Acura TL Maintenance and Repair

usntl05

Yes I have the SAME SOUND in my 05NAV AUTO, at when I step on the GAS to Accelerate up to high speeds, but I thought it was because I had a after market sub-woofer installed in my trunk, but if you are having the same problem which sound like an Ignition noise of a amplifier, I have had several systems in previous cars and I just learned to tune the sound out, but if it is a factory NAV problem then I will bring it up when I get my scheduled 3700 oil change

ljay2

I got my '05 TL in October. Twice in the last week ,I have had to stop hard, and in both cases, the brakes emitted a deep groan, and it felt like all four wheels locked as I stopped. Now maybe I'm mixing up stopping with locking, but this never happened with my Lexus of 10 yers. Anyone have a like experience, or a reason for it? :confuse:

aaargh

...the brakes emitted a deep groan...

I'm pretty sure the deep groan is the ABS engaging.

My wheels have never locked up.

upstatedoc

I've got an 05 tl w/nav and a defective dash as well. On a previous post someone mentioned using "black magic proshine protectant." This has solved the problem as far as I am concerned. I will not let Acura tear apart my dash in the hopes it will permanently fix the problem. This is just likely to create more issues. This is obviously excessive oxidation of the materials in the dash. One month after applying, still no signs of the grayish haze. Oh, plenty of buzzes and rattles here too, I just turn up the radio.

btcpa

I recently had the Master Cylinder replaced on my 2005 TL. I was driving on the highway and the pedal got real mushy. It got to a point where the pedal went almost all the way to the floor. I have a 6 speed manual, so I don't beleive that I my problem was related to the grade-logic.

I have had it back to the dealer twice to have them "bleed the system of air" They tell me that it is common to have to bleed it more than once. The pedal is firm for now, but I am curious to see if this is a recurring problem... especially given that others seem to be having similar difficulties.

bodble2

What is this Collision Control or Collision Sensor that some of you have been referring to? Is it a new feature on the '06? Or are you referring to Brake Preview (which is not on the TL), or Brake Assist (actually I'm not sure is Brake Assist is on the '04 TL)?

revras

I ditched my 2005 TL due to this issue. Combined with a rock hard leather seat it makes for a very uncomfortable ride. The suspension on this car left much to be desired in my opinion, the ride over any uneven surface is jarring and almost wobbly as opposed to secure and communicative. Acura has not perfected giving the driver road feel plus adequite comfort in a 35 k luxury sedan.

qbrozen

If you feel that way, I have to wonder why you bought it.

rockinrn

I agree with you 100% that the TL is a delicate machine. I am always finding a new scrath or mark on the car everytime I wash it. I feel that the windshield is very weak. A few weeks ago a small stone hit the windshield and it cracked like a 50mm shell hit it. Never had a windshield in a car so flimsy. Almost afraid it won't protect me very well if something significant hits it. The faded and lumpy dash near the passenger side airbag is pathetic for a $36K automobile, my Hyundai elantra's dash was perfect. I guess they compromised on quality to bring the car in at $36k. I don't have any high hopes that the TL is going to hold up over the next 4 years. Acura should be embarassed. My next car WILL NOT be an Acura.

rockinrn

Since my '05 TL has some of these problems I have been checking out the '06 TLs at my dealership. The dashboards are still lumpy where the passenger airbag resides. Leather seats look identical as well as body panel fits. My feeling is that Acura's TL production line is business as usual, no big process improvements, just continuing to produce a popular car at a reasonable price.

rockinrn

Asked my dealer in Arizona about a cleaner or protectant for the dash recommended by Acura and he looked at me like I was from outerspace.

bob71

I asked my dealer about the dashboard protector and they sold ($10) me a bottle of a cleaner/protector. I can't recall the name of it, but it comes in a blue spray bottle. I was miffed that they would charge me for it, but after using I didn't mind. My dash now looks better than it did when I bought the car. It has removed that chalky look and replaced it with a nice finish - not too dull and not too shiny.

tedescm1

I agree.....never again!

carnaught

I agree.....never again

Ditto

bplayer

No problems with my '06 so far, and the problem reports almost seem to be for a different car. This is my second TL, the first was a '99, and if this one lasts as well as my previous one it will not be my last. My sympathies to those who have problems.

laurasdada

Cool, if you can get the name of the product that would be great. As I posted, I just read somewhere that Acura was aware and supplying a cleaning solution. I have no first hand knowledge of this...yet?

