Acura TL Maintenance and Repair

tomsr1

Out of curiosity I switched to 89 octane from 91
the performance was the same but the mpg dropped
10%.So I'll go back to 91 since it doesn't cost
10% more.There is so much power I wouldn't notice
any power loss if there was any.

johnnyv

I tried a little experimenting on the way home today. I found the noise occurs with the glove box open or closed. I have also found the noise can be caused by heavy base from the stereo or from small jolts while driving. Strangely enough larger jolts while driving don't seem to cause any of the noise.

Please keep me posted on your work through the problem.

sll2001

I am still in my free 3 month trial w/ XM [i do intend to sign up for it, it's one of my favorite things about the car, just haven't gotten around to it yet]. I never "activated" it or anything, and i seem to get every chaneel when I switch stations with the knob on the dash. But when I try to change channels from the steering wheel, whether I go up or down, it always takes me back to the XM preview station. This control works fine in other audio modes [normal radio, cd's]. Is this b/c I haven't activated the full service yet, or is it something else?

c5_4fun

I experienced something similar on a service loaner TL that was brand new. The button on the steering wheel will only take you to your 6 pre-set XM stations on each XM1 and XM2. Did you pre-set any XM stations? I think without any pre-set stations it defaults to the XM preview station.

mdhauke

That's because the button on the steering wheel will only toggle between your 6 preset stations. You probably have station #1 as the 1st preset station because anytime your off any of the 6 preset stations and hit the up channel button on the steering wheel it will automatically go to your 1st preset station, not the last one it was at.

slee

I just bought my TL a week ago. It's a great car!! In fact, it would be perfect if only the center console didn't snap crackle and pop so much. Should I go to the dealership service dept? I wonder if they've gotten similar requests and already know what to do.

bodble2

I managed to eliminate one major source of squeaking. I found out when the front seat headrests are in their lowest position (ie. sitting smack against the top of the seatbacks), there would be movement between the headrests and seats to cause squeaking. By simply raising the headrests to the first detent (only about 1/2 inch up), much of the squeaking is gone!

Now that the seats don't squeak, I do notice the tiny bit of squeaking from somewhere in the door seal. But the glovebox hasn't made any noise for a couple of days!

dtate99

Bodble, it's interesting that your headrests do better in the down position. I found it better for my car to leave the passenger headrest down all the way or else the headrest tends to undulate on the posts, causing a little rattle.

Slee, my car also has little snap, crackle, and pops from the center console. The dealer said it is all one piece and there is nothing to tighten, insulate, etc. I have found that it seems a little better over time, or else my ears have learned to tune it out. I don't know if there is a way to eliminate the problem, but if you find out, please repost.

slee

Cool, I'm just glad I'm not the only one who hears these things. No big deal. These issues are trivial when compared to problems faced by owners of other makes and models. I'll just think of it as the "break-in period."

nova0021

Have you tried to open one of the two pockets on the center console to see if that will eliminate the noise? If you have noise on the head liner, check where the center brake light (the end of head liner) if it is the noise source.

monkey

Hi! I haven't burned through my first full tank of gas yet. So, I am wondering what kind of mileage the car will get....anyone??

johnnyv

Thanks - I'll check the head rest.

My wife let mw know that she thinks she found some of the problem in the sun visor clip. I'll chekc this one out.

It would sure be nice to fix this with a few simple fixes.

Otherwise it still is driving like a dream.

monkey

Hi! I haven't burned through my first full tank of gas yet. So, I am wondering what kind of mileage the car will get....anyone??

mdhauke

I'm getting about 23 mpg but only about 5% of that is hwy driving.

sll2001

That was it, thanks very much!
Too bad though, using the control on the wheel while driving would have been nice, I think I'm going to have to sit in my garage and play with the XM to figure out which stations I like best.

dtate99

I get roughly 20 mpg with strictly city driving and 29-30 mpg with strictly hiway driving. And somewhere in the middle for a combination of both.

aaargh

I took my car on one trip so far - 32mpg.

With a 80% highway/20% city split, I get around 27mpg.

With a 50/50 split, it goes to 24mpg.

Mileage has improved as the car has broken in. I have about 2,500 miles on it now.

mdhauke

What I do is pick my favorite station in a specific genre and make that one of my favorites. I do that for 6 genres. That way let's say I want to listen to Alternative I have a preset for station 47, Ethel, and when I want to check out the different alternative stations I use the preset to get to 47 and then use the knob to scroll through the 40's where Alternative is. I do the same thing for Techno, the Decade stations, talk radio, etc. That is the best way in my opinion to utilize the presets when you only have 6 of them for 200 stations.

mdhauke

Be careful on how literally you take the gas mileage. It isn't an exact measurement, it is an estimation based on your RPMs, speed, and time. The estimates can be different for each vehicle so I would take all this talk about MPG with a grain of salt.

bodble2

I've only got a little under 1,000 miles on my TL, so far, based on 100% city driving, I've been getting about 20 - 21 mpg (Imperial gallons). Incidentally, that a little better (by about 1 mpg) then my old CL-S.

tedescm1

They will do nothing.....Been there and done that...

