Acura TL Maintenance and Repair

charliew

I see your side of the argument, but why not just take the issue up with the tire manufacturer if it's the tires you want replaced? The tire warranty explicitly states the manufacturer will replace any defective tires with same or comparable tires. Acura has less initiative to recall all the tires as a goodwill gesture since not all '04 owners are reporting this problem. Whereas a warranty claim against the tire manufacturer is car-specific, therefore more easily resolved.

Case in point, my '05 is also shod with the Bridgestone Turanzas, and I'm not having any problems. At least not so far.

ckk1

We have a annoying whining noise at 30-50 MPH. Acura decided that they should put in a whole new tranny to fix the problem. It did for about 1500 miles and now it is back. I haven't seen anyone else on here mentioning this problem so i guess I'm a one of kind problem. lucky me!!

gee35coupe

If you did that, there wouldn't be anything to [female dog] on Edmunds about would there?

birchbay

A salesman tried to sell me a "loaner" 05 TL w/ l5000 miles on it at a inflated price. The leather seats looked all wrinkled and worn much worse that my 99 Honda. Anybody had trouble with the leather seats?

bodble2

I think pretty well everyone has had pre-mature wear on their leather seats to some degree.

carnaught

Yes, the premature wear of the TL's leather seats has been mentioned by multiple owners on this board. My dealer called it "normal wear and tear" after about six months.

cerauli

Hello! I have a late 04' TL and they already did the new Bridgestone swap. The vibration between 40-60 is better, but still there. Has anyone swapped out the Bridgestones for the Michelin's on an 04' 5 speed A/T without navi??? If yes, did that solve the problem?
fcerauli@cbsd.org

cerauli

Any recommended fix for rattle in driver's door post?
Thanks!

cerauli

Anyone experiencing a rattle in center guage of dash cluster... Have been to dealership twice and they claim to have fixed it! NOT! Don't want to take dash out anymore...

cerauli

I have the whining... they replaced my rear main engine seals at 900 miles and I could not remember if that was the way it always sounded. Have you heard anything else about it?

carnaught

Got the rattle but I haven't yet addressed it with the dealer as they usually don't fix these things. I try to drown it out with the radio.

ckk1

Did changing the seals work for you? Do you still hear the whining between 30-50mph?

dennis721

I had an 04 TL with Bridgestone tire problems and my Acura dealer said bring it back and they would check the balaance for me for free, but suggested I go to tire dealer. I live 50 miles away from the dealer though so I took it to the local Firestone store. They told me balance was not their problem sinc Acura installed the tires, and charged me to rebalance them. I paid them and told Acura they should reimburse me since the car was brand new only had 75 miles on it. Dealer said no dice. So when my Acura new owner survey arrived I said I was unhappy and enclosed a copy of the Firestone bill and my email to to the Acura dealer where he rejected my request for reinbursement. Acura corporate then sent me a check as a courtesy, but indicated that this was a one time only deal.They said I should go back to the Acura dealer for future problems.

bodble2

Smart decision about not letting dealer go at it. In all my years of owning all different makes of cars, I have not had one dealer successful in fixing any rattle, squeak, creak, pop, or other such annoyances. In fact, there's a chance they would make it worse.

carpro1

Hi,

Thanks for the feedback. All windows are closed, but still ...

It happens almost 95% of the time.

Thanks.

hoyahenry

One other thing. Cruise Control down a hill. I gain up to 10 miles an hour before the vehicle slows itself back down to my desired speed.

Set cruise and use the sport shift mode to downshift to 3rd. The higher RPMs will prevent the gravity acceleration.

birchbay

I was about to buy a 2005, but the tranny problems scare me. Are the problems with the 6 speed, auto, or both?

vaughn4

I've been test driving 05 TLs and the last one did have an annoying whine around 30-50. Almost bought it since the dealer told me everything is covered. But then I came to my senses. Drive it out with problems already - not! I'm having second thoughts about buying a TL!

carnaught

At least, DON'T BUY THAT ONE!

sadtlowner1

I have the same problem! It started 5 weeks after I purchased it, at 1000 miles. I noticed the problem after I used it on manual shift mode. Today, March 28, 2005, I am dropping it off to get my problem evaluated. Is there anyone out there with the same situation?
CKK1, what's the update with your TL, are they doing anything with your car? Let me know...

spankinator

just picked up a 05 TL today. When i turn on the subwoofer i hear a VERY LOUD rattle from the rear. Anyone have any luck getting this fixed by the dealer? Or getting it fixed at all?

flipper6

I had a rattle from the sub woofer in my 04 TL. I was surprised that they were actually able to fix that rattle by replacing the rear deck. The rear deck still rattles in the extreme cold but it is much better.

