Acura TL Maintenance and Repair

achadha

verizon doesn't have v600 or the t616 that is att wireless

bodble2

Well that might explain why billhermann's phone wasn't working properly!

njdriver2

You can't still be waiting for parts? I am traveling this week on business and was able to rent a g35. I almost bought this car so it was a good opportunity to see what I may or may not be missing. I have to admit that I like the g. It is very quick, firm ride, and handles very nicely. The interior feels smaller than the TL and it is not as upscale. However, other than tire and engine noise, I couldn't hear a noise in the g. My TL is full of squeaks and creaks. That is my only significant complaint at this time. If the g receives an upgraded interior, I'd have to seriously consider the AWD version. I want so bad to love my TL, but I just spend so much time at the dealer.

claimguy

As a matter of fact, the dealer called today and the parts are finally here. Have no idea what took so long...anyway, will be installed this Thursday, April 22. Advised the service writer that many of the vibrations and rattles that they "didn't hear or couldn't verify" still exist. I will be riding with the tech to see if we can recreate them for his obviously poor hearing! I am still pushing for new tires as the reason for some of it, although it appears that the newer version of the EL 42's get mixed reviews as a replacement and improvement. I will let you know how the molding works out. Hopefully it will remove one item from my list. Every time I lower the visor it rattles so much that I would rather squint into the sun than listen to the noise. But since they didn't hear that, I will need to show them!! I had the same feeling about the G....very fast, solid, but not very plush inside.

billherrmann

Re T616. You're right! I mistakenly named verizon in my post. Sorry-- I meant Cingular.

igiban

My Hondas and Toyotas do that too, but my Lexus does not. You don't hear unclosed windows vibrate when doors are shut. Looks like Acura's build quality on TL is not as much improved over her lower sibling's as Lexus does over her own.

kahunah

Disagree. Rear doors on my 2004 TL close solid with windows closed half way down and all the way down. Front doors close solid with windows closed half way down. There is a slight vibration in the front doors when they are closed with the windows all the way down but nothing that concerns me.

dtate99

...I tried it today, too...ditto for me kahunah.

mdhauke

I have absolutely no rattles in my TL. Does that mean their's something wrong?

bodble2

Yeah, you better take it back to the dealer and complain

danny1878

Its so wierd, I have said it many times about this rattle thing, wierd wierd wierd.

I dont have any rattle in my TL.

igiban

sounds like a tale of two TL. Weird indeed.

pmf13

My dealer wanted an extra $200 for the Rattle Option Package. I didn't think it was worth the extra money, so I turned it down and mine's as quiet as a mouse. Well, a mouse with a 270hp engine and Clapton wailing on the DVD.

dtate99

ROFL...

Anyway, I am taking my TL in to the dealer this weekend to swap for the reformulated Bridgestones. While I'm there, I'm going to try to get a few of the little rattles fixed.

QUESTION: Has anyone had any real luck eliminating the tick-tack noise coming from above the driver's left ear? Some have suggested the headliner as the culprit, others suggest the black window trim. I can't seem to isolate it. Comments?

vinceb81

I have the same rattle above my left ear. I have not determine the cause. The dealer has been little help. Let us know if any of your rattles are fixed.

claimguy

Repairs are not complete. They were short a tech and want to keep the car until tomorrow. Did a test drive with the tech this morning to try to get them to see/hear the vibration and rattles in sunvisor, dash etc. Despite an obvious rattle, he first claimed not to hear...then it became to obvious to ignore. I also had a wit in back seat who attested to the vibrations. At least now they acknowledge...hope that the Service Mgr will get involved and they will do the right thing, but I am more likely faced with a battle. The noise others hear ob driver side is prob that same plastic molding we have experienced. I am hopeful to get mine back tomorrow and we will see if its resolved with replacement. I also hear a buzz coming from area of seatbelt retractor. Anyone else hear anything like that?

andy_viet

Yes, I think there is something wrong with your car. For a $35K car, it can't be no reattles, 1500rpm vibration or those close door non luxury noise. I bought mine 2 months ago without rattles/vibration problems, so I called Acura Client support and took it back to the dealer. I told them what I read from this forum and my car now is running as NORMAL. I got rattles where it suppose to be, vibration at 1500.0001 rpm. Now i am happy and be able to continue reading all the post in this forum. I will keep you guys post, if I don't have any other problem that you guys have.

bodble2

"I have the same rattle above my left ear."

