Acura TL Maintenance and Repair

delmar1

hope my cat takes care of it and don't jump on the hood and scratch the heck out of it while I am gone

Well..I am back from vacation and 'Mr_Shiftright' I didn't kill my cat with the vacation by leaving both the car and cat in the garage (my cat being well tended to by others) and my TL wasn't too scratched up.

Best of all...my worries of battery drain is unfounded. Let the cat out when I returned...fired up the car...and both are purring along fine. Guess I have been reading a few comments on these boards on battery drain and that got me worried. So everyone here...make sure that if you read about funky issues here on the board...don't extrapolate them to your cars.....

[wow...as I read on...geez...Nick and rest of the gang think I am a cat abuser huh? Nah....my brusier of a cat is an indoor/outdoor guy...and getting up there in the age department. He comes home on schedule when I am around...but concerned he may stay out too long and get gobbled in a newer area where wild things roam. Honestly....he was visited and my buddy is doing fine. Car...have some heavy fur marks from where he sat...so going to have to wash the TL soon]

delmar1

'upstatedoc'...you mentioned that tirerack.com is a little cheaper than Costco. However...the Costco price includes mounting, future rotations and balancing, nitrogen gas fill, and road hazard warranty. All of those will easily get the Costco price to beat others. And best of all...grab a hotdog while you wait for your car to get the tires installed.

taxesquire

I have an '04 6MT and hear no such noise

aaargh

I also have noted a strange sensation on the brake pedal as I gently start braking sometimes. It feels like something is slightly rubbing the pedal then it goes away, then it does it again, and so on. Anyone else experience this? Any fix?

This sounds like the ABS self-test it performs when you first hit the brakes when the car is cold. It sounds (and feels) like a crunching noise. This is normal (not Acura normal, but normal normal). It has been discussed on this board several times. Do a search on ABS Test or something like that.

If it continues each time you brake, then it's not the ABS test. Then you have a problem.

laurasdada

Returned Saturday from a week in LA, fired up the TL on Sunday with no problem. Battery OK. It is possible that TLs with dying batteries may have an issue with the computer module, symptom of temp guage reading ---. I've read that if the temp guage is reading ---, the computer continually cycles trying to obtain a proper reading, draining a dormant battery.

socalbyr

Just read this and checked my TL. Yup, the glove box is indeed misaligned. Like what you said, "It would be nice to achieve total perfection but it doesn't bother me, and got used to it." There are more impt stuff to concern me with.:)

carnaught

I recently had my '04 TL in for service and had the glove box tightened in hopes of taking care of the buzzing from it. It (the buzz) is better but the glovebox is more misaligned than it was.....hhummpf.

socalbyr

I'm having problem closing the trunk lid of my 05 TL once in awhile. :confuse:

Some days it just closes fine but yesterday it took me several tries just to lock it. Tried it after successfully doing so and it did again.

Anyone experienced the same thing?

I'll have my dealer check it this week and see what's causing the problem.

taxesquire

If it's a problem with the trunk, then I have no idea. But... the TL's trunk closes really easily and if you're closing it hard, you could be applying too much force, causing it to bounce back up before the latch can catch.

Whaddaya think, Hercules , could that be the problem???

socalbyr

I've checked the latch and it is in the closed position...I think, that's why it is not closing properly. I tried tinkering with it, pushing the latch in the open position and then closing the lid...that's the only time it catches and locks which I have to do several times.

I'm glad that this is not a wide spread problem...the spring inside the latch may be the problem...hopefully.

I'll have the dealer replace this whole assembly.

"Whaddaya think, Hercules , could that be the problem??? " Nah! I take good care of this TL...I don't apply that much force in closing the lid...:)

tedescm1

My dashboard is also faded and discolored. I took it back to the dealer and they stated that they could replace the dash but it may create creaks and rattles.--I left it alone.

I have an early 04... I’m surprised that the same issue exists with the 05 models.

taxesquire

Put on a coat of Armor All. Wait a day - then put on another coat.

I bought my TL used with about 11k miles on it. I was disappointed that the dash seemed to have turned charcoal gray and there were lots of scratches - not serious scratches, but if my fingernail grazed the dash, it'd leave a streak. Anyway, I applied Armor All and it looked significantly better, but I was still disappointed. After applying a 2nd coat though, it became a nice, shiny black. I reapply the Armor All when I wash my car (every 3-4 mos or so) and it's kept it's shine.

vaughn4

Just got my car from the dealership. Regarding the dash they offered to replace it but made no guarantees that the replacement would be any better than the original and that creaks and rattles may occur with the new one. It seems they are starting to get more complaints from people about the dashboards as the car is aging. I'm going to take a wait and see approach since switching out the entire dash is frighting to me. I think the heat maybe affecting the composite and it's causing it to settle? It looks like cheap materials to me!

Regarding the temp gauge and XM presets being lost it's a glitch that they hope to have fixed in another 6 months or so. There's a TSB out on it I was told but they are still working on a fix.