I am now bringing in my car for service at 14,000 miles and have frequent strong catalytic converter type smell. There is no trouble light showing so I fear they will say they cannot replicate the situation. It generally occurs on longer trips under hard acceleration.

spankinator

Called the dealer to set up an appointment today.
The service guy admitted that the rattle was a widespread problem in the 04 models and that Acura has then fixed the problems for 05. I have a 2005! Doubt they actually fixed them for 05 but at least they acknowledged that the rattles are widespread.

ckk1

Sadtlowner1

My whinning is continuing. They say they don't have any sulution for this as of right now. They make it sound like I'm the first one. Obviously not. They changed the tranny once and now the whinning is back. They have a regional service manager coming into their shop in 2 weeks and i'm going to drive 2 1/2 hours down to drop it off and show him the problem. we love the car but the whinning is very annoying once you hear it. Keep me updated on your progress!! Good Luck!!

tlynnea

I have a 2003 TL that has a high pitch whine only upon acceleration when you reach 30mph and above. The whining stops when I let off the gas. could this be fuel injection related?

jlowery

I have a 2005 Acura TL. On several occasions when I start the car, the outside temperature shows up as -- -- (dashes instead of a number), and the preset XM, FM, AM radio stations are "lost". The radios still works, they just go back to the default preset values. Each time both have occurred. Also, each time, after leaving the car off for a while and restarting it, they start working again (the outside temperature and the preset radio stations).

I was curious if anyone knew what would be the cause of this? What is the connection between
the outside temperature reading and the preset radio stations?

I have not even had my first oil change yet, but will check with the dealer at that time, unless they stop working altogether before then.

dwde12

purchased a 2005 TL (5 speed auto, no navi, Anthracite exterior, Ebony interior) from Acura of Cleveland (Ohio) in late March, 2005. I was quoted $31,200 by their Internet Sales Manager by submitting an RFQ through the dealer website. When I visited the dealer, they stuck with this price, so overall I think I did okay as far as not being too far over manufacturer's invoice.

Two small issues that have arisen so far that I'd like to see if anyone else has had:
a) Brake pedal making a "clicking" sound (like two coins hitting each other) each time it is pressed
b) Very small (maybe 2 - 3 pin head size) chip in paint on hood near windshield (I don't recall any rocks or other debris hitting the car while driving it).

The dealer gave us some touch-up paint for the chip and said the metal was not exposed so it "should be fine". For the brake pedal, they said it was seated too high and they made a slight adjustment to it so the noise has disappeared.

laurasdada

I've had the exact same issue twice so far in the first 3 months/2800 miles of ownership. After rebooting the car, back to normal. I, too, will mention to the dealer at my next (first) service.

Other than that, great car! No rattles, squeeks, vibrations. And, as someone said in another TL thread, a damn good looking car!

jlowery

Looking back at previous posts, I see this is a very common problem and no one has mentioned a real fix or cause. Being my first Acura, it will be interesting to see if they fix or not. Hopefully, this is not one of those annoying problems that does not get fixed because it it not happening when you are at the dealer.

Otherwise, great car thus far - the best I have ever had - ride and performance, I "love" it.

opks

I had the very same problem 2 month ago. Dealer identified it as the Gage Control Module, a chip that controls the dash board such as the climate control, temp, radio, etc. Couldn't wait 3 wks for the new part, so my dealer removed one from a brand new TL and replaced mine. A few days ago, same problems arose. Today, my dealer tells me that they replaced mine with the same unit! Dealer also told me that Acura has since redesigned the unit -- must found out about the problem. The new part is not available in the US, so I'm waiting for a 2nd Gage Control Module.

archie1

I have recently purchased a 2005 TL w/o Nav. So far so good. I'd like to clarify for all you prospective owners - people come to this section when they have a problem and want to see how to fix it. If you are researching this car and visit this section you will be skewed to believing the car has many problems. People only come to this kind of site when they have problems or are considering purchasing a car.

I visited this site for pricing and then I went to this section to read the problems and hopefully the fixes. I have two friends who own 04 TL's - none of them have any issues whatsover. I have a third business associate who has had her '05 for several months - again with no problems. I'm hoping to be as lucky as all of them. But if I'm not you will be reading more of my postings.