In all fairness, I don't think the dealer is the proper place to go for your problem. You should ask your family doctor to refer you to a specialist. Good luck!

andy_viet

I feel lots of vibration when driving on the rough road. And my cabin was very hot when I didn't turn on the AC. Also, my 04 TL didn't pick up speed if I don't step on the gas pedal. Is there any problem about my car? I am very concern about it. What should I do? What should I do? Help everybody.

armand

Amen - i have alol the same problems!

bodble2

It's obvious you've got a lemon!

claimguy

Window molding was replaced and is clearly tighter than original one. Can't make any sound when pressing on it and so far, it is rattle free when driving. Same for the sunvisor. I spoke to Acura Client Services today and they said, without hesitation, the "old" EL 42's should be swapped out. They are well aware of the vibration issues with the tires and said that Acura has "stepped up to resolve this." Funny, but no one told the dealer who still insists they have no knowledge of the problem, let alone the solution. They called their factory rep and promised me an answer by Monday. The service writer said they would prob take care of it.

njdriver2

Great. Glad to hear your noise has been fixed. Keep me posted as this is really the only outstanding issue I have with the car. My tires were replaced about a week ago and that has made a huge difference. My headliner is starting to fall down as others have mentioned, but I will wait until a fix is issued. I'll touchbase with you next week and see if the molding is still holding up.

coreyw

Hi Folks,

Last Wednesday, I had my new '04 TL Dynamic delivered (red) to our house. Wow! What a great car! Beautiful!

Then things went downhill. :P

My first (attempted) trip out of the garage found that I could not shift into Reverse. It was locked in 1st. 'Course, the clutch was all the way to the floor, and still no luck. The only way I could get the car out of the garage was to shut off the engine, shift, then start it up in the gear I wanted.

"Oh crap", I thought.

I raised hell (but in a good way) with Silverhill Acura in Calgary and the Service Manager himself was dispatched. 'Course, by the time he got here, it was shifting normally. "Keep an eye on it", he said. Okay.

A trip with the family that night, car seats and all, went flawlessly.

The next day, I left my driveway and went down the street. It wouldn't shift from 1st to seconds. "Oh f***", I thought. With the car idling, and in neutral, I tried to put it into 1st again. And with the clutch fully engaged, the car started MOVING AS I TRIED SHIFTING INTO FIRST!!! Ergh: back home to the garage.

This time, when I phoned Silverhill, they sent out a tow truck to haul my little beauty away. A call from them later told me that they were going to have to completely replace the clutch!

What's the community's take on this? Do I treat this as an isolated, manufacturing incident? Do I raise hell with Acura? Silverhill has been okay so far, but it's my car and I don't know if I can trust the integrity of the vehicle anymore.

Thanks All!
Corey.

kahunah

Sorry you had to go through this but I wouldn't worry about it too much. I have a 6-speed TL and it's rock solid. Clutch, tranny, everything. This is the first time I've heard of this type of problem with a manual, and as far as I know, nobody else on these boards has had a similar complaint. Hope it is just a one off, isolated, manufacturing incident.

Good luck with everything and keep us posted, Corey.

armand

The passenger's seat is very low for short people (my wife). My dealer tells me that I shouldn't put a cushion on it to raise the position because it would interfere with the air bag sensors. He also will not modify it to raise the position. Acura also says nothing can be done.

Anyone have any ideas?

njdriver2

I have an AT with navi. I notice creaking noises coming from the navi/radio area when I back out of the driveway. it is not frequent, just sometimes. it also creaks if i press any of the buttons for the radio or dvd player. does anyone else have this situation? not a major problem, but surprising compared to my previous accord which made no noises.

mdhauke

My handsfree link has totally went out. I know it's not a problem with the phone because when I press the phone button on the steering wheel it won't even go into the phone menu or makes a sound. It's just like your pressing nothing. I am taking it in to get looked at. Anybody else have this problem?

dtate99

I do not have navi, but I have had this problem from day one. My car is in the shop now for this and other "noise" issues, particularly with the headliner.

The creaking/popping sound coming from the radio area is apparent when pushing against the center console with the right leg, but I notice it during hard braking or accelerating. I guess it has something to do with the shifting of the weight. It can also be reproduced by slipping a finger or two slightly into the cassette tape slot and shifting the radio somewhat. All of the popping comes from the actual radio area, not from the display screen.

Anyone else? Or just the two of us?

95gt

Little confused, wouldn't a low seat be better for short people? easier to get in and out of? How short a person is this? Never heard of any complaints like that. Put a pad on it. that should not do anything to the sensors that i can think of. If it does you will see a light come on the dash anyway

orange_peel

MDHAUKE,

Many people have had similar issues. The fix is to reset the computer systems. To do this, the dealer will disconnect the battery and then short the positive and negative connectors (that were removed from battery) for 2 minutes. Then it will work again. Eventually, there will be a software fix. This is similar to when your PC needs to be rebooted.

My car was fixed in this manner last week.

njdriver2

You can also reset by holding both buttons down for 10 seconds. You will hear a voice stating the system has been reset and ready for use.

armand

Thanks for your reply. The seat is so low that my wife (5 foot even) needs to strain her neck to see out the windows. Acura tells me that a cushion will interfer with the seat sensor.

mdhauke

Tried it but it didn't work. The system is absolutely dead. Thanks any way.

coreyw

An update for everyone. Sorry to be so long winded again.

After almost 4 business days and 6 looong calendar days, I'm supposed to get my TL back tommorrow. Silverhill Acura in Calgary did in fact order a new clutch for me and installed it. Looking good so far.

