Acura TL Maintenance and Repair

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  • gkearns56gkearns56 Member Posts: 49
    You did the right thing not driving the car too far, and having the fuel filter changed. I'd run a few tanks of premium grade in there for a while. Also, you may want to ask your mechanic at the dealer if that fuel would "foul" the spark plugs too. I was reading in some of the other forums someone did that and kept driving. It ended up being a nightmare for them. I would run the car down to when the fuel light came on, fill with premium. I'd want to ensure all effects of that prior fuel were definitely taken care of. Maybe you better fill the car up.
  • cjs2002cjs2002 Member Posts: 341
    doesn't the TL call for 91 octaine? round here its 87 89 or 93 octain so getting premium is what your supposed to do anyways... or am I mistaken in thinking the TL requires premium fuel?
  • mdhaukemdhauke Member Posts: 202
    yes, it does.
  • hoyahenryhoyahenry Member Posts: 399
    I posted in the TL forum that I experienced an unacceptable loss of control issue yesterday with the traction on the OEM BS tires on wet pavement.

    I have logged a complaint and will be calling Acura Monday.

    They want to give us BS, let's reciprocate.
  • babkatbabkat Member Posts: 2
    I had a tire go flat on my 2004 TL. The leak was from a crack in the rim. No damage to the bead of the rim, the crack was between two of the spokes, away from the hub. Car has 625 miles on it! The dealer wanted me to pay at first (must have been a pothole he said). I hit no big pothole, and the rim had no damage at the bead. Dealer said these low profile tires are more prone to road damage and I should consider the wheel warranty they sell. Anyone hear about this as a TL problem?
  • capriracercapriracer Member Posts: 907
    Not to throw rain on your parade, but I can tell you from experience that complaints about "loss of control in wet weather" are generally discounted as "driving too fast for the conditions".

    Don't be surprised if you don't get a really positive reaction.
  • coreywcoreyw Member Posts: 17
    Hi All,

    On my recently delivered '04 TL 6MT, I noticed that there is a recurring break squeal on the drivers front wheel. And it's very loud!

    It only happens when braking 'slightly' harder than usual (2/10 brakes presses) - like when slowing down before going up the curb into my driveway.

    And it only appears to happen between 10-20km/h.

    Is this something that should just go away after awhile (i've got about 450km (300miles) on the car). I've heard that the Brembo's need a settling period of some sort?

    Thanks
    Corey.
  • coreywcoreyw Member Posts: 17
    Bodble,

    I had about 100km on the car when I took delivery.

    After they fixed the clutch, Silverhill Acura Service told me it was the flywheel - manafacturing defect. Best I can figure, there's no way you can damage a flywheel on a showroom vehicle. So, I'm happy and I attribute the whole experience to $45K new car paranoia.

    If you are thinking about a Red 6MT, I recommend it. You get a whole new appreciation for the colour in the sunlight. Apparently Red's are harder to get in Canada, since the Americans get the majority of them. Bummer for us.

    Corey.
  • kahunahkahunah Member Posts: 448
    Be patient. Squealing will eventually disappear but after about 2-3000 km.
  • igibanigiban Member Posts: 530
    Have not seen a single red TL on my side of US streets. Most are silver and grey. Wonder where they went.

    Do the red tail lights look hidden on a red TL? Did you get splash guards. How do they look on a red TL?
  • mdhaukemdhauke Member Posts: 202
    Well I took it into the dealer and they looked at it. They ended up having to replace both buttons on the steering wheel that malfunctioned. They had to take a couple buttons off a new car in the lot so they could fix it right away. lol They would order new buttons for the car on the lot. It works fine now but I lost all my names in my phone book :(
  • jpiatchekjpiatchek Member Posts: 177
    Seems like I might be getting a little flatspotting on these tires when it sets a few days on a cold morning. Anyone else have this problem, or is it my imagination?
  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    I know I should be patient and wait to take delivery so I can read the owner's manual, but I just got my new Sony Ericsson with bluetooth so I want to know ahead of time if it is easy to program the handsfree link. Does the dealer have to do it for you?
  • pmf13pmf13 Member Posts: 68
    Coincidentally, I received my new Sony Ericsson T616 from Rogers yesterday. It took me less than 5 minutes to sync up the phone with the car and 4 of those minutes were spent reading the relevant pages in the TL and phone manuals. It worked first time and I was able to make a call right away, annoying the hell out of my wife by calling her from the garage.

    I was also thoroughly delighted last night to download my entire phonebook and selected calendar items into the phone from my Palm using the the IR interface.