We also have an 05 MDX and it has been trouble free with absolutely no problems. I think the quality is better there. The TL still needs some work, I bet if it were built totally in Japan it would be an outstanding machine. The Ohio crew and suppliers need :surprise: more emphasis on quality control, I think.

socalbyr

Just had the latch assembly replaced...problem is now solved. Trunk lid closes smoothly now. This problem was present since day one...the Acura Ohio plant should have higher quality control...should have detected this before shipping to the dealership

kaushikg

I recently purchased a TL with NAV from Sterling Acura in Austin. WIthin a few days I started hearing rattle from the dashboard and the passenger seat. I took it to the dealer and they said that the seat frame was defective and needed replacement. They also looked at the dashboard rattle and said there is a lot complain about rattle in TL.

However when they replaced the seat frame they did put some padding aorund the aluminum bead of the front console. Also they replaced one of the slots underneath the music deck. It has to some extent stifled the noise but still I am not happy. The music deck also rattles when I go over bad surface. I am getting skeptical about the TL's quality. Mine has only 2300 miles so far, bought it with 12 miles so can't say that it was badly handled either. The loaner TSX the dealer provided with 6500 miles on it seemed more robust. Feel like trading in my car.

zeak

WOW. I have had my TL for 3 weeks about 1.5K miles. No rattles and the ride and performance is like a pleasure to drive. I hope things don't change in the future. Was going to take it on a trip to the ocean in two weeks if the gas situation settles down.

bodble2

"Was going to take it on a trip to the ocean in two weeks if the gas situation settles down."

I wouldn't. It'll sink like a rock, and the salt water is hell on it! :P

backstreets

HI,

Just purchased my 05 TL.........Traded in a 2000 RL..........I am getting a slight but noticeable vibration in the steering wheel over say 40 mph.

Is this how this car drives......( more road feel)?.......maybe I am just to use to the ride of my old RL.

Or is something possible wrong?

Any input would be great.

Thanks

Mark

delmar1

I suggest check out if the vibration continues on all road surfaces. It shouldn't. There is a bit of feel of the road (which is good)...but not vibration.

If it continues...bring it to the dealer to check it out. Perhaps one of the tires need to be rebalanced...easy thing to fix.

cerauli

Many posts about the vibration in the 04 TL. My tires were replaced with "New Generation" Bridgestones and the vibration improved, but is still there for the first 5-7 miles. Flatspotting or torque converter reaching limits with 270 hp in a front wheel car??? Your guess is as good as mine. :confuse:

Acura doesn't want to hear about it! They ALL know that there is a problem. Talk to your service advisor and they will tell you that the problem is more common than not in only the 04's. The only difference between the 04 and the 05 is that they put Michelins on the 05. I tried to get them to swap, but they wanted $350.00 to do that. I decided to wait. I personally will "ride it out" and replace the tires with the Michelins or the Conti Extreme Contacts at 20-25K. I have 8K now at one year old 3 days ago.

Good luck! I still absolutely love my TL!!!

cerauli

If the rattle sounds like it is coming from the center guage circle at the bottom it is actually the buttons on the steering wheel. I couldn't believe it when my service manager told me that that was what they were ordering to fix it, but it worked! Not a sound coming from the guage cluster now after they had it apart three times before.

The rattle over the top storage box under the radio is actually the radio's wire harnes resting on the top of the box. They wrapped the wire harness with foam as well as put foam on the top of the center top glove box and the problem is totally gone!!!

I still have a rattle with the sunroof when it is in tilt as I go over bumps. The service dept. says that they can't replicate it. I guess I can live with this one.
Good luck!

frisconick

My 05 TL has no vibrations at any speed, and I have taken it up to over 100 mph!

delmar1

'cerauli'.... the original post from 'backstreets' was where he was indicating that his observation occurred once it goes above 40mph.

I doubt that it is the torque converter. Torque would occur during acceleration...not at a certain speed and beyond. As for tire flatspotting...as I recommended to backstreets...see if the observation occurs over other driving surfaces. Also..flatspoting is less likely to happen in warmer weather (it is summer..right?)

As many attested throughout this forum...there isn't the same vibration issue in the 2005s (just as confirmation...see frisconick post).

Just try it over various surfaces...bring it into the dealer for a check...and see if it is wheel balancing. See what the dealer has to say.

carnaught

"My 05 TL has no vibrations at any speed, and I have taken it up to over 100 mph!"

Consider yourself very fortunate.

laurasdada

Fortunate here, too. Almost 8000 miles and no vibrations to report. One rattle, though. When the sunroof is in the "vent" position, there is a rattle. Dealer said there was a TSB and they'd fix it at A1 service. Well, they had the car for three days and didn't fix it (I had a TL loaner). The issue with the computer/Temp guage they did seem to resolve. I wonder if they really rotated my tires?

Other than the rattle, nothing but pleasure!

delmar1

What I do when I bring my cars in for rotations...I mark my tires with a chalk mark on the interior tire wall. Ok...ok...I am anal about stuff like that.

carnaught

"Other than the rattle.........."

