Acura TL Maintenance and Repair

stano49

I had a 1989 Acura Legend Coupe for 15 years until I bought my 2004 TL. In that 15 years, I never had to replace or even repair my windshield. Now, within a year, I've had three minor rock dings in the windshield repaired before a large crack, unrepairable, showed up today. I do not drive behind gravel trucks. This is just bizarre. I was told by the glass guy that somewhere around 1997, windshields started getting thinner to save weight. I know that Acura advertised that the windshield was designed to lower noise. Did they forget durability?
Anyone else experiencing excessive windshield cracking?

delmar1

I would say that if a rock hits a windshield....there is a good likelihood of damage....no matter what gauge.

Large cracks just don't happen. Either they started out large after a hit. Or there was already damage (could be a small fissure) and the summer heat from the cabin expanded the glass to create that crack (that is why it is always wise to leave your window 'cracked' open to vent the expanding gas in the cabin). Second recommendation is to always get the smallest chip repaired...as it doesn't get any better and there is a good chance you will get a cracked windshield.

Perhaps you were fortunate for 15 years and your number is being dialed to bring you back to the mean average. Law of averages.

Just make sure your insurance company covers such accidents.

goodfellawzguy

I found the creak!!!! At the suggestion of an earlier post, I checked out the pillar on the passenger side, between the front door and back door. If I grab the plastic piece just below where it turns to carpet for the side airbags, the creak stops completely. If I let go of it, the creak starts again. Now that I found it, I hope the dealer can fix it.

FYI - The swing out map holder was my first thought when I heard the noise. I tried leaving open, closed, holding it tight, and it would not stop the noise.

Also, I still need to find out why my second set of keys is not working.

bhelsdon

I would have to agree, I thought I was the only one. I have 35k on my 04 TL and I have had 5 stone chips repaired. Thankfully no cracks yet but I am sure with my windshield being such a stone magnet it will find just the right rock to do the trick.

armand

Does the screen indicate that you have a strong signal?

frisconick

Ain't this place great!!!

tlrych

Hi, I've had my 2005 TL Automatic eversince November of 2004. I don't know if anyone else is experiencing these problems, but when I break sometimes (more like 70% of the times) right before I come to a full stop I see that my RPM needle jumps about 200-500 RPMs and the car slightly pushes forward. I asked the mechanic at the dealership about this and he said it's fine, but that's hard to believe? Anyhow that's not the major problem here. The major problem is that I feel as if the gears aren't shifting correctly when driving the car. For example, I'm coming down a hill going about 40 mph so I take my foot off the gas and I feel as if the engine is weak and the gear is inbetween switching gears and the RPM needle is idling high let's say around 2000, and finally after about 5-7 seconds the gear fully shifts and the needle drops down to where it should be, I don't know whether it's me or it's just the car. Possibly, I'm not accelerating hard enough? Someone please help me.

tlrych

Also, durring the break in period, I didn't jack rabbit the car nor did I excessivley push the car to over 3000 RPMS. However I didn't maintain driving the car at the speed of 55 mph, I did go over at times to like 65-70, but I gradually reached the speed slowly....so maybe that's why my car is reacting like this?

tlrych

Sorry left this out too, most of the time I drove the car at the speeds of 55-60 mph.

delmar1

Maybe you should have 'jack-rabbit' the car during the break-in period. :P

I don't have a clear vision from your description. But it sounds like what is going on is that your car is actually sensing that you require 'transmission' braking and therefore is downshifting to reduce your momentum and perhaps preparing itself for an anticipated acceleration. By downshifting...your RPMs would increase slightly.

Would that describe your concerns? If so...not a bad thing.

frisconick

Very good point, this is not your grandpa's transmission.

What is "jack-rabbiting?" I bunny-hop my car, Is that the same

bodble2

No, not the same at all. Guys jack-rabbit their cars. Gals bunny-hop theirs! Confusing the two may lead to all kinds of psychological problems :P :surprise:

bodble2

Hey, way to go! Locating the source is about 80% of the battle. :shades: Now let's just hope your dealer can take care of the other 20%!

vin3

Have the same problem, Acura says it has a new fix , not even going to try ,just want buy back ,bought another car. Acura lost another customer. Don't trust the car. :mad: :mad:

delmar1

Perhaps you have a 2004 Acura TL?

I did idle rough for the first 500 miles. But as I wrote in another post, I believe I had a bad tank of gas. After two fill ups...smooth and my MPG is improving. Also could have been because it was in the break-in period.

I and many who have the 2005 TL have no such specific vibration issue. Could have been because you have a car that was first off the line and whatever has been corrected.

