Acura TL Maintenance and Repair

tedescm1

I recevied the recall notice. They stated that the second gear needs to be inspected. Do they have drop the pan to do that?

thanks,

khelwein

Hi.. can anyone help? Do you know if Acura TL has 2 versions (based on the emission test for California and federal)? I am wondering if I buy the car from other states (WI, specifically) and bring it back to CA, will it pass the emission test.
If anyone knows where I can find out about this, please let me know. THanks a lot.

bodble2

One source of noise that I have positive identified and traced is the moonroof interior shade. When going over bumps it will emit this creaking noise which I can eliminate by pressing/holding the shade upwards with my hand. Does anyone else have this problem and is there a fix for it? (Replace the whole shade, perhaps?) Another thing I've noticed about the sunshade (maybe related to the noise, maybe not) is that on the TL, unlike the CL and the previous TL, has no built-in retention mechanism for the shade when it is in the fully open position. ie. on my old CL, when you slide the shade fully open, it will "click" into position so the shade will be "locked in" in the open position. But the TL seems to accomplish this simply by friction between the shade and the roof opening. On a couple of occasions, when I've had to slam on the brakes, the shade actually slid close. Is this the way the shade is supposed to be, or is mine missing a part?

c5_4fun

exb0 and armand,

Thanks for the information regarding the memory seat and flatspotting issues. With your advice, I gave up working through the dealer and went to Acura customer service. I had to be VERY persistent with customer service (as they kept trying to pass it off as something engineering is reviewing and later told me to read the warranty as the tires are warranted by the tire manufacturer! I informed customer service I paid Acura for the car, not Bridgestone), but a week later my dealer called to set up an appointment to replace the memory seat control and the tires (new and improved EL42's????). I thought about going to the local tire store to trade the new EL42's, but since I now hear there is a pending transmission recall on the early '04 TL's, I may not keep this car long enough to put my own money into better tires. They've made good on everything now, but it should have happened several discussions ago and several months ago.

Its still a fun car and good value, but my tolerance for getting the run around from the dealer and the manufacturer in this segment of the car market is low. My 2000 TL was never in the shop except for oil changes, and since I bought the 2004 I've been to the shop almost monthly.

crvols

crvols

I picked my TL up the first of January and have not had a problem with anything. I bought it based on my great '01' MDX experience which was also an early production model. I think there must be many more like us that have nothing to report but "miles of smiles"!

wr_g

Interesting. I also find the rear view blind spot to be more difficult with the headrests. How's the interior look w/out the headrests? Is it noticeable that they have been removed?

tedescm1

I took mine out. Visibility is more important than looks...

tedescm1

I am told that the 2004 TL’s have a small problem with the transmission. It appears that the second gear maybe overheating and be prone to breakage. To fix the problem they plan to install a transmission fluid delivery system directly to the second gear.

The parts to fix the car have not come in yet....

bodble2

The high rear deck of the TL also doesn't do anything for visibility. I'm not a tall person so I find I do tend to crank my neck to to see over the rear deck. The difference is especially noticeable when I go from my wife's 2002 Accord to the TL.

barch1996

This question goes out to owners of 04 TL's who have had their windows tinted. Have any of you had problems with the film being scored from letting the windows up and down? I had my windows tinted just over two months ago and the film is now ruined! Perfect when I left the shop but now my windows look as if someone took a razor blade and made fine cuts from top to bottom over the entire surface. Installer says there may be some type of weatherstripping or gasket in the door panel that's causing the scoring. Sounds to me like a poor excuse for bad window film. If you've experienced a similar problem, please indicate what brand window film was used.

igiban

I think TL learnt too much from some euro cars on this. I see many bimmers, audi and VM having small rear windows plus tall head rests too.

I guess 'looked good' and 'a good look' can't be both had that easily. On the plus side the low visibility can help refrain drivers from being too carried away on TL, which is not hard to do.

hoyahenry

I have read that a strip of "mole-hair" must be installed on the inside window gasket in the door to prevent the condition you describe.

armand

I have not noticed much of a problem with rear visibility - I think its because I like to keep my seat high - try that, it might help.

ntt18

Don't know if anyone here notice similar issue I detected on my 04TL Auto. I have been noticing that when the speed reaches 30-40 or so, the engine seems to be putting out a buzzing kind of noise or vibration I just am not sure what it is.

This phenomenon has started after 1500miles especially if I start from a complete stop. Once it gets over 45, the noise/vibration seems to be gone. It almost like the engine was trying to get to the correct gear or speed.