And again, 3 TLs in my family, two friends with TLs and really none of the issues reported here. My dash isn't lumpy, but it is a bit chalky. A damp rag improved that a bit. I'll assume we're in the majority. But, that's an assumption...

goodegg

You know how the internet is. People can just log in and launch a hand grenade into the discussion and think they can sabotage a car's reputation with tall tales. The few people I know with TLs don't have any of the issues cited here. I'm interested in buying this car and after reading these boards, I make a point to talk to people getting out of their TLs in parking lots and asking some questions about their car. And not a single one has mentioned any of the issues that are being aired here.

laurasdada

Agreed, but I'm sure there are a few folks with issues. The magnitude of these issues, however, may be defined differenlty by different folks. I do have the slightly faded/chalky dashboard, but it hasn't diminished the TL in my eyes.

And yes, there are posters who appear once in a blue moon and toss a grenade. In fact, one such poster's profile reads, and I paraphrase slightly (or maybe not at all?) "I hate Japaneese cars and love American cars." Whatever an "American" car is these days... :P

goodegg

What about the "harmonic vibration" and cracked leather seats and transmission issues? Care to comment on any of these issues in your case?

carnaught

lead: Sounds like you made up your mind already about the car. I wish you good luck and hope that you do not have the chorus of rattles and buzzes that I do and that you do not have the vibrating ride or poorly wearing leather seats that I and others do.

BTW, this is my third Acura and all three have been rattle traps, to the likes of no other cars I've owned.

For those of us that DO experience these problems, they are very real.

laurasdada

Sure. After almost 11 months and 11,000 miles, no "harmonic vibration" (still not sure what that is...), no cracked leather seats (I've used Maguire's Leather Wipes 2-3 times on 'em) and tranny is just fine. Ditto for my Dad's, Bro's and two friends TLs. My neighbor replaced his '99 TL with an '04 because he said the '99 was the best car he's ever owned. 'Till the '04...

It is always a shame when someone gets a :lemon: auto. It really isn't funny. If I had one, I'd be screaming about it too. It's especially tough when it's from a quality mfg. like Honda. I'm sure they're out there, just in very, very small numbers. Which I'm sure comforts not the poor souls with the sub-par TLs.

If mine does go south, believe me, I'll report it.

goodegg

I'm unsure what to buy at this point. Go read the G35 board and look at the multitude of posts about rattles and noises on those cars. You probably can't find a car out there that doesn't get the same treatment.

My Accord has none of these rattles and my wife's previous Camry had none (traded in after 5 worry free years of duty). I'm more concerned about mechanicals of the car.

The G35 is getting hammered for brake rotor premature wear. This would tick me off more than a squeak in the car somewhere. But owning a Honda product now may influence me toward Acura. The fit and finish in Honda is excellent. I would think Acura would be as good.

laurasdada

Tough decision, but aren't we lucky to be able to have to make such tough decisions. This Holiday Season (and year/lifetime round) let's not forget the good people who unfortunately have no such choices to make.

Anyway, like many, my choice came down to G35 or TL. I decided I didn't want to spend any more than the price of admission for these two (maybe next time, BMW...). The TL just more met my needs. Had I chosen the G I'm sure I would have been joyfully posting on those boards. As far as build/reliability, you'll just have to take a leap of faith that Honda/Nissan's rep for quality makes it to your car. So far for my TL, no problem.

And again, no matter how many post here, it's a small ownership population and if you're reading "problem" boards you will most likely see quite a negative slant. Consumer Reports/JD Power probably samples a much larger owner population, check out their guides.

Let us know..

buyer777

What are thoughts regarding the handling in the winter? North NJ here, roads usually get cleared but on occassion you need to drive in the snow....the low profile tires concern me...

bplayer

My positive experience mirrors many comments here. I had a '99 TL purchased in November 98 (with some minor problems) and I just replaced it with a '06 TL. There was some leather cracking on the side of the drivers seat in the '99, but the seat had never been treated. I now know better. The rubber seal on sunroof had to be lubricated with silicone spray regularly to prevent squeaks. No transmission or engine problems.

My purchase choices also came down to the G35 and TL, and was limited by cost. The exterior shape of the G35 and interior layout were not to my liking and the TL was so much nicer. I firmly believe that the way that I drive and the care taken will give me another 7 years of pleasurable driving. One month plus so far and life is wonderful.