    Feel free to email me if you have any questions.
  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    Thanks for the offer. I might have to take you up on that, 'cause I hate reading manuals! My TL should arrive in a couple of weeks.
  • danny1878danny1878 Member Posts: 339
    I have T616 too from cingular, but I dont know how to download all contacts from my T616's phonebook to the car's phone book.

    I dont like storing names, phone number etc again and again to the car. Do you know any other way of doing it?, Thanks.

    Bodble2, dont you worry, its very easy and you can do it yourself. Its also a good idea if your dealer can show it to you but I prefer of doing it myself.
  • avel627avel627 Member Posts: 1
    I also have the 6MT with the Brembro brakes. My brake squeal was so loud that it sounded like a Septa Bus when coming to a slow stop. I waited till the car had around 3000 miles on it hoping that it would go away. I brought it in to the dealer and they agreed that it should not do this. They replaced the pads and the rotors. Later that same day the squealing was there, but less intense. Over the last week it is gradually worsening. If you adjust your breaking habits by breaking a little harder when coming to stops you can go a day squeak free. I park my car in a large parking garage at work, and the squeal echoes through the building. Embarassing!
    AVel627
  • pmf13pmf13 Member Posts: 68
    I haven't transferred the phonebook from the phone to the car and I'm not sure that it's possible. First, the name of the contact needs to be audible in the car for the voice command to recognise it. Second, the TL phonebook can only store 50 entries. I have far more than that in my phone and wouldn't want to transfer only the first 50.

    The transfer I was successful with was from my Palm to the T616 saving me from retyping them all. If you want to use the full phonebook from the T616 it is always possible to make the call from the phone and transfer it to the TL once you've connected.
  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    Don't you need to upload some sort of conduit software to the T616 before synchronizing the contacts? I sync my Palm with my desktop computer and I had to install the conduit onto my desktop.
  • mdhaukemdhauke Member Posts: 202
    No, but if it's the 608 it's pretty easy. Just follow the fdirections on the Acura website..
  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    "fdirections": is that an abbreviation for what I think it means? :)
  • pmf13pmf13 Member Posts: 68
    No, no software is required. Just turn on the IR port in the phone and beam the entry or entire category from the Palm. The phone asks for a confirmation as soon as the request is detected. Works like a charm.
  • dhanderdhander Member Posts: 41
    I'm starting to have symptoms of a transmission problem but I want to make sure its a problem and not normal wear.

    It has started slamming into gears with a jolt to the car even at highway speeds. It has only begun happening a month or two ago, but I'm afraid that I may have a problem.

    Can anyone who has had a problem with their transmission comment on what sort of problems you had and if I am having similar problem?

    Thanks!
  • kahunahkahunah Member Posts: 448
    All transmission warranties for TLs have been extended. Bring it in and have serviced.
  • shellyshelly Member Posts: 22
    I also noticed Flat Spotting when you first start out I guess there is nothing we can do about it. I dont like low profile tires. I guess they saved a few bucks when they changed from Michelin
  • dtate99dtate99 Member Posts: 122
    Well, after leaving my car at the dealer for the last two weeks, it finally is "ready." I will now have the reformulated Bridgestones and (hopefully) will have eliminated the rattles as noted previously. Apparently, they had to order in a new cover for the rear brake lamp (ceiling mount) b/c the fabric was sagging and that is what took so long.

    I'll drive the car a few days and post again to let you know if the attempt to fix the noises, flatspotting, etc. was worthwhile.
  • richardgoldrichardgold Member Posts: 26
    I purchased a Motorola V600 (AT&T) phone. It will not recognize the car's link. In fact, when you follow the instructions to pair it will work until you have to put in a four digit number. The computer rather than continuing the process turns on the radio or the XM radio. Anyone out there with a similar problem? Thanks
  • hoyahenryhoyahenry Member Posts: 399
    I installed the splash guards a couple of weeks ago. They look fine. Here:

    http://members.cox.net/rhenry2/pictures/mnx.jpg
  • dtate99dtate99 Member Posts: 122
    Hoyahenry: lookin' good with the new splash guards!

    Regarding my new tires: My new Turanzas are every bit as bad as the originals, maybe worse. I picked up the car today (it had been ready for 2-3 days) and it was apparent the car had just been sitting. The moment I got it out on the road up to speed, there was absolutely no mistaking the all too familiar "whumpwhumpwhumpwhump..." of the tires flatspotting. And yes, this was a smooth road. After 5-10 minutes, they were fine. Oh well, it was worth a shot. I was pushing for replacing them with the Falkens, but I guess I'll just have to try to wear these out extra quickly with some extra hard cornering over the next year or two. :)

    As far as the other rattles...minor improvements. I still hear the "tick-tack" sound in the headliner just above my left ear, but I can learn to live with it. No other major problems. I'm really just glad to be back in the darn thing after waiting two weeks!

