Acura TL Maintenance and Repair

laurasdada

Well, as they say, YMMV.

I find the Turanza EL42 to be poor in the snow as do generally 449 reviewers on Tirerack.com with "snow" rating of 3.6/10. To be honest, Tirerack considers 3.6 to be "fair." Maybe I'm being harsh having driven in New England for almost (oh my goodness, how did I get so old!!!) 30 years and not recalling having tires slip and spin so much. Now it also could be sensitively tunded TCS on the TL, it just doesn't allow any slip. I've yet to be stuck and don't fear for my life. I just am much more aware of the need for ever more cautions snow-driving with these tires.

I post this view simply to make potential snow-country TL owners aware. IMHO, if you buy a TL with the EL42 tires, just be very aware in the snow. I, too, am very happy with my '05 TL. But when the EL42s time has come, I will not be renwing my subscription...

Anybody else care to opine on this subject? And, yes, I've used the word, "opine" before O'Reilly...!

bodble2

I think when the EL42s are new or fairly new, you'd do ok in the snow. I never got stuck in the snow last winter in my TL. My wife had an Accord with the EL42 and it did ok for the first 2 winters. (The car didn't make it to the 3rd winter as she rolled it! :P ). But I noticed the EL42s on the TL wear out quickly, so I think this is the last winter I can go with them. Next winter -- either new all-seasons, or new AWD vehicle of some type! Or, since we don't get that much snow here, I could simply rent a car for the 2 or 3 heavy snowfalls that we get. That option would also save my car from the salt damage. :shades:

golfnut5

nhtlowner,

My 05 TL probably started the whining sound at approx. 15,000. My local dealer tells me it is normal. In a couple of weeks I am going to get a second opinion from another Acura dealer. I will post results here.

golfnut5

gmar,

I had the temperature display flat lining problem on my 05 TL (no nav), but not a dead battery problem. Maybe I did not have the dead battery problem because I drive my TL everyday and several miles at that. I took my TL to my dealer and after calling Acura hot line they ordered and replaced my Module Assy Display. The Module Assy Display is the whole center stack including radio display readout. It has been three month since the display was replaced and no problem since. Part number on invoice is ACC 39051-SEP-A03ZA.

hco

Yeah, I think based on what you're saying, I'm going to have the tpms checked out during the next maintenance.

You're absolutely right, the system was howling at me driving around in the -7 weather here a couple of days ago ... which is when I decided to post and find out what others experience with the tpms. When cold the gauges said I was 1 psi below optimum, tpms was saying 5 psi below optimum. Needless to say, I did add and correct pressures to gauge levels.

There is a blurb in the owners manual saying

"It is possible that the pressures shown in the multi-information display and the pressures you manually measure are slightly different.

If the difference is significant and you cannot make the low pressure indicator go out after inflating the tires to the specified values, have your dealer check the system as soon as possible"

Slightly in my mind is 1 psi, not 4-5.

toothdude

Ok so the rep I spoke to last week at Acura corporate regarding the wear on my '05 TL's Turanza's basically belittled me, was rude and confrontational. She couldn't and wouldn't explain the wear associated with the tires. Instead, I learned more from the responses off this forum from other memebers that all performance tires at 25k would need to be replaced.

I returned to the dealership last Friday to have my brakes looked at...they were sqealing like crazy and to have the "harmonic vibration fix" completeted.
The dealership is saying that the front brakes are glazed, but that otherwise the brakes, rotors etc are all in good shape. They stated that the only way to get rid of the noise is to replace the pads and rotors and to do so at N/C would require authorization from corporate....great

I called corporate on Friday spoke to a rep and specifically told them that I do not want to work with the normal rep that deals with this dealership, because of my bad experience previously with her.

I have not heard from anyone and am returning Monday to have the vibration fixed with some part that is coming in.

I am guessing I won't hear from anyone as last time when I asked for a supervisor she said there wasn't one and that her decision represented that of "American Honda and Acura".

Any advice would be appreciated.

PS the dealer stated I could take the car to 100mph and panic stop a few times to try to help matters. When I spend close to 38K on a car I should have to even think of this as a solution.

Thanks everyone in advance

cerauli

Can you let us know what your dealership is doing for the vibrations? What "part" are they installing?

Thank~

toothdude

Cerauli,

I'll post tommorrow with the details of the "fix"

toothdude

rockinrn

Turns out it was a dead battery at less than 6 months old. Sad!!

c5_4fun

I have an '04 TL with the EL42's (approx 15K miles) and happened to be driving home after a 6" rush hour snowstorm last week. Getting traction was fine but driving down snowpacked roads was terrible as the car was constantly sliding from side to side in my lane (i.e. "fishtailing") from the front and the back; and I was going slow vs. the other cars on the road. I've driven in snow all my life with many cars including many RWD sports cars and this is the worst experience. What a difference as my 2000 TL was very good in the snow. Has anyone else experienced this "fishtailing " sensation? (I recently had the tires rotated which created the alignment to be off, so the dealer told me the LF tire had a divot from perhaps a pothole so he rerotated just that tire to the back of the car. I wonder if the uneven rotation would cause this sensation?) I'd appreciate any insight before I decide what to do to have a safer ride in the snow.

