Acura TL Maintenance and Repair

animalsrush

What is this Harmonic vibration every one keeps talking about ?

booyahcramer

I doubt their are more negative posts on any other car in any other forum here on Edmunds

Hey agendaboy! Go read the G35 board (although you probably already knew that and have decided to come over here spout your negativism). Many, many issues over there.

Consumer reports rates the car high because they don't have a negative agenda and mindset towards Acura like you do, and they like the car.

jerseyguy3

Thanks for that great reply! After tons of research and comparisons I bought my first TL, an 06' with Navi last month. Admittedly it doesn't have every single item I might have liked on my list of a perfect car in the "entry level luxury category" but for me it came close enough to take the plunge. Yes, it does tend at times to take bumps more like my former Jeep Grand Cherokee , and it sits low like my very old Mercedes 190. BUT... its got so much more going for it, not to mention a company with a solid reputation for quality, great acceleration, sharp styling and gas mileage (on the road), great creature comforts,and I consider very good value.

Bottom line, you select the car that's best for your taste (and perhaps budget). Is there a guarantee of not getting a lemon, heck no, but mag's like Consumer Reports and the like I believe help you increase your chances of being happy with your choice.

So, that's my thoughts on this. For those of you who enjoy your TL, I am very happy to be in your company. For those who don't sorry, but perhaps its time to look for another vehicle that will satisfy you. And thanks to all who helped me with my choice of a TL and ongoing with ways to better enjoy my ownership.

goodegg

Kinda smells to me too. Sure the TL ain't the greatest car out there, but for $31K I think it is. I'm more than open to hear about what's wrong with the car I recently bought to see if mine is the same. But my TL is just fine.

A test drive would have pointed out the suspension characteristics. Just sitting in the car would tell you about the seats. And he bought the car anyway?

Gotta wonder about the negative posts. I'd bet ya the majority of them (in any forum about any car) aren't from 'reliable' sources.

z71bill

My only complaints so far -

A seat rattle (I fixed it myself - solution found on acurazine.com)

On long highway drives (so far 3 hours is my longest) cruising at 70 MPH it is kind of boring - it tracks the road so well it almost drives itself. Almost forget I was even driving. Some may see this as an advantage - but it makes me want to drive faster.

Not sure if this is real or just my imagination - the first 300 or so miles the ride was a little bit harsh - but now with about 1,000 miles on the odometer the ride seems to have become softer. It could be the tires/suspension breaking in - but I have never noticed this much change on any of my other vehicles. I think the balance between ride and handling is about perfect for my taste.

laurasdada

From personal observation, for the vast majority of TL owners, a myth...

But, like Extraterrestrials, they could be out there!

priggly

From personal observation, for the vast majority of TL owners, a myth...

Yeah, so much a myth in fact that Acura issued a TSB in an attempt to fix it:

http://tl.acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1205909#post1205909

It's quite illuminating to read here how those fortunate enough not to have this apparently not uncommon (judging by the number of posts pertaining to it both here and on other automotive forums) problem tend to disparage as "mythical" those who do. If it happens to involve your car, it is much more than a myth.

animalsrush

Thanks for the reply guys. After reading the post on Acurazine most of the issues seem to be with Older models of TL. I am guessing they should be fixed by 06 year.. Not sure.

laurasdada

My tongue-in-cheekness and the phrase, "From personal observation..." I guess wasn't properly conveyed in my post.

I, nor no one that I know with an '04+ TL has experienced the "Harmonic Vibration," hence the "...personal experience. My dealer did acknowledge the TSB, but the SA I was speaking to said that they have never been able to detect it. If a customer complained about it, they gave up on test drives and just applied the patch. So, yes, I'm sure it is an issue for some.

More's the pity as the TL is such a fine car. Not perfect, but so far, for me, it's everything I expected (and I've had the "faded dash" issue and one rattle fixed).