mldj98

I would have to agree with carnaught....I have purchased two Acura's recently and will have to admit that the rattle issue is very real....although no one knows me here I can say that I am not real picky when it comes to cars....but what I do have a problem with is spending $30K plus on a car and getting these issues. The first one had rattles and I thought I was one of the unlucky ones....so when I bought the second one....rattles again....so to me personally, more than one issue with two Acura's equals a pattern not bad luck....I am not bashing Acura's...in fact I really like them but will not buy another one until these issues get resolved....Honda Corp is normally really good about listening to consumer complaints and then they fix the problems...but since the TL is due for a big update I am sure Acura will do nothing for the moment...from a business sense can't really blame them....
Acura's will always be on my short list for possible future buys.....but not this time....Lexus will get my $$$ this time.....Acura's will give you a nice bang for your buck...but build quality could use a little improvement...
Just my .02

bodble2

I think no doubt the % of overall owners with significant issues is very small, so the odds of you meeting one on the street with problems would be low. And also, most people have low sensitivity to problems. My wife, for one, never hears a rattle, and never notices any fit and finish problem. Because she simply doesn't care enough to pay attention. The car is just an appliance to get her to work and the shopping mall! But people who post on these forums are generally more passionate about their cars. Hence you will hear about more problems here.

But I think the problems reported are real. Personally, I think Honda quality went downhill when they started building the cars in North America. Almost all the pre-1998 Hondas I've owned were rattle-free, well-assembled and mechanically sound. But this has not been the case with my recent Honda products. My 2001 CL-S had rattle and noise issues, and poor fit and finish. Our 2001 Accord was relatively rattle-free, but had horrendous exterior body panel gapping issues. My current '04 TL has been mechanically sound, and what I consider excellent body panel fit and finishing. But the symphony of miscellaneous and intermittent rattles, creaks, & squeaks can drive me batty. The leather quality is not what it should be. The leather has minor wrinkles and is stretched, but no cracking. But I'm not a big heavy person and I don't drive a lot. And changing lanes in this car continues to be an adventure. There is just something about those C pillars and rear headrests that I can't get used to. But that's more a design, rather than execution, issue.

To me, the issue is not whether Honda is better or worse than Nissan, or Toyota, or anyone else. (It probably isn't) The issue is Honda is worse than what it used to be .

cerauli

Had my 04 TL in 2-3 inches of snow and with the VSC last year and it tracked like a 4X4. No slipping and I went right around people that were slipping. I have the crappy, flat spotting, Bridgestones but I have been very satisified with their tracking ability in all conditions. Keep in mind that I am not going 90 around corners in rain and snow...

bodble2

I find the Turanzas have poor rain performance. Very easy to break traction in the rain.

armand

I didn't like those tires in the snow and put snow tires on and its pretty good in the snow now.

kkftz

Coming up on one year with my '05 TL, 6 speed manual.... remember seeing many of "lauradada" post when I came here a year ago buying. All in all I have been VERY PLEASED with the car... that said, I have three areas that I have noticed that I am not crazy about:

1) Squeeking Noice when I break.... almost embarrassing when you are driving people around, as I have told everyone how much I love the car, but the damn squeeking is quite loud. Took it to the dealer, and they sanded down a part on the breaks, but it still happens every now & then.

2) Nasty Blind Spot/Visuals out the driverside... even after playing with rear view mirrow, it just seems difficult to see comfortably when changing lanes.... maybe it's me, but I do have a challenge seeing all that I want to see.

3) Keeping from wheels clean... I'm meticulous about keeping the car clean, and the dust is brutal on the front wheels.

All this said... I'm still very pleased... as the squeeking has improved since servicing... albeit not eliminated.

carnaught

1) Squeeking Noice when I break.... almost embarrassing when you are driving

Consider yourself lucky. If that was the only extraneous noise I had in mine, I'd be dancin' in the streets (LOL).

bodble2

"...even after playing with rear view mirrow, it just seems difficult to see comfortably when changing lanes...."

I see I'm not alone with this problem. I don't know what it is with this car. But lane-changing is more difficult that it should be. Maybe because I'm not a big, tall person? Maybe I should crank the seat up?

bplayer

If the rear head rests are not at the lowest position part of the rear view may be blocked, depending on your height and how high your seat is adjusted. Try lowering them or adjusting you seat. There is another tip that may help in adjusting the side mirrors to virtually eliminate any blind spots. Check the writeup from this site:

http://www.motorists.com/right/adjust_mirrors.html

When using this procedure you never have to turn your head before changing lanes. It takes a little while to build your confidence, but I have been successfully using it for the last few years. Yes, there is still a very small blind spot, but less than the size of a car or even a motorcycle.

dave124

I have a 2005 Acura TL Non-Navi auto. So far I am very happy with my car. I did have one major issue. With 8K miles on the car, it was dead in the garage. I called the TLC number and Acura roadside picked it up and towed it out of my garage and onto a flatbed. The battery had a bad cell. Just bad luck.

I picked it up from the dealer just a few hours later. They did offer to pick me up, but I got a ride.

I have not had a problem with the tires yet. They hold the ground well as I turn and burn. Fun Car.