gmar

THANX FOR YOUR INPUT GOLFNUT, I'LL PASS THIS ON TO SERVICE WHEN I SEE THEM ON TUESDAY--TO BE HONEST THIS IS MY WIFE'S CAR AND I DON'T DRIVE THE TL ENOUGH TO EVER HAVE NOTICED IF THE DISPLAY HAS`FLATLINED- BUT IT SEEM THERE ARE ENOUGH OTHER OWNERS WITH SIMILAR SYMPTOMS, WHO HAVE RECTIFIED THE PROBLEM WITH THE MODULE REPLACEMENT. ONE THING I CAN'T FIGURE OUT THOUGH----HOW COME THE PEOPLE IN THIS FORUM SEEM TO BE BETTER ABLE TO DIAGNOSE TL PROBLEMS THAN THE ACURA SERVICE DEPT? THANX`AGAIN!.

goodegg

Move South. There's no snow here bro. Sorry - couldn't resist

bodble2

I think the wider, and lower-profile tires on your '04, compared to the 2000, may in large part account for the sliding.

laurasdada

No skiing, either. So, major no fun!

g_roc

I have the same problem with my 2005 TL with 2,000 miles on it. Of course the stupid Tusin, CA dealer says it is a normal sound.

c5_4fun

Thanks, I was afraid of that lower profile, wider tire answer.

Maybe I'll begin to lay the groundwork at home that I might need to add a "winter" car (=another toy!).

Otherwise, I love the TL.

golfnut5

gmar,

I think I got lucky with my local Acura dealer being aware of the temp flatline problem and replacing the module. The same dealer says the whine sound coming from my transmission (I think trans) is normal. :mad:

carnaught

......... Of course the stupid Tusin, CA dealer says it is a normal sound.

That's because they're trained to say the "n" word.

ccw

I have a 04TL. I liked my leased 01 TL so I brought an 04 TL. The only complaint I have right now is my car has 19,000 miles and I had a hard time driving in snow. This is my second winter. My first winter was great.
I do not have the cracking sound. It was so quiet some time I forgot I started the engine already. It is smooth and quiet with excellent 5.1 surround sound.
I am thinking to get snow tires.
I am sorry for some of you have the cracking sound.

armand

Get good snows - it will make a big difference.

tedescm1

Let us know how the "FIX" for the Harmonic vibratin worked out!

upstatedoc

At 19000 miles, your factories are probably on their last legs. I put the bridgestone blizzaks on and the difference is amazing, not quite as good performance on dry pavement. Make sure the snows are 16", a little narrower, a little taller, you should be fine.

buz1099

Bought a 05 TL AT in Oct. I have noticed that when the gauge shows empty or close to it and the miles left on the tank are low (>40 mi) and I fill up I can only put in 13 to 14 gal. Yet the tank is supposed to be 17.1 gal! So what do y'all reckon? Small tank or what? Anyone else notice this?

laurasdada

I've noticed the pessimistic gas gauge also. While I check the gauge, I also note the miles driven on the current tank and use that as another measure of fuel used/remaining. Not a big deal to me, I'd rather the guage be pessimistic than optimistic!

larrydt

I have a 97 TL, 116K miles. Would not turn over to start although there was some power. Replaced battery since power was low. Still won't start all the time. Is this a starter problem, software problem or some other issue?. Live in Southern CA, days have been hot and some have been cold when problem happens.

lmmiller9

I have a new (three weeks) 2006 TL with 6 speed transmission. I love the way the car drives, feels, etc. HOwever, one problem that will sound minor, but is actually major when driving. The stick shift nob is causing a blister on my hand. The leather stiching comes right up to the top of the nob and the last stick forms a point that is like a knife in your hand when shifting. The palm of my hand has a red spot where a blister is forming. Not a small problem.

I went to the dealer to buy an alternative nob. Doesn't exist. They have one for the automatic, for the TSX, etc., but none for a stick TL. Has anyone else experienced this? Any suggestions, other than wrap it with tape, which I am about to do?

Thanks

golfnut5

Driving gloves. :P

lmmiller9

Driving gloves may be the answer. But, it seems to me that one should not HAVE to wear gloves to drive one's car.

ggesq

lmmiller9,

don't take this as a smart a$% answer, but how about asking the dealer to replace the existing nob with another factory 6spd nob vs. buying an alternate nob?
assuming of course all the 6spd manual nobs do not have this issue... :confuse:

bhelsdon

Yes, I have the same issue. Even when I think I have run the tank bone dry it still only takes 14 gallons. I have found I can still go at least a 100 miles.

bhelsdon

That should read, I have found that I can still go at least a 100 miles with the low fuel light on. I should proof read better before I post.

davedanna

Gavsim,
I have had a similiar problem with my 2000 TL with 130K miles. It stutters at about 24 MPH at a steady speed .. no decel or accelerating. Have had the tranny serviced and checked by tranny shop people. None so far seem to know for sure ... only some maybe's.
I am planning to try a Acrua dealer but would like to have some insight, like you, prior to letting them take off with a ghost chase.
It seems like someone would have had the same problem and have come up with a solution.
I did see a similiar problem description elsewhere... but no indicated solutions.