It is really hard to describe it unless you sit in the driver seat. The problem does not noticable when using auto-manual mode.

bodble2

I noticed today when I was stopped at a traffic light that my putting moderate (or slightly above moderate) pressure on the brake pedal while stopped (with engine idling and transmission in Drive), the brake pedal will slowing sink down and down. But otherwise the car stops just as effectively as always. Has anyone else noticed this? Is this normal?

summersby

I had Acura tint my windows as a package for the car that included wheel locks and some special wax. I was told that I have a lifetime guarantee for the tint and if it ever looked similar to what you said I would take it back there and have them fix it. That sounds like an unacceptable job, as my tint has been fine so far (only a month). Good luck.

jrkelly

Me too. That is the only complaint I have with the car. Haven't heard any noises, squeaks, rattles or other problems. Just a smooth ride. But backing up is a little bit of work but I'm getting used to it. And if you are concerned about the recall, call the Acura hotline and they can tell you if your car is one of them. I just called and I'm not.

dtate99

First one to the top! I just felt compelled to be #1000.

Bodble, I pushed my brake pedal as far as it would go today while at a stop. I does travel quite far, but I don't see any reason for concern.

tedescm1

What recall?

bodble2

Thanks for the input. I don't see any fluid leaks and the car stops fine otherwise, so I agree with you that's it's probably nothing to worry about.

igiban

When you brake hard, does it (need to ) sink that far?

bodble2

Nope, it feels normal during normal, or hard, braking. Stopping distance is equal to, or better than my old CL and my wife's Accord. It's just that when the car is idling, and I press down on the pedal, it will sink down and down and down. I don't recall that phenomenon on my other cars.

dtate99

Has anyone else noticed the little, black, rubbery dots that collect on the flat piece under the driver's door when open (just in front of where the silver "Acura" bar is) below the driver's door hinges? Every couple of days I notice these when I get in the car. At first I thought it was just pieces of that black styrofoam insulation material you can see behind the door hinges, but it actually feels like rubber.

Anyone else notice this? I hope I am making myself clear.

bodble2

I haven't notice. I'll have to take a look. You sure it's not just road debris that got in under the door?

armand

I looked and find no such things.

04actlnav

If you need one of these phones I currently have 5 listed on EBAY selling for $225 buy it now without the bidding. I have the phone and the WHITE TL with NAV, and It works great for me.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=64355&- amp;item=5710205663&rd=1

falcon74

I am considering purchasing a 2003 TL. I know the 2001 and 2002 TL's had tranny problems. Did they fix the tranny problems for the 2003 TL?

Thanks in advance.

tedescm1

It depends on whom you talk to...the dealer will tell there is no problem!

I think the problem exists on some 00 to 03 models. Another transmission problem also exists with the new 2004 TL. Acura is sending out a recall notice on the 2004 tl.

How can a company have transmission problems for four years in a row?

Makes you wonder...

aahwang

I just picked up my 2004 Silver/Ebony TL!

I think I over-expected the build quality. With 20 miles, I am beginning to hear a bit of a rattle at the transmission cover plate...the glove box is not aligned properly, and I think the driver side passenger door is not totally flush with the rear quarter panel! I think the last problem is not quite noticable...but I think if I am correct, there is maybe a 1 to 2mm gap there. I have already contacted the salesperson to have the glove box realigned, and hopefully, get the dealer to take care of the other problems....(however, not sure at all that they can take care of the door alignment issue...)

serranot

My 00 Honda Accord V6 does the same thing, and there is a note in the owner's manual stating that this can happen, but it's normal. Take a look in your manual.

Regards,
Tom

tedescm1

Good luck...your going to need it!

Good looking car but not great quality...

dtate99

Here we go again...

dtate99

No, it doesn't appear to be road debris at all. The particles are much too consistent. Always the same size, shape, and material. No big deal though, just wondering.

bmd

All 4 windows except the moonroof of my 2004 TL were mystically down about 1~2" few days ago. I know by hitting the remote unlock key twice you can open all windows. But in my case, the moonroof is not opened so I ruled out the case by hitting the remote key accidentally. And then, today, after locking the car with the remote (and I’m pretty sure all the interior lights are out), few hours later, I found the front interior lights are on! Have these happened to anyone? Back in February, I saw quite a few messages talking about the phenomenon with windows but I don’t seem to find people having problem with the interior light. Am I the only one having these electrical problems?

billyperks

are in the "ON" sttings, make sure you set in to door so they can fade out when you lock the car with your remote.

Maybe I am wrong but this is my solution.

bodble2

This may not be relevant to your observed phonomenon, but the moonroof doesn't open at the same rate as the windows when you used the remote unlock button. So I believe it is possible to open a windows a crack with the remote and not have the moonroof open.