I understand that things go wrong with cars, every three or 4 years I'm getting a new one. Between my wife's cars and mine I've owned 12 new cars the last 18 years. My first Jetta '86 was a nightmare, but my wifes Jetta was great. Our Sable was awesome our cherokee a bomb. My eclipse and 5 series a dream , my TT a pain. The point is you never know which car was made on friday at the assembly line. Thursday night is party night- Friday is ... well a hangover.

I love the TL so far, I wouldn't let the negative feedback kill your interest in a great product.
I know most people in this section won't agree with me, but I'm not trying to win a popularity contest. For those of you with problems, I hope they get fixed. Happy motoring.

williamhill

I have to admit that I used to bash TL in the past with all these problems and it proves to be useless afterall. The sales of this car is still overpowering other cars more than 7,000 a month
The ES goes down to less than 5,000 something cars, this is absurd!

Even the prev. poll about "what does your instict tell you about which brand is the best selling luxury marques" and again Acura with 31%, Lexus with 32%, BMW 18% while caddilac in 9/10%.

The most dissapointing news is CR still recommending the TL.

I give up! :confuse: :sick:
But I still dont believe in Japanese car's quality

bodble2

I'd always thought Friday cars are bad not because Thursday is party night, but because the workers are pre-occupied with thinking about Friday party night.

Now, Monday...that's hangover day!

archie1

I'm not sure I believe in anybody's quality. My present Yukon XL [wifes beast] SUCKS. As I mentioned before I've had a bunch of cars and SUVs... almost every country I've had a car from has had problems. Jeep sucked... Accord did not suck, but it had no soul. Eclipse was pretty good. My TT had some issues. My Infiniti was great and my Sable wagon was great so was our old Chrysler minivan. I've had more issues with American and German[Audi, BMW, Volkswagon] than Japenese... but if you think about it the TL is made in Marysville, Ohio --- the good old USA. Go figure Japanese or American?

bpoint

For those of you that experience the temperature gauge showing a reading of ---.

The following is a theory. Like any theory there is much evidence to support it (as reported by TL owners on other forums), but it has not been proven yet.

The --- temperature means that your computer is stuck in a loop and will not shut off. It will slowly drain the battery when the engine is off. Usually you will not know this unless you park in the cold for a few days, then your battery is dead.

The only way to fix it is to disconnect the battery for a few seconds. Or the fuse #7 in the inside fusebox. This re-boots the computer.

This info is on another popular TL forum (is it ok to sat the name of another forum here? It is Ac....Zine.com. Search the 3G garage topic for the temperature flatline problem).

Hearsay evidence is that Acura knows about the problem and is working on it. No solution yet however. Most dealers just replace the dead battery and the temperature sensor, but there are a couple of reports of continuing problems even after replacing the sensor,

jd2005tl

I have a new (12/04) 2005 TL with a similar problem. The outside temp stops working, and sometimes the presets go away. Also, I had a problem with the lights for the HVAC control buttons around the nav screen flickering; they replaced the nav screen and the sensor for the outside temp, and things were fine for a while. They claimed the problem started because of improper entry into service (you apparently have to put in a fuse or else the system gets an electrical fault). I also had a bad battery. The tech says it's a tricky procedure.

Now the outside temp is bad again, and the car battery died again. They think it's because of a bad control module; they are putting it in this week. We'll see if that makes a difference.

rambo303

I'm new to this forum and I apologize if I'm asking an old question.

I have a 05' TL silver metallic w/ black interior.

1) I have a few small scratches on the dash board. Its not serious but with a 4 week old car its an eye sore. I was just wondering if anyone had an idea on removing it. (And if someone can suggest on to remove the dust and dirt efficiently....most towels leave particles behind)

2) Every time I get out the driver's seat I kick the bottom part of the door. I developing a nice pattern of dirt and scratches. I don't think I can prevent it because I have long legs. Again I wanted to know if anyone knows how to remove the scratches or clean the interior without rubbing the color out.

I've been reading some of the messages and only noticed some of the problems posted. Such as the driver's door rattling with the window down. However, something I've noticed is that the front passenger door "slams" rather hard when closed. Compared with the driver's side front door It slams a bit harder, but compared with the back doors it sounds painful. Is this normal? What should I check?

Last Issue my miles per gallon suck. Just curious, does having the vehicle stability assist (VSA) on or off affect the MPG?

carnaught

Use a small magnetic "feather duster" to clean away dust. A mild soap and water is good for cleaning the interior dirt. I've mixed in a spray bottle distilled water with a small amount (dab) of liquid soap (i.e., very dilute) and use it with soft rag to clean interior and even windows.

I've noticed that the front doors (especially passenger) do close with a slam, yes.