I trust my car fine....and I trust I will have a great driving experience each time I am at the wheel.

frisconick

I test drove three 05 TLs and never detected vibartion at any speed. It may be an 04 specific problem.

williamhill

How do you know that I dont have a 2004 TL? :mad: :mad:

eglewis

Hi,
I have a 2004 TL which I just brought in for a minor service. I was told that the transmission fluid was dark, and needed to be changed. I reluctantly agreed. This was a full transmission oil flush and change.
The car has 16k miles,and I was told that the TL and MDX sometimes need the transmission fluid changed on a more regular interval, instead of the normal 60k. Of course this also depends on your driving habits. Mine are a mix of local and
highway driving.
Has anyone else experienced this ? thanks.
ed

laurasdada

I believe that your williamhill profile lends credence to the theory that you don't have a TL:

Profile for williamhill

User: williamhill
Email: private
Member since: April 05, 2004
Last login on: July 14, 2005

Name: Willy
Vehicle #1: 2005 Chrysler 300
Vehicle #2: 2001 Ford Mustang
Bio: I love american cars, dont like japanese cars.



2005 TL, no vibration issues. Cool car.

aaargh

Positive Proof: You once reported you had a specific problem on a TL. The problem was that what you reported was for an option (equipment) the TL doesn't have.

enadelis7

I just purchased a 2005 Acura TL and the F on the fuel gauge lights up, but the E doesn't. The E is a barely visible dull red color. Should it be lit up all the time, lit when the fuel goes below 1/2, or is that the way it's supposed to be? The same applies to the temperature gauge, the C lights up, but the H does not. Is that the way it should be, or is it not working correctly?

hogfan1

I have a 2002 TL and over the course of the past 3 years, change has gotten back behind the coin holder so that it will not close properly. Since I have also had two transmissions installed in this car, they fix the coin holder at the same time. I have been very careful not to fill it too full, but somehow this has happened again. Does anyone know how I can fix this myself? I would like to fix it without taking it back to dealer. Thanks.

trespinosranch

I just purchased an '05 TL on Friday. I checked the gauges and the "F" is white and the "E" is red (maybe just slightly dimmer than the "F"). The "H" is red and the "C" is white.

Hope this helps.

frisconick

Enjoy your new ride!!! :shades:

metals

Thank you so much

trespinosranch

Well now having my TL for 5 days, I now see what you mean. I think you are correct in that the "F" (full fuel) is more prominate when the tank is more full than empty. The "E" is very difficult to see, especially if you are wearing sunglasses. So I'm positive there is nothong wrong with your car.

Just a side note...on day 3 of ownership I was passing a lumber truck on a two lane back road and a rock hit my windshield and I got a star about 1/2 the size of a dime. Took it to a glass shop ($50) and they filled it in. Now there is only evidence of the rock to glass impact...sort of like a tiny bug splat.

On another message board someone mentioned the possibility the windshield glass may be thin/weak.

I've had my Lexus RX330 for 2.5 years and have heard/felt numerous rocks hitting the glass and never got anything more than a tiny pit in the glass.

Peter in Tres Pinos

andy2005

Hi Guys,
I am planning to buy an Acura TL ,or a Lexus es 300 or an infinity 2001/2002 year models (pre-owned certified).4d sedan.somewhere around 30-50K miles on it
which of these would be a good buy..with least maintainence cost.
Could you guys please help me in deciding and an approximate value for the same .
(I have heard about transmission problems in Acura and Lexus .).
Any suggestions,advice would be appreciated.

Thanks in Advance

frisconick

Apparently the 05 TL has no transmission problems.

johncho79

I will admit, I shouldn't have purchased the extended warranty for my 2005 Acura TL for $1,800 (yes... I made a dumb mistake). Especially since I felt pressured into purchasing it without knowing enough about the true cost to purchase it. But here's my present problem... is there any way to cancel it and get my money back???

semez

For those who are having problems with their TL I've had my 05 Tl now for 6mo. not a problem not even a small complaint. It is proving to be what i would expect from an ACURA..i would highly recommend to anyone who is looking for a better value than a BMW. I love to eat BMW's up. Cant seem to keep my foot off the pedal...

syeargin

You should be able to get it back any time before your factory warranty expires. If you financed, they send the refund to the bank.

dnickles1

I've got the same issue. The front passenger door is starting to do something similar as well. The dealer told me they would have to replace them at a cost of about $500 for all four. Does anyone have another solution? I don't want to pay that much.

cerauli

Anyone tint their 04 and up TL windows with success? Have read 3-4 posts that have had problems.

Thanks! Aside... after 7,000 miles all rattles and problems are GONE! Dash rattles were the buttons and steering column switches, console top compartment rattle was a wire harness that was rattling on top of the box, driver door post rattle went away with a few "convincing" pushes on the molding strip, sunroof shade rattle went away with 2 good pushes upward in the almost open position, (sometimes you need to be your own doctor), rear main engine seals replaced (that was at 900 miles and Acura generously extended my warranty to 6/75K at no cost after a polite letter was faxed to Acura regional), VSA light coming on and not letting me shift out of park was a faulty brake switch, put newer generation Bridgestones on and at 7K vibration is almost gone, a damaged strutmount cross bar was factory installed and replaced. Today I don't want to take it out of the garage! Finally perfect! There is hope! Lehigh Valley Acura in eastern PA is EXCELLENT! They have treated me as if I bought a Bently! But, I know what you are thinking... at $33,000 should any of this have happened? I agree... but lets face it... is anything made well anymore? Driving the car back from the dealership yesterday for 40 minutes was worth the wait! I love this car!

poidog1

I've also made the same mistake in the past of purchasing extended warranties and was able to cancel it. Check with the finance office at the dealership where you purchase the warranty and asked them the procedures to cancel the policy. The should pro-rate and reimburst you the difference.

delmar1

From the posts here...the vibration is not within the 2005 TLs. Must have been ironed out as the 2004 was the first production year of the current TL styling.