    P.S. I will say that the service dept at Acura Carland in Duluth, GA was very accomodating and very polite. That is one of the reasons why I was willing to drive past the nearest dealership (1hr away) to use them (2.5 hrs away), although I did buy the car from them, too, and thought they deserved the chance to fix the problem first. Plus, my parents live close to them, so I was able to drop off/pick up the car on weekends while visiting.
  • armandarmand Member Posts: 178
    I have the new tires and have had no problems with them - certainly no flat spots. They seem to be good all weather tires with the usual limitations of that type of tire. I haven't tried them in the snow or bad weather so I can't peak to that.
  • hoyahenryhoyahenry Member Posts: 399
    Thanks! You can barely tell they are there. When I washed the car yesterday, there was a lot less dirt on the front door panels. The lighting for the photo was very flat, but the guards blend in well.

    I too want to get the Falkens before the next time I experience hydroplaning in foggy conditions, and definitely before next winter.

    I'm thinking about having a chat with my salesman at the dealer about how new tires might "mysteriously" appear on the car during the first oil change service.

    It seems to me that Acura needs to consider events not too long ago involving a very popular Ford SUV and defective tires. IMHO, the EL42s are of a level of inferiority so as to be unsafe on this vehicle.
  • beichhornbeichhorn Member Posts: 20
    I just got the V600 for Cingular it works perfectly. I initially had some difficulty answering a call by pressing the button on the wheel, whereby the call was being answered, but not going to the HFL. I later realized that when answering the call, you must press the talk button on the wheel until you hear the tone. Then it works fine. -- No problem with pairing... You need to make sure bluetooth is turned on the phone.

    Settings -> Connection -> Bluetooth Link -> Setup -> Power on.
  • rorororo Member Posts: 8
    I sometimes get this problem: I get in my car, the TL recognizes my Sony T616 and it'll display "PHONE" and the signal strength on my non-Navi display. Fine. BUT THEN, it'll just stay like that even though changing XM/FM/AM stations or putting on the CD should automatically change the display. In order to remove the "PHONE" display, I'd have to turn on/off the phone on my steering.

    It's no biggie but has anybody else experienced this?

    TIA,
    Ro
  • achadhaachadha Member Posts: 106
    i have had the same exact problem.. it happens every now and then not too often i simply hit the talk button then the back button and it is fine...
  • danny1878danny1878 Member Posts: 339
    It happens on mine also. I dont think its bcuz of the phone, mine is T616 cingular or is it?
  • billyperksbillyperks Member Posts: 449
    I went to SEARS on Saturday to purcahse and install the Falkien ZE 512.

    I thought you told me they were $60.00 per tire- Sears told me $115.00 per tire.

    Can someone verify the price on these Falkiens?

    Is there somewhere else I can get these for $60.00?
    The size is 215/50/V17.
  • njlawnjlaw Member Posts: 7
    I was interested in putting the Falkens on my Volvo (my TL tires have been fine so far) and I didn't want to bother with ordering them online then finding someone to mount and balance them, so I went to Sears and they quoted me a similar inflated price for the tires (no pun intended).

    However, Sears has a posted policy that they will match all competitors' prices, so I produced a print-out from Vulcantires.com and they were willing to match it. Beware - they then assumed a rediculously high shipping rate and tried to tack that on. However, I had printed the shipping information out as well($28 for four tires) and after I produced that, they matched that too. The total was [($66 x 4) + $28] + mounting & balancing + 6% NJ Tax.

    Here are links to vulcan tires and edgarracing. Pick out your tires, print out the relevant information, and pay less at Sears.

    Good luck.

    http://www.vulcantire.com/index.html

    http://www.edgeracing.com/product/tire/?d=17
  • billyperksbillyperks Member Posts: 449
    Thaks for the help- but list a site that sells the Falken for $60.00.

    The two sites you listed are selling them for $83.00.
  • dtate99dtate99 Member Posts: 122
    Make sure the two of you are talking about the same size tire. It sounds like the Volvo requires a much smaller tire than the TL, which requires 235/45/ZR17. The Falken ZE-512 version of this tire is actually listed as $89 at each site. The smaller size tires do cost less.
  • dtate99dtate99 Member Posts: 122
    Well, I went down to the local tire place today to discuss trading in the Turanzas (the reformulated ones). He's checking on the details, but commented on replacing them with Michelins. Obviously, great tires, but also happens to be the brand they sell the most of, too.