I'm averaging 25mpg in mixed driving, so hang in there.

mklein

My 2004 has been back four times for the same, plus rattles in window channels and door panels. Dealer has tried to fix all without success. Acura has told me the rattles and buzzing in "normal". I am returning car to dealer next week for entire week so that they can try for last time to sort out. If it fails, I probably will be forced to live with the fact that the build quality is terrible or sue Honda under the California Lemon Law. What a shame $35,000 spent and a dozen trips to the dealer for various problems. Guess I go back to BMW.

tedescm1

As many of you know, I have a early model 04 tl with many issues and problems. The most serious problem is the driveline vibration and I’m in the process of suing Acura. My lawyer contacted I Acura and gave them 30 days to settle out of court.

Their position is that the harmonic vibration, which they acknowledge, is merely a characteristic of the car. It’s not a problem. By the way, I am told they have corrected the characteristic in the 05 model.

If it’s not a problem then why correct it?

The Acura TL is a nice car. I made the cardinal mistake of buying a early model which is littered with problems. I can understand the fact that early models may have problems but I can’t tolerate the Acura Companies total lack of respect or accountability for their mistakes.

The folks running Acura are short sighted and stupid people…

seanleenet

I recently got a dead headlight bulb replaced by an Acura dealer, and the new one does not have the same bluish HID color any more -its color looks like a regular halogen light. The guy at Acura dealer told me that 3 out of 10 owners have the same problem and since only genuine Acura lightbulb (which costs over $150) fits in, it is impossible to have an Acura headlight that is halogen color.

Has anyone else experience this problem - any advice? thanks.

bhelsdon

Hello I have an 04/AT/Navi with 27K on the odometer. I have found that I can still go at least 120 miles with the fuel light on. I don't like to run my car low on fuel but I think it will go even farther than 120 miles w/ the light on. I usually get gas when I get 400 miles out of the tank.

opks

While I appreciate your enthusiasm, and hope you do not encounter such problems as I have, you are not the one who drove a Nissan Altima in cloth for a week while my beloved TL was in the shop, and you are not the one driving Acura TSX loaner for the past 4 days.

I researched BMW, Audi, Nissan, Lexus, Volvo Mercedes, and decided on TL. Let me be clear that I did not pay $31,750 to have it sit on the dealers' lot with 3,500 miles (this is the second time) -- my dealer is likely to have possession of my TL for a total of 20 days at least provided the new part is available since I purchased the car in December.

So I appreciate you rah rahs, but you are not making monthly payments on this car that goes simply crazy with the climate control, radio stations and temp read out! I believe Acura will fix the problem, but trust me, this is my first experience with Acura and this is not at all what I had expected. Dealer service has been exceptional, but I'd like get a hold of Acura engineers who need to wake up and test the damn cars before rolling those out! So for now kindly zip it or take your cheers somewher else. thanks.

tedescm1

:lemon:

aaargh

So for now kindly zip it or take your cheers somewher else.

Why should the only things said be negative when the majority of owners don't have severe issues as you have?

Your's may be a :lemon:, mine is :shades: and visitors should know there are BOTH!

Good luck with it and let us know the outcome.

opks

Unless I am mistaking, this is the "Problems and Solutions" site for TL owners, right? As for the "Solutions" part, I will let you know if/when my 2005 is back on the road again tomorrow. Don't get me wrong, I love the car, but I am very frustrated and disappointed with Acura and its product. One of the reasons I settled for TL was the "quality" and "reliability" of Acura/Honda.

bodble2

Part of the problem is that the doors are so springy (too springy IMO). I still have to remind my daughter that she doesn't have to use so much force to close the door, or else she would slam it hard enough to make me cringe.

As for gas mileage, I find the Honda/Acura V6's have a tremendous difference in gas mileage between city and hwy driving. If you are doing pure city driving, especially, the mileage will nosedive.

tedescm1

Speaking of doors.... most of the cars I’ve owed have been airtight....

What I mean to say is that when I close the car door (on my other cars) and all the windows are up, there was some degree of air resistance because the cabin was air tight. My Acura TL does not appear to be airtight even when the windows are up. Is yours?

Not a big deal but wondering why?

:lemon:

semez

I have 05 TL thats getting pretty good milage avg 23 in city and hiway. But have a 00 Honda V6 that is awful prob avg 18 for the same. Now the Accord used regular so I cant figure if that makes a difference or what. I have to say I must have lucked out on the TL after reading all the msgs I cant believe all the prob people are having. I havent found anything wrong yet.

dlvana

Yes, I made the swap to Michelins last fall and the vibration issues are still evident. Better but still not fixed.