Of course, the other possibility is that you accidentally left the windows open when you parked and locked your car.

jrkelly

There is going to be a recall of approx. 600,000 cars that may have a problem with the second gear getting overheated or something like that. (you can tell I'm not a motorhead) Anyway, the TL's involved will be 2003 and early 2004 models. I've had my car three weeks and when I called the 800 number for Honda Corp. they looked my car up by VIN number and told me my car was not being recalled. You can also find out if your car is one being recalled by going the NHTSB website and you will find a list of vin number lots to see if your car is involved.

go_mdx1

Yep, I have the same "issue" with the Little black dots. My 2004 is pretty new (only 1000 miles) and the dots are less frequent than earlier. I thought they may have been from the tires. They could also be caused be from the weather striping around the doors.

aahwang

I drove the car back the Dealer on Thursday monrning. They are still working on the car this afternoon. I will post after I get the car back tomorrow! I brought the car in at 100 miles on the odometer..To tally what needs to be fix

1) Ding on the rear quarter panel (close to the driver passenger side window)
2) Glove blox misalignment (apparently they ordered a new part for this...)
3) shift plate rattling...
4) top console door rattling...
5) drive side passenger door improperly installed (not flush against the rear quarter panel...)

I was just wondering...if your car may have this same door misalignment? I was at the dealer, and noticed that 3 out of 4 TLs seem to have similiar problems! (but may not have the same magnitude of misalignment)...makes you think about their adherence to engineering tolerances!!!

bmd

Thanks billyperks and bodble2! Seem like not many people encountered the same problems I have. Ok, I will make sure the windows are up & lights are in “ON” for door activated only. I’m now having my finger crossed that it won’t happen again. I guess in the coming weeks, I will monitor the situation by peeking at my car every time I pass by the garage :-) because I just hate to drain out the battery!

aahwang: I have a Silver/Ebony TL. I also found the left rear passenger door not quite aligned. I'm planning to ask the service people to fix it when I have the first oil change. So, pls let me know if they can fix yours. In addition, the glove compartment is also a little bit off alignment but don't bother me at all. I agreed Acura should take note if too many cars have the alignment problem. So far, my problems are no major one so I still say I love my TL!

wr_g

Is there a way to disengage the seat belt reminder on the 04 TL? I looked through the manual and didn't see it. My Lincoln LS had a sequence of steps that you do to disengage the chimes and I thought maybe the TL does also.

mdhauke

No

go_mdx1

Only one significant alignment problem....

On the day I brought home the car from the dealer, a bunch of neighbors gathered around to look at it. I opened the hood to look at the engine bay and when I attempted to close the hood, the hood would not latch closed!! This got a big chuckle from my "buy American" neighbors. Nothing better than having a car with 12 miles on it being towed back to the dealer because the hood couldn't be closed and the car couldn't be driven!!! Turns out, the hood latch mechanism was not aligned correctly. This still makes me wonder if any mechanic had truly checked under the hood as part of the "pre-delivery" inspection checklist.

Only other alignment problem I've had is cosmetic...The plastic bumpers don't align very well to the fenders.

igiban

Ever told your neighbors that TL is made in America?

ejohnson

When I was resaerching the Acura TL I noted some complaints about various relatively minor tire problems (flatspoting,etc.). I did not see anything to compare to what I have experienced and wanted to know if anyone has had similar results.

I bought my car in late January. In early March, with about 4,000 mileson the car, my rear driver's side tire blew out without warning. It appeared that a significant portion of the inside sidewall had disintegrated. The dealer wanted nothing to do with this problem and referred me to Bridgstone/Firestone with the explanation that Acura does not warrant the tires. The local Firestone dealer blew me off, explaining that "you must have hit something." I did not want to fight about it and did not have road hazard protection so, even though I felt this was explanation complete BS, I sucked it up and paid $200 for a new tire.

Last Friday, at 14,000 miles, the rear passenger side tire fell apart. The inside and outside sidewalls completely detached from the tread all of the way around the tire. The tread itself was badly worn - to the point of being "bald" in my wife estimation. The remaining two original tires are also badly worn.

I have a meeting with a Firestone rep at the dealership tomorrow. I would like to know if any other TL owners have experienced these severe tire failures.

tedescm1

I've also had problems with the quality of the car. The car was built with poor quality and attention to detail. The car has many problems ranging from creeks and rattles to more serious transmission problems. The older model Acura TL (1999 to 2003) also had a history of transmission problems and when I purchased my 2004 TL I was assured (by the salesman) that the problems with the transmission were resolved. Apparently, this was not true. I recently was told that my car also has transmission problems and that there was going to be a recall. I took my car to the dealer for an inspection and repair but was told that they did not have the part.

How can the Acura Company have transmission problems for four consecutive years? What is wrong with thier engineers?

tedescm1

Do these tires only last for 14,000 miles?

tedescm1

Let me know how you make out with the rattles. Mine has been rattling since last Nov. It's been in the shop four times for rattles and they still can not find them.

I got Acura involved but it did not help!

ejohnson

It depends on how you look at it. One tire only lasted 4,000 miles. The other two original tires are still on the car, but not for much longer. I learned today about someone else in my area (Baton Rouge) who had to replace the tires when bulges appeared in the sidewalls.

One way or another, either Bridgestone or Acura will be putting new tires on my car. It helps that I am an attorney, because it won't cost me much to sue them in small claims court, if necessary. Under Louisiana law, I'm pretty confident that I'll win. I'm thinking about the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S. Does anyone have any comments on this selection.