Good luck....

davedanna

podres

There are after-market knobs. Google search shifter knob TL.

brian03tl

On Saturday I bought a 2003 TL, Type S. On Sunday it snowed. The manual says on page 266 "Type-S: Do not install any types of chains or cable-type traction devices on your vehicle." Where I live, chains (or cables) are required. The manual does not explain why. Has anybody put chains on their Type S? Any thoughts or recommendations?

sushi96720

Anyone tested this feature on the TL? I have a 06 TL about a month old. I tried out to see if it really worked as they claim it to be.

On my first try it failed. I had to hold the window glass with both of my hands otherwise it would have taken my fingers. Subsequent tries worked but not consistent on my every try. All it takes is not to work once when you need it and get seriously hurt.

Let me know if anyone tried and your results.

Thanks!

jimmy81

You're worrying about that? Man, your life must be a breeze. Fuggetaboutit.

upstatedoc

I feel like I have one complaint after another, anyway....noticed that the brake pedal was vibrating when braking at highway speeds. The vibration frequency would decrease as the car (05 tl w/nav) slowed. Took it in, both rear rotors were warped beyond repair. Replaced under warranty of course but at 15000 miles, this car is barely broken in. Isolated incident or could this be the cause of some of the general "vibration" issues? By the way "sushi96720", please, next time try a non-body part for your experiments. Already too many people lopping off fingers, toes, etc. in the ER.

zkirt

The buttons will light up when they are active: depress the window lock and they will light up like the driver's.
Simple!!

roar1

Ok!,Ok!.......I'm definitely not the sharpest knife in the drawer but, would it not make sense to have the buttons lit all of the time at night so they can be found easily instead of going thru a 2-step procedure. Doesn't make sense.

My '02 Max. buttons are lit all the time at night!! Oh well !! (I know, deep subject )

laurasdada

If you've de-activated the three passenger windows then you've decided not to allow functionality. By not lighting up the buttons this (non) functionality is enhanced. To me, that's actually a pretty intelligent design!

roar1

a 3- fingered TL driver it's a good bet it is
" sushi96720 ". Maybe he knows the " one armed man ".

I know.....be nice !

roar1

Using you design methodology and line of thinking, then the steering wheel buttons should have a non- functionality feature that would allow you to go through a 2- step on , off procedure.

I know what you are going to say before you even say it.
" That's different ". No it isn't. IMHO of course.

golfnut5

sushi96720,

I believe the anti-pinch only works if you stick your head out the window and then try to put the window up. I think somebody on this board should try it and report back to us. I opt out. :P

laurasdada

Sorry, I just don't follow your thinking here...

The steering wheel buttons are for the driver, not the passengers.

Disabling the passenger windows can be for safety/security reasons. Or to avoid annoyance, "Stop playing with your window!"

Not that it matters. I was just giving my theory on why the window lights extinguish when they are de-activated. I could be wrong, but it does make sense.

YMMV?

strokeoluck1

I have a very silly/petty question re: locking the doors on my '05 TL. The operator's manual says you have to press the lock button once to lock the doors, and once again to get the car to "chirp", thus confirming that the doors are locked. However this almost never works on my car. I always need to press it at least three if not four times to get it to "chirp" at me.

No, I don't have big fingers. No, I'm not wearing gloves when I press the lock button. Yes, I can hear just fine. The car is only about eight months old so I can't believe it's a lack of fob battery power because everything else on it works just fine.

Any thoughts? Can you tell I'm bored tonight?!?

Thanks, Rob

bodble2

I assume by "chirp" you're referring to that feeble "beep"?

When you press the lock button, do the parking lights flash. If they do, that means the fob and battery are fine, and there may be something wrong with the "beep" mechanism. But if even the lights don't flash, then you may have a faulty fob, or batteries.

bhelsdon

If you leave your lights in the on position it will take three presses to make it beep. 1 to lock, 2 to turn off the lights, and then the beep. The beep acknowledges everything is all good and you can leave the car.

jfciii70

Don't know about the TL, but my wife just bought an 06 pilot and after pressing once-wait for the lights to flash and go off, then press again. If you press to fast(while the lights are flashing) nothing will happen- took me a while to figure it out. BTW love the Pilot, about to purchase an 06 TSX.

cerauli

Any word on the "FIX"???
Thanks!

gglaze

Gavsim. I have the same problem with mine... feels like going over a wash-board road condition for a short distance. But your "stutters" discription fits as well. I first complained to the Acura dealer over a year and half ago. He says the "read-out" shows no problem.The condition seems to be getting worse and happens most every day more than once. I have never taked the car to anybody other than the Acura dealer. I've been told that Acura does NOT repair tranny's .. they replace them. And think most everybody knows that tranny warranty has been extended to 150 or 160 kl. I'm interested to hear about ALL settlements and/or solutions made...
gglaze