Hmmm......not as fortunate.

bootsnchip

I have a Jag XK8 and the same thing happened. It splattered all over the radio buttons and fused some together....as you would expect Jag will not cover it. This could get expensive, the one plastic part around the shifter is $290.00 and i still need to replace parts of the radio and $300 more for a mirror.
I would like to know what is this black goop in the mirror and is it toxic when in become unsealed from the mirror and also what kind of reaction does it have with the plastic (fumes) that it literly melts or pits the plastic.
I know this is Acura but this was identical to my problem.

backstreets

Just to update everyone ( and thank you for the input)........I called the dealer today on my steering wheel vibration.( which happend on my drive home from buying the car)....response was:

Drive it for another 100-200 miles to see if it goes away.........sometmes when the car sits for awhile before it is sold some rust can developed on the rotors. Also could be some temorary issues with the tires after sitting for awhile.

So I will drive it for another week or so and go from there.

frisconick

I was at a CHP track where you can take your car up to as high as you want. Perfectly legal and safe.

delmar1

backstreets...keep us posted...and I hope to hear a positive outcome. Yes...tires are like shoes...should be broken in over 500 miles.

As for 'frisconick'....on the chp track...what speeds did you hit? And how many walls were marked by the evil torque steer that so many are trying to point out?

frisconick

I did hit 140, and the car is fine :P

No torque steer what so ever in my wife's AT TL, even when coming out of turns. No marked up walls, no damage to the car :P Scared the cop have to death.

frisconick

I am so tired, I meant I scared the cop half to death, what ever

delmar1

I think you must be tired out from all the zooming around the turns at 140.

frisconick

LOL

No I have been working long hours at work, and then driving 140 home !!! :P

delmar1

This morning I had to look at the speedometer and see that it max out at 160mph. Darn...you were close to warp speed!

Wow...what is up with all the renewed questions in all the TL forums about torque steer and ragged ride? Geez...people need to test drive the TL to make their own determination and get out of reading magazines that may be funded by the highest paying auto maker.

How did the TL handle at >100mph?

laurasdada

To each, I chose the TL over the G35x for (among other reasons) the smoother, quieter ride. With the G, I felt every road irregularity and was definately aware of wind/road and (a nice growl) engine noise. After a Chrysler (300M, great car) I wanted a bit of quiet!

You are correct, sir! Stop reading and start driving!

frisconick

It handled fine over 100, I felt very confident in the car's handling. After almost going warp speed, I tried to enduce torque steer, and I couldn't. :P Don't forget I have an AT.

waymie

I noticed some dents or dimples along the header panel/rail between the top of the doors and roof on the driver's side. You have to go to the end of the car and look down the length of the car. These were spaced about 2" apart. I went to the dealer who said they were not that uncommon; most people just don't notice them. Mine was the worse they had seen. Caused at the factory most likely by the welding. They found several in the lot with less obvious dents; Regional rep said all they had to do under warranty was fix them. Paintless didn't work so without my permission they stripped down that side of the car; fixed the dents and repainted the car. Came back with a damaged mirror (which they replaced), a chalky white interior (have the gray leather and black dash) and paint smell. Anyone else notice these? Any better solutions offered? My new car is not so new now.

carnaught

I'm not going to look (LOL).....

frisconick

LOL, I'm not going to look either.

tedescm1

I don't even want to know where they are...i'm not going to look!

Do all new cars have so many quality issues?

If so, why bother buying a new car?

I thought acura was above this...

delmar1

Ted...I realize that you have bashed Acuras months on end and with every opportunity. However...I did look throughly before I purchase my TL and found none. I looked at all my Acuras over time and none. I looked at the RL when I was considering it...none. And other purchasers can look at their potential purchase and they will probably find none.

tedescm1

Are you saying other purchasers, who look at Acura, can look at their potential purchase and find no quality issues? That maybe true of the 05 and 06 models but it's not true of the 04 models...

Acura has had more than their fare share of problems with the new Acura design.

Problems with a new design are probably unavoidable, but a responsible car company will discuss issues and attempt to resolve issues. Acura keeps telling me that serious problems such as harmonic vibrations are normal.

Do you work for Acura? Maybe you can get them to fix my car!

bodble2

"but a responsible car company will discuss issues and attempt to resolve issues."

Can you cite any example where any manufacturer has done that?

Mr_Shiftright

Oh people post resolutions to their problems all the time on these boards. Many many consumers get things resolved...sometimes not so easily but it gets done.

delmar1

I definitely do not work for Acura, Honda, or have any ties with any transportation companies. I just enjoy the thrill of cars and have enjoyed the heck out of the trouble free experience of Acura vehicles. However at the same time...I have a 2005 TL so I am not experiencing your fate.

tedescm1

"Good Point"

Actually, my nephew purchased a new Jetta and it had an electrical problem. The VW company assigned a rep to the case who vowed to make things right and the rep even gave my nephew his cell phone #.

I can’t even get acura to call me back!

tedescm1

I think Acura does make a fine car...i just made the mistake of buying one of the first ones right off the line.

Live and learn!

bodble2

I'm glad to hear your nephew got some response and resolution, because VW of America, from what I hear, doesn't have a great reputation for customer service