It's too bad we have a heavy snowfall warning for tommorrow. ERGH...

But something is still bothering me. When I took possession of the car, there was little nicks and scuffs in the trim and an unusual wear pattern in the leather seat - all of which Silverhill is replacing for me, and that's fine.

Now I know that Silverhill got my car from the inventory of a dealer in Vancouver - and I can't help think that I got a showroom model instead of a new one. And that the damage to the clutch that put the car in the shop was likely caused by Joe Buyer and his kiddies wrenching on it for who knows how long.

So, again, do I have reason to complain about this to Silverhill? They got what appears to have been a vehicle with several $1000 of damage and yet they still charged me full price on it. 'Course, they just passed the full $$$ along to me.

Do not dealers usually discount their showroom inventory to just move it? Should I feel cheated here that they misreprsented how 'new' the car actually is? And that I shouldn't have paid full $$$ for a showroom model?

I just need a sanity check on my expectations here. Thanks all!

Corey.

bodble2

What model TL do you have? What colour? I've been dealing with Burrard Acura here in Vancouver. I know they did a dealer-trade with a dealer in Alberta, and I know they had a red 6MT sitting in the showroom a little while ago which isn't there now. I wonder......

hals120

No rattles with mine, either. Yet.

coreyw

Hi Bodble2,

Yup. Red. That sounds like me. When the TL arrived here in Calgary, it had a Burrard Dealer plate and frame on the front (we don't have front plates in Alberta). Small world, eh?

They added the wing spoiler here for me - highly recommended!

You know anything about this car? Whadda ya think of my situation?

Corey.

95gt

I am very suprised she can't get it up far enough with the power seat, my wife is a little over 5'1 and is okay. Ah well.

I was under the impression the seat sensor is based on weight so i can't see how a cushion would effect it. Not like you are putting a 6 inch cushion on top either.

bodble2

As far as I could tell, it wasn't sitting there for that long. I estimate a couple of weeks, maybe 3. It was right in the middle of the floor in front of the reception, so the chance of some kid getting in and monkeying around without being detected should have been minimal.

From my experience, Burrard Acura is a very professionally run dealer, from the sales managers to the salespersons to the service personnel and even receptionists. It would surprise me if they knowingly shipped out damaged goods.

What was the mileage on your car when you took delivery?

billyperks

I was at my Honda dealer a few weeks ago getting an oil change for my wife's accord.
I stepped outside just to nosey around the dealership and look at the unsold products.
There was a delivery of cars coming in and just out of curiosity I stood there to watch delivery guy unload the cars.At the same time he saw me and asked if I worked for the dealership and I told him no.Then the fireworks began-you should have seen the way this guy was unloading the fleet.
Remember these cars are fresh off the line-I could swear this guy was burning up the clutch on the six speed coupes.

I stood there in amazement and thought to myself that this sure knows how to break in the new cars for potential buyers.

Point is -you never know what you are buying used or new.

vc_slim

I had the same problem. Turned out to be an auditory halucination. Took the service tech all of half a block to diagnose it. Turns out to be a common problem with the sun roof deflector. He lubed it and has been fairly quiet though it acts up every now and then. I'll have them look at it again when I go in for routine maintenance. Good luck.

armand

I think I'll give a thin cushsion a try. thanks.

leonard

My wife just put diesel in our 2002 TL. she stopped pumping when she realized what she had done. but put 4 gallons in the tank. Someone told her it was best to fill up the tank w/ premium. I am now getting the tank drained. Luckily, she only drove about 15 miles. Is there anything I can do to prevent messing up this engine?

qbrozen

there's nothing more you can do but drain it and hope for the best. I'd be surprised if there were any real damage under these circumstances, but you never know. How was it running when she stopped driving it?

dtate99

I thought the diesel fuel pumps had much larger nozzles so that they would not even fit into a gasoline only tank.

leonard

I thought so, too. Evidently the gas station she went to has the same size nozzle for gas or diesel.

The car cut off on her backing out of the driveway and then proceeded to buck and sputter a little bit. She drove about 2 miles to the closest auto shop and said it ran rough. I had it towed to a shop that is going to drain the gas, and replace the fuel filter. Hopefully, no longterm damage was done

btp205

Hello everyone, I have been visiting this website for about a week now and have found some great information. I am in the process of buying either a TL or G35 coupe...haven't decided. The dealer in SPFD, MO told me that with the 6MT TL, the Brembro brakes put out a ton of brake dust and dirty up the car a lot. He also told me that the Brembro calipers and rotors need to be replaced every 15K miles and cost about $900 each time. I am would appreciate if you 6MT TL oweners would elaborate on these topics and any other points about the TL. Thank you.

danny1878

Just search for "dust" from both forum (G35/TL problems and solutions), you might get them.

keithl

Join the club, creaks, squeaks, buzzes are not uncommon in the TL. My car has been in 3 times for 6 days trying to get the worst ones taken care of. I think it is a loosing battle! Fix one, another one pops up then the original ones start coming back.