Blind Spots. Yes, use your mirrors and always look over your shoulder as they taught you in driving school. Remember the S.M.O.G. rule. Signal, Mirrors, Over the shoulder, and GO. You should do that in every car.

If you're a good driver to start off with, you'll have no problem with this car. HAVE FUN!

scottp2

I have a 2002 Acura TL and need to program a remote/key fob. Can someone tell me the step for programming a remote to my existing car? Thanks.

scottp2

I purchase a brand new transponder key blank for my 2002 Acura TL. Can anyone key the key blank or does the dealer have to do it? Does the key have to be programmed? If so how is this done? Thanks.

bob71

The name of the product that I bought from the Acura dealer was Lexol. And it did a wonderful job of clearing up that chalky look.

upstatedoc

Changed over to my snows the other day (bridgestone blizzaks 215 55 16's). Car is not nearly as fun w/ this set up. Can't take my exit ramp at 65 anymore. However, the vibration that the car has had since new (05 tl w/nav)is gone leaving me to believe that it is the low profile aspect of the originals that is the root of the problem. I don't see how this could ever be corrected. Any ideas? BTW.... I used "Black Magic Proshine Protectant" ($4.99) on my chalky dash, good as new.

semez

Anyone know how to disengage the annoying fasten seat belt signal???

carnaught

Anyone know how to disengage the annoying fasten seat belt signal???

Disable by fastening your seatbelt.

klee266

Hi, dave124
I have a 2004 Acura TL too. Is silver, non-navigation-automatic. My dad got this car went it first came out probably around December 2003 when I still in H.S. The car has a stunning appearance even through I know not about cars, I can tell this is a beautiful car.

I actually started driving this car when I entered college. I have been driving for almost a year so I know alot about this car. This car has a great handling, super horsepower(270), super, super bright xenon beam, xm radio, ,outstanding stero and one pretty cool thing is you can open all the windows including the sunroof by holding the keyless remote control for about 4 seconds(you can't find this in BMW or Mercedes). However, the battery die off in about a year (I couldn't turn the starter one day, lucky it was in my garage. Probably I play too much music in the car cause of the Irresistible stero and the XM radio.) There were also bad parts, the thread of the tires run off easily, I have already changed six tires within 24000. And yet, the blind sports isn't the car fault. You probably didn't know how to adjust the rear mirrors by hand. I figured that out recently that you need to push the rear mirrors. I would really recommend that you should try that.

So far, this car is fun to drive even through I always complaining to my dad that I want a SL Mercedes and that my elder sis has already had Bmw 330i and Bmw 3.0 x3 both of them were fully loaded even the optional out of optional navigation system!

easttl

Balance your tires every 6000 miles. Happy roads ahead

ed31cincy

Amen!

armand

What could happen to properly balanced tires to cause them to need rebalancing every 6000 miles?

rockinrn

You mean Lexol for Vinyl in the blue spray bottle. Thanks for that info. I have tried almost every product except that one. Lexol also makes a great leather cleaner and conditioner.

laxcoach

advice...have an 04 tl with 32000 miles. have rotated tires regularly but think it's time to get new tires. live on long island, any suggestions? thanks.

bodble2

Man, am I cheesed off! :mad: Today I was downtown on business and parked on the street for about an hour. When I got back there was this whopper of a bird crap on my hood, literally the size of a pizza slice. I got home about an hour later and immediately wiped it off with a wet rag. But it was caked on pretty good so I had to rub it with a bit of gusto. Now that spot on the hood seems to have discolored and there is a little patch of hairline scratches! :mad:

Is there any product out there that takes out minor surface scratches?

ed31cincy

I am about ready to purchase tires for my '04 TL too. I have done a few hours of research on the Tire Rack website (www.tirerack.com) using their test data and feedback posted at their site.

Here are my top four choices, alphabetically: (1) Avon Tech M550 $109 [Avon is a division of Cooper Tire], (2) Bridgestone Turanza LS-Z, $212, [this is NOT the same type as what came on the car], those are Turanza EL-42 and are junk. (3) Kumho Ecsta ASX $92 (4) Pirelli PZero Nero $130.

What I am looking for are tires that have been judged to be quieter than the Turanza EL-42 I got when the car was new. I want tires that will get rid of the 45-60 mph vibration that some of us have complained about here. I also want good wet traction and decent snow traction in the occasional snows that I get each winter. I have not made a final decision, but as you can see, the price range is considerable. Good luck, I hope this helps.

Any feedback on my choices (especially if you have tried these tires on a TL!) would be appreciated.

goodegg

Try a smattering of smooth peanut butter on it. The crapola is lingering.