After dealing with pops and a symphony of other noises (that seem to come from everywhere) I became frustrated with the car and the Acura people. Now, I just play the radio real loud and try to ignore the problem.

Can’t wait till the car is three years old so I can get rid of it…it’s no better than a GM but much more expensive!

armand

I'm averaging about 21 mpg mixed city and highway - if the dash computer is telling the truth.

hoyahenry

With the windows/moonroof open and the radio off, I hear a rattling noise on acceleration that sounds like engine knock.

I'll have it checked at the first service, but thought I'd solicit any thoughts. I only use premium fuel as recommended.

jackhix

Infamous SRS light problem. Dealer reset, but the light comes back on. The dealer says (after a $45 diagnosis) that it is a problem with a sensor under the passenger seat and will set me back over $500 to fix. I have a few questions. Does this sound right to any of you? I thought I had my seat belt buckles replaced (as part of the recall) when taken into service previously, but I am not sure. Should such a problem have been covered under the limited warranty?

slee

Skip this message if you're sick of reading about complaints.

Damn noises getting worse. Everytime I hit a bump I hear cracking and popping from the plastic in and around the center console. When I brake and the weight shifts, it creaks. I don't turn on the radio all the time so I can't drown out the noises with music. I'm not normally a whiner, but is there anyone out there who has fixed the problem? I know that some of you have not been able to find a solution even after taking it to the dealer several times. This sucks. The car would be perfect if not for this annoying issue. I don't have any other problems with the car. Sorry everyone, I'm just venting cuz I just bought the car a week and a half ago and it's doing this. Plus, most others don't hear these noises. Maybe I got unlucky with mine.

I was at the Range Rover dealership the other day. Out of curiosity I sat in the new car and pressed on various places on the center console to see how solid it was. Man, talk about some creaks and squeaks! It sounded like crunchy potato chips. And this is a $70k car! But at least it doesn't make the sounds by itself while on the road.

Okay, I'm done complaining.

acurafan101

I recently purchased 02 TL Type 2. The Remote transmitter works for all functions except the trunk release. Is there a sensor or fuse that needs to be replaced for the trunk to open? The trunk release button on the driver's door works fine.

surferdude1

I purchased a 2004 TL in December 2003 and I had a rattle develop in my dash and driverside door window around the 1500 mile mark. I took my car back into the Acura dealership immediately and they fixed the problem right away. There was a broken washer on my windshield washer hose under the dash and some loose weather stripping on the window. I now have 9000 miles on my car and it rides as tight as a drum (no rattles and very quiet). I must admit, I was alittle disappointed when the rattles appeared (I thought I made a mistake buying a first year car), but ever since they have been repaired, I can't say enough about how pleased I am with this car. Sure there are some glitches like blind spots, but the positives far out weigh the negatives 100 to 1.

ps. I also had my seat memory fixed when I took my car in to have the rattles adjusted. The seat memory now works perfectly.

stickyman

slee,
I can understand your frustration with a new car and noises that you cannot control, find, or fix. Being that it is a new TL, the dealer will want to fix this for you and should give you a free loaner while he is playing with yours....I have never had issue getting a loaner for any type of repairs. If it is the console, it can't be to many things...I believe the console is a one piece construction with the lid being a separate piece..hang in there and speak to dealer, they will make you a happy camper...

dtate99

Slee, as I responded previously, I swear this seems to improve over time. Yes, I still notice it a little, but it does not seem to be as audible. Perhaps you should give it a few months to see if the break in period eliminates the noises without tearing into the dash. You'd hate to cause or provoke any noises you don't have to. But, definitely tell us what you decide to do and, if the dealer replaces the center console, let me know if it resolves the issue b/c my experience with the noises are EXACTLY as you describe.

agenka

i have heard tire complaints about the acura tl, does this problem apply to cars with the HPT package or only the standard tire package? thanks.

bodble2

Only applies to standard tire package.

tedescm1

I just wanted you to know that you are not alone. I complained to the dealer and got nowhere. I wrote a letter to Acura about the symphony of noises (snap, crackle and pop) and they asked me to bring the car in for service. They also provided me with a 2004 TL loaner.

The loaner made the same noises (snap, crackle and pop). It’s just the way the car is built. By the way, they were unable to fix my car. It still makes all kind of noises...poor workmanship!

igiban

Did you hear those noises during test drive, or it's developed over time later, albeit not a long one seemingly? I've test driven two TL and I did not get any obvious interior noise.

slee

I think I found the cause of some of the noises. You know that aluminum plate/cover (I don't know what it's called) under the shift knob for auto transmission? Well, when I press on it, it sqeaks like crazy. And if I hold it down firmly while driving, the creaking is gone. Bingo! There are 2 pieces. I wonder if there's any way to remove it and put some dynomat or some padding underneath. And ideas? Thanks for all your responses by the way.

vic2

I have a 04 TL I bought back in April. The engine was running really good and strong even in the break-in period. I mean it feels like whenever you accelerates at any speed, you can get your back pushed to the seat. But now after 4,000 miles, it doesn't feel that strong anymore. anybody has that problem or feeling?

bodble2

That don't sound right, 'cause Honda engines don't typically get fully broken in till after 12,000 miles. I've only got about 1,000 miles on mine but I swear mine is getting stronger everyday.