    Anyway, he said they have the Michelin XGTH4 in stock and that he would check on the compatibility with the TL. Anyone know anything about this model, or can you provide a link? My suspicion is that it will not carry the appropriate speed rating. Any help would be appreciated as I'm sure I'll have to make a decision today or tomorrow.
  • billyperksbillyperks Member Posts: 449
    my 03 tls (all seoson version) with only 17000 miles and they are screehing like hell-especially on concrete.

    Not to mention moving off quickly from a sudden stop.

    The tire size I am looking at is 215/50/v17.
  • 2003tls2003tls Member Posts: 100
    I would avoid Michelins. The stock 215/50VR17 Michelin MXM4s on my 2003 TL Type S are pure junk. Most second generation TL owners agree. Like many, I switched to Sumitomo HTR+ in the same size.
  • dtate99dtate99 Member Posts: 122
    Well, my suspicion was correct...the Michelin XGTH4 is "H" rated, and not sufficient for the TL. So scratch that one.

    The local tire shop deals primarily in Michelins as I noted above, so he really wants to swap my Bridgestone Turanzas for the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S. He said he can get in the Falken 512 or the Toyo Proxes4, but felt that he could guarantee the tires better if they were Michelin as he could give me a 30 day "no questions asked" return/exchange policy. With the others, it would require more finagling with his dealer. Plus, he would more easily be able to correct any problem with the tires over the life of the tire since he deals so much directly with Michelin.

    In any case, if I go with the Michelin Pilot Sports, he quoted a price of around $150 total out of pocket for me. At this price, would you do the swap? Anyone who owns the Michelin Pilot Sport dissatisfied? Any negative comments other than the fact that some think they "look like SUV tires?" Again, any help/comments would be appreciated.

    Addendum: 2003tls, you posted while I was typing. I'm sure the MSM4 would be inferior to the Pilot Sport, but I haven't researched it as a valid option so I can't say yet with certainty.
  • 2003tls2003tls Member Posts: 100
    True, the Michelin Pilot Sports are a higher performance tire than the MXM4s (they are Summer tire while the MXM4s are all season). What size were you thinking of getting? The stock 235/45WR17 size would cost $185/ea. + shipping on the internet so $150 sounds like a good deal - if you are sticking with Michelins. I am just mad because 215/50VR17 MXM4s cost $192/each!
  • dtate99dtate99 Member Posts: 122
    Yes, I'm going with the 235/45/R17 which is the size for the '04 TL. Also, I'm getting credit of around $150 per tire for the Turanzas so that is why I'll only be $150 out of pocket in the end.
  • coreywcoreyw Member Posts: 17
    Regarding the question if the red taillights get 'lost' on the '04 Red TL: judge for yourself. The shade of red is a little different.

    I didn't get the splash guards - at least nothing extra from what's standard. I have yet to see another red '04 TL. Y'all notice that we don't have front license plates in Alberta? Nice...

    http://wirun.homelinux.net/images/P4281173.jpg
    http://wirun.homelinux.net/images/P4281174.jpg

    Enjoy!
    Corey.
  • coreywcoreyw Member Posts: 17
    Hi All,

    I noticed this after the first fill up of my '04 TL:

    Driving into the Service Station, I had '276 kms to empty' on the MID. I filled up by adding about 25L (about 1/2 tank). Now the distance to empty is 386.

    This doesn't add up. Adding 25L gets me another 100kms? I don't think so. Does anyone know what causes a 'distance to empty' re-calculation?

    I originally thought this was a cool feature, but I'm wondering if I can trust this indicator.

    Thanks for any help.
    Corey.
  • dtate99dtate99 Member Posts: 122
    Please excuse all of the posts today, but just to clarify...that $150 out of pocket for the Michelins was total price for all four tires installed, out the door, bye-bye baby.
  • dtate99dtate99 Member Posts: 122
    Corey, you can check your owner's manual to validate my answer, but as I understand it, the internal computer calculates your MPG (KPG) based on the last several miles driven. After you fill up, see if it doesn't begin climbing if you maintain an efficient speed for several miles, particularly in a highway type setting vs. city.
  • igibanigiban Member Posts: 530
    Corey, Looks like they did put splash guards on yours (might have come with it) and you don't even know it. The guards don't stand out much which may be good. Check around... did they leave some truck tray and floor mats on yours as well? Nice pics. Is that with black interior? Yes the tail light is more orange than paint's.
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