If you're TL vibrates, I hope that it was fixed of that your next ride is silky smooth!

bob289

Has anyone else have to be pretty close to use the Remote for the keyless entrey? I have to be more or less around 15-20 feet. I notice in other car you can be further like across the parking lot. does everyone else have this problem?

scottm123

"On long highway drives (so far 3 hours is my longest) cruising at 70 MPH it is kind of boring - it tracks the road so well it almost drives itself."

After 3 hours in an Acura, my butt needs novicaine.
I drove the MDX from MA to MI... MI to IL, and then IL back to MA.

The long roads trips are just short of absolute torture.

For the 45 minute ride to work, I'm very happy with the seats.
For road trips (Which I could not learn about from a testdrive)... they are very uncomfortable.
In fact, my testdrive was 45 minutes long.

The wife's '00 Honda Accord has seats which offer slightly more confort, and wear much better as well.
Go figure.

The TL is still on my list of 3 contenders (Soon to purchase) but that doesn't make me any happier with the seats (Lack of comfort/quality of leather)

bodble2

I would estimate my remote to have a max range of about 25 - 30 feet. But then I don't mind a short range. I'm not one of those people that like to unlock, or lock, my car from a block away!

kennyg8

bodble, in addition to using the remote keyfob as a door lock and unlock, you may also use it as a car locator in cases where you don't remember where your parked it in a crowded parking lot. So, 20-30 feet range is pretty much useless, because you are also right next to the car. For me, the longer the range the better, like 500 feet

Also, on a hot day, you want to open the windows from a block away, so that when you finally get to your car, the inside is already cooled down

bodble2

You are right on both counts. It's just that for me, personally, I don't like to set off the panic alarm just to locate my car. And while at times it is useful to roll down the windows remotely, I don't need, or want, to do it from 2 blocks away. I'll rather just wait a couple or 3 minutes before hopping in.

mpdixon1

My new TL had a rattle when my subwoofer would hit certain notes. Noticing others experiencing a similar problem I thought I would post a more specific solution.

To fix the rattle, you first must pull off the carpet in the trunk (under the rear deck lid, where the speakers are). Next, remove the trunk light (it just releases with a screwdriver, also under rear deck lid). Next, looking through the new hole created by the light removal, you will see a white plastic clip, this should be the source of that rattle. Turn on your stereo to confirm this, after confirming, I slid a thin rubber sheet between the plastic clip and the metal frame Also, I filled the area it was in with some foam.

Hope this helps, it fixed my problem.

avatexrs1

My Sony Z520a phone paired perfectly with my TL for two months. It then went dead and Cingular sent me a new one. Now it pairs, but the sound only comes through the phone and not the car audio.

Acura HandsFree Link customer service and website say that the car is compatible with software version R3J006 on that phone. My phone's software version is R3K028. I downloaded the software update service from Sony and connected it to my phone, which confirmed I have the most recent software version. So I called Sony, which said that version R3J006 doesn't exist. Then I called Acura HandsFree Link, which said that version does exist and that Acura tested a Sony phone with that version.

Any ideas from anyone???

manmountain

I took delivery of an 04 TL auto in Sept 04, one of the last ones produced. I experienced what is being called 'harmonic vibration' in the 55 to 60 mph range from day 1. My dealer (Parklane in Kelowna, BC) worked with me through various balancing procedures, none of which eliminated the problem. They then put on a new set of tires, but that didn't resolve the problem. At 7,000 ks, they put a new set of wheels and tires on (from an 05 TL on their showroom floor) and I've never had the problem since, with 70,000 ks on the car now. We all concluded it must have been the wheels??? Notwithstanding this early problem, it's still been the best car I've ever owned (going back to 1962) and I'll certainly replace it with another TL, especially if the redesign incorporates AWD.

tedescm1

The 5th gear kicks in too early and lugs... They call it a harmonic vibration. Acura has a damper that is supposed to minimize the vibration.