How about your gas mileage? Has it also been going down, which would indicate the engine is not firing on all cylinders, literally.

agenka

have reviews for the HPT been positive? and are they a good investment given that they are only $200 and the std package is so horrendous? or are other tires, such as michlin or falken better investments/values? assuming i will get snow tires in the winter and these tires will only be used in the "summer"

thanks

ntt18

http://www.prnewswire.com/

well, I was hesitant to buy my TL in April. I guess they caught it early so back to the dealership again.

I was thinking about buying the G35 but TL looks better per my wife's opinion. I don't know if it means TL cars made in 2003 or early 2004 so we have to call Acura to find out.

Acura customer service at 1-800-382-2238.

ntt18

http://world.honda.com/news/2004/c040630.html

sorry, wrong link. here it is.

tedescm1

I’ve experienced the same phenomenon. I think we are just becoming accustomed to the acceleration. The car is really just as fast as it’s always been…but the thrill is fleeting.

tedescm1

You sound as if these noises are easy to fix. I assure you ......they are not!

I've had my car in the shop for a total of 7 days and it still has rattles and other noises. In addition, the loaner (04 tl)they provided also had the same types of noise. I think it's the way the car is built.

It's not a lexus --

dflipchic

I bought my 2004 TL in 12-03 and it rides very well. Aside from the squeaks and rattles that's already been mentioned, I hear a new one. When I slam the door, the passenger seat vibrates and makes this "noise". So, I hit the seat a couple more times, and it vibrates and makes this noise. And it does the same on the driver seat also. It's not the headrest, it's the entire seat wobbles/wiggles and vibrates. I'm going in to get an oil change. I will point this out, as well as a recurring issue with the alignment and vibration around 60 mph even though Acura replaced the tires already. It's such a great car but these minor squeaks, rattles, etc, makes me wonder if its worth the price.

bodble2

Any possibility that any perceive drop in performance is due to the computer-controlled drive-by-wire throttle system reacting differently under differing conditions? There are days when my car seems to be "friskier", and sometimes a little more sluggish.

igiban

Sure it's not the manual massaging seat on its duty... ok.. ok.

But seriously, has it always been there or it just turned loose?

Gee, my things to check is piling up for the next test drive. This tranny recall, as trivial as it might seem, is shaking me a bit. Are you all thinking about replacing your tranny? They said only one failure so far and it may not be even from a TL. I think Honda is being cautious but....

tedescm1

Don't buy a 04-TL until they get all the bugs out. Wait another 6 or 8 months.

I sure wish i did....i'm very sorry i bought the car.

jime6

I purchased my TL in December of 2004 (VIN 15XXX) and now have 8000 miles on it. Not one rattle – even a little one! No creaks, groans, or any other noises.

I thought I heard a rattle once - I have been listening hard all these months. But it turned out that I did not push the sun visor back into the snaps after I used it for the driver’s side window and it was vibrating against the holder.

I think the car is great and the same quality product that my other three Acuras have been.

stickyman

I understand your pain and frustration with rattles/noise's. I guess it ends up being one of 3 things. #1 sell the car and try your luck with something else, #2 hope the dealer (or someone) can find the fix, #3 hope that something happens to the car when you are not in it.

It could be like a roof leak, the problem is somewhere else but sounds like the console. Good luck with the fix...

btp205

Hello, I have been reading and occasionally posting comments here. Anyway, I picked up my new TL, navi, 6 speed today. I had originally talked to the dealer when negotiating the price about swapping out the EL-42 OEM tires with the Bridgestone LS-Z or Michelin Pilot Sport A/S. He hesitated and then said ok. He called 2 days later and stated that the tires he was going to replace them with had a better W speed rating, I said ok, not thinking much about. Well today, I was anxtious to see how these new tires looked on the car, however on the car was the HPT(summer) that is the manufacturer option. I wanted all season so I wouldn't have to change tires in the winter. I talked with the Springfield, MO dealer and he stated that he thought that I oked these when he called. So there was a big misunderstanding. He talked with his sales manager and said that since they had already ordered this car and I had put a downpayment on it that the only thing they could do was give me the original EL-42s so I could put them on in the winter. However, as I had read the reviews on Tirerack and this website, I don't want those tires on my car. Does anyone have any idea if any tire dealer would swap these new EL-42 tires for a better set of tires I could use in the winter months? Or if anyone has any other ideas as to what I could do? Thanks to everyone for their posts and comments. By the way the cars looks and drives amazing.

dtate99

Yes, I've posted several times before how I was successful in swapping out the EL42s for some Michelin Pilot Sport A/S tires at a local tire store (not a franchise). I received a credit of around $150 per Bridgestone, and bought the Michelins for around $200 each for an out of pocket expense of $200 for four new Michelins. Well worth it.

tedescm1

Very Good advice...

Thanks