the 17" OEM wheels two nights ago by misjudging the turning radius of my TL and ground the wheel into a curb. The TL has a turning radius equivelant to an aircraft carrier. It gouged the living daylights out of the wheel.
I called the dealership where I bought the car and asked the price of a new wheel - $300. The parts guy then told me that they have a stock of wheels they have to sell as used but they have never been on the road. The wheels are removed from new cars when people want different wheels put on at delivery. The "used" wheels are $200. I was so pleased I am getting two since one of the other wheels got dinged when my wife had a flat and the guys changing the tire gouged the wheel with their tire changer.

kahunah

...you can have the wheel refurbished for about US$100.

davedevine

I'm in the market for a used TL- Type S but have heard some horrible things about their tranny's going out at 20k miles and every 30-40k thereafter?

Besides rattle noises, I've read nothing but great things about this car, but this "rumor" scares me! Any truth to this and if so, is it more prevalent in the 02 or 03'? Maybe we just got a bad bactch of them here in K.C.?

Any feedback would be appreciated. If this is true, I'm going with the G35.
Thanks!

raher

Where would I go to have the wheels refurbished ?

kahunah

...ask your Acura dealer's service department which auto collision center does most of their auto body paint and repair work. They in turn should be able to tell you which company does their alloy wheel refurbishing, if not themselves. That's how I found one in my local area. They did a great job on the factory rims of my '00 TL.

igiban

of TL is close to 40' which is about the longest in the class. The non-sporty ES is below 37'. I don't understand why the more sporty, better handling TL is less nimble in turning than ES (the other FWD car in the class).

95gt

2%, yes 2% of TL/CL's had a tranny issue. That's it. This is not some huge issue. Plus when it goes out they replace them, they normally do not go out again after that. Also acura extended the warranty to 7/100k for the transmission so that should put to rest almost every issue. Don't let the rumor mill chase you away

mod

I'm wondering if people are still having rattle/tire/nav. problems who have recently purchased their TL. Mine went into production on Friday and should be ready for pick up in 2 weeks- and I want to know if Acura has since fixed all the problems you've been talking about??

bodble2

2 weeks? That quickly? I thought it takes over a month from start of production to arrival at dealer.

mod

I'm wondering if people are still having rattle/tire/nav. problems who have recently purchased their TL. Mine went into production on Friday and should be ready for pick up in 2 weeks- and I want to know if Acura has since fixed all the problems you've been talking about??

kph

Mine will be built the week of 3/22 and I was told I would have it the first week of April. Maryville OH to MN doesn't take that many days.

It would be longer if they were being shipped from Japan.

kman1

When I picked up my ride, I got "sold" on wheel protection insurance for $295. Duped ... I think not. Three days after pick up I misjudged the radius and gouged my passenger side rims. Not feeling too bad about the insurance now. You might want to (a) see if you still can get it or (b) watch those turns.

msf2

I test drove a TL on Feb 13th. The dealer told me the Redondo Red/Parch/Navi I wanted was on their manifest for delivery the first week of March with a BUILD date of between Feb 26-29. They build certain colors on certain days. I know that my TL was built sometime AFTER Feb 26th-the dealer was able to look up the VIN # and see that it wasn't on the production line yet. I took the car home March 6 so it wasn't more than a week off the line. I live in western NY so I'm not that far from Ohio where the TL is built.
Only two day's but no rattles or vibrations. The memory seat is working fine. I'm still learning about the car but so far it's the whole package-what a ride!!
kph-you're in for a treat-get ready.

browndognj

Just picked up my TL this weekend. I'd like to first state that I believe this car beats all in its class hands down, no questions. I will post more about the "wows" later. For now I have 2 problems I need to correct. I have read about each of these already on this forum. The sun roof vibration posted previously matches to my symptoms perfectly, was sad to hear that the fix for a $33K precision machine is a piece of foam, has anyone heard any other fixes from Acura themselves? In my readings with regard to a slight steering wheel vibration, it does sound like a balancing issue...I hope it's that simple. I do believe I'm dealing with a good dealer, but one would think the dealer would make sure these wheels are balanced correctly before delivery, especially given this is a recurring problem. With all this said, I believe Acura will be true to their reputation and have definitive fixes for both these problems...and I don't mean foam!!! Comments Please.

kahunah

Listen, I know you're frustrated but do yourself a favor. Have your dealer put the foam piece in. It's the simplest and easiest solution that will fix the problem, and it won't be noticeable. In the meantime, you can wait for Acura to come up with a much more complicated and costly solution that will satisfy your "precision" needs.

As for the wheel vibration problem, it could be wheel imbalance and/or tire flatspotting. Many dealers don't even check tire pressure let alone wheel balance before delivery. Welcome to the real world...

browndognj

I've been in the technology business for nearly 25 years, I realize there is always a risk being an early adoptor, in the car sense, new model, first year. If I was ever going to take a "risk" it would be with Acura (I had an MDX), hence a small risk. Problems are expected, it's all in how they resolve them. Your posts are reassuring, I'll update the groujp as to the outcome...I'm still as energized about the car as ever and continue to find excuses to get out and take the long way home!!

raher

Thanks for the info. I didn't know anything about the insurance or I would already have $100 back in my pocket. I bought two new wheels yesterday at $200 apiece. I doubt it will be the last time the wheels get banged up as they appear to be very susceptible when curbs are involved.
I am probably going to mount snow tires on the used wheels for winter.

raher

When I took my car to the dealership yesterday for new wheels, I also had the oil changed as the car has 3000 miles. The computer showed 50% oil life remaining. When I got the car back I was driving home and noticed the computer still showed 50% oil life remaining. I thought maybe there was a reset function but in reading the manual it said the oil life is a constant calculation based on engine performance.
I haven't called the dealer yet this morning but am wondering..did they really change the oil. I am guessing they did as it shows on the invoice and also has a sticker on the windshield. I am more concerned they did change it and the computer is malfunctioning.
I also talked to them about the seat memory not working. I was in another board and they had VIN numbers for TL's affected by the memory loss.
I was told there is already a service bulletin on it. The invoice said the seat motor was on back order and they would call me when it arrived so I am assuming this is service bulletin for the early cars.

eglewis

Did you purchase the wheel protection from the dealer ?

kahunah

...they just forgot to reset the computer (happens often). I had my oil changed at 6,000 kms as per the service manual and the computer was reset to read 100%. The car is not that sophisticated that it can detect new oil vs. old.

Also, take my advice and have your damaged wheels refurbished. It's well worth the money. Having a couple of spare rims comes in very handy.

igiban

Once reset after oil change, how does TL calculate % oil life left? By engin performance, or by time or distance driven since? If one resets it w/o changing oil, would it be smart enough to read that there's no oil change and jump it to say 40% right away?

270hp

Does anyone have what appears to be an exceptionally large gap where the top of the glovebox meets the dash? The gap tolerance along the top of the glovebox is larger than all the other tolerances in that area. Am I just being picky, or is this something worth taking to the dealer??

mod

Anyone know anything about the Nokia 3650? I understand its a Bluetooth phone and right now you can get one for free with one year sign up... only 39.99 monthly for 600 min.

kahunah

...and have them adjust the striker, so that the glove box door closes more tightly. I had mine adjusted to remove a dashboard squeak.