Sorry to hear that you had difficulties with your first year production TL. But glad that it got all worked out.

As for Window Tinting....I was debating and considering. I decided not to tint for a few reasons. One....I think it is a big fad that will disappear in a few years. Everyone is doing it. Second...What will the tint look like in a the future. Concerned it may bubble, fade, etc. I know I shouldn't worry about it..but why bother with the potential. Third...didn't want to impair the view of cars driving behind me by blackening my back window. The split second feedback of the driver behind me seeing the road ahead...may allow them to react and not hit me from behind. But still...share your thoughts and experiences with tinting...I am interested still.

bodble2

I don't like window tinting for 2 reasons. One probably has to do only with my personal paranoia. I think tinted windows may potentially make it easier for someone to hide in the back seat of your car. And two, I still think a car with tinted windows, especially very dark tint, imparts a punk, or gangster look.

frisconick

I don't like tinted window because I don't like my vision impaired in any way. I don't wear sunglasses for the same reason. However, in foggy San Francisco, that's not a problem. :shades:

priggly

For you Lower Mainland of B.C. TL owners out there, which is the best Acura dealership, for both sales and service?

Thanks.

cerauli

I hear your thoughts. I actually had a 2000 Accord EX-V6 and the windows were professionally tinted. Not too dark so you could still see through them. In the 5 years that I owned the car (2000 bought in Oct of 1999), the windows never faded, bubbled or changed at all. It really looked great against the jade green.

I have a white diamond pearl TL and really just want them lightly tinted. I agree that the really dark tint on the white would be too much! Still concerned about if the tracks will scratch as a few people have mentioned. :confuse:

delmar1

Speaking of impaired vision...another reason I don't do tint is that I seen some with distortions. Cannot beat glass for clearity...then all of a sudden a film is introduced.

I seen some jobs where it looks like ripples. I didn't want to chance that.

As for sunglasses.... consider Persols sunglass brand from France. Excellent clearity.

nightcrawler29

I think window tinting is great!... I like it cause I'm not roasting during summer season as it gets hot during summer season, and then the car looks nice. The window tinting was done by the dealer, and they tint the windows of all the cars they got on the lot. Maybe in the future it might bubble up or look bad, but then in such case, will have to replace it I guess... besides, the car should be kept in a garage, and windows should be cleaned with water only....no soaps or weird cleaning stuff there.... just in case.

frisconick

As for sunglasses.... consider Persols sunglass brand from France. Excellent clearity.

Thanks for the info! :shades:

I agree, you have beautiful car, why risk a messed up tint job.

bodble2

I think I had previously recommended Burrard Acura to you, didn't I? But you test drove the TL and didn't like it.

confusedontl

Hi,
I have been looking into a 4 door car. We currently have a 2003 2dr Honda Accord EX. We need a 4 door car and have been looking for a while now. We drove a TL and a TSX. The TSX had nothing under the hood. Infact, I drove a Altima right before I drove the TSX and I would take the Altima anyday. We then drove the TL. I love the TL but after doing some research Im not so sure. I noticed people are having problems with wind noise and rattle. Also, there seems to be a problem with vibrations. I was just wondering if I could get some feedback. I would like to hear from people who currently own a TL. I would like to get some feedback from owners before I go out and buy a 36K car. We are looking at a TL in the white with tan leather. We are going with the nav as well. :confuse:

priggly

I didn't say I didn't like the TL, I didn't like the fact that three cars I test drove pulled to the right. Absent the reports of the pulling, the rattling, the vibrations, the poor quality leather seats, easily scratched wheels, etc. the TL is a very nice car. Hopefully, Acura has corrected all or most of these defects in the 2006 model year.

delmar1

Wow...you do have a lot of questions...and best if you do your research through the multiple forums here.

But in essence.... A lot of the wind, rattle, and vibration issues were with the 2004 model year....the first year the car was out. Also...some of the postings regarding vibration are bogus...as there was even one person who was caught by others as not even owning a TL and one that disliked non-american cars. And also...if you do see specific issues raised here...you have to keep in mind those may be of exception. Those that do not have any problems or issue would not post on the problem board...makes sense?

I have been an active poster on the various TL sites and you can see my thoughts on the car. In summary...one of the most well balanced sports luxury cars on the market at an exceptional price and value.

Best thing...go out and test drive a TL and make your own decision.

carnaught

"....test drive a TL and make your own decision."

That is , of course, the right advice but keep in mind that rattles and vibrations often do not show up for some time and on the test drive.

frisconick

My wifes TL is 2 months old, and no vibration probs or anything, it's a great car.

carnaught

Your wife is thus far lucky and hopefully her car will not be a rattle trap. My numerous rattles, buzzes and vibrations developed after three months; then I had the pleasure of dealing with Acura service's unhelpful attitude.

frisconick

I don't see that happening. This car is rock solid.