It happens at around 53 mph to 58 mph and then it smooths out.

I think it's only on the 04 and 05 model...not sure about the the others

armand

I think you "got" it right - and it really isn't a big deal.

tlinto

I just bought a 2006 TL-Dynamic with the 6 speed manual- black on black. For the most part I love it, but it seems to idle rough after a cold start or when damp outside and continue rough for 2-10 minutes after starting out. I don't think this is the "harmonic vibration" issue people here are talking about, since I think that only applies to the automatic transmission. It doesn't seem to matter what gear I'm in or what speed I'm driving.

I haven't been to see the dealer yet (car is 1 month old) and I wanted to know if anyone else has experienced this issue and how it was resolved.

avandelay

Does anyone know how to access the Zagat ratings in the TL's Nav system. I have looked everywhere but cannot find that info.

Thanks in advance,

Kevin

cecilt1

Your post is a little misleading. First you say you have a rough idle in the beginning of the past then you say "it doesn't see to matter what gear I'm in or what speed I'm driving"

Are you just having a problem when idling sitting still or are you have this coupled with a rough engine noise/vibration while driving.

cecilt1

I don't think the TL has Zagat ratings but I could be wrong. Isn't this an RL feature.

cassiri

I've noted the rough idle with every TL I have ever test driven, both new and used. I thought it was a flaw at first but it is in every TL auto or manual. My 2006 auto has done it since I test drove it as well. I chalk it up to the engine being tuned for performance. I'm sure they could have made it feel like a sewing machine like other Honda products, but intentionally went in a different direction. When you accelerate it is glass smooth, which tells me it isn't "missing" on the ignition.

cassiri

Has anyone else with a 2006 auto had issues with a pinging. It occurs below 3,000rpm when the engine is below operating temp and sounds almost like driving a diesel. I know there is a TSB on it for 2004-2005 but the dealership says it was fixed and doesn't occur on 2006. Of course it isn't the easiest thing to demo because the car has to cool off some first.

tlinto

I seem to have both rough idle AND a rough ride. Both intermittent, of course.

I can live with the rough idle, but the rough ride concerns me a bit. It appears most often first thing in the morning on my way to work, especially on humid days. Almost like the inside of the fuel tank is coated in condensation and the gas gets diluted with a bit of water. Not tooth-jarring, but noticeable. If the car's been sitting in the sun all day and it's a low humidity day, no problem- smooth as glass. I originally thought it was a tank of bad gas, but I've filled up a few times since I first noticed it and it's still an intermittent problem.

bodble2

The TL doesn't have the smoothest of idle --- not as smooth as the Nissan's VQ engine. But it's not so rough that it bothers me. In fact, I don't even notice it anymore.

scottm123

Kevin,

I have an 06 MDX but I believe the nav systems are exactly the same...
I could be wrong, but here is how you get to it in the MDX.

Go into the Menu and choose Places and choose Restaurants
From there, it will ask you what type of chow you want... American, Chinese, etc.
One of the options there is Zagat ratings... and you can choose by distance, location, etc.
It will then list only restaurants which have a Zagat rating included in the description.

Hope this helps.

cecilt1

I have the rough idle all the time. It's not really rough in the sense it is missing but you can hear it especially with the AC on. I have heard it is due to the tuning of the engine as mentioned previously. As far as rough ride is concerned my only complaint is in the morning when I start the car and drive out of my neighborhood the car will want to buck when slowing down. Example, pull out of driveway and drive down to stop sign in first gear(I have the 6 speed as well) and then before I get to the stop sign I take my foot of the gas to coast. The TL will buck back and forth a little. AFter it has warmed up this condition goes away. A quirk I don't like but at least it subsides when it warms up. IS this the problem you are experiencing?

goodegg

This hag got to be an issue involving the 6sp. My 06TL auto never does this, nor does my friend's 05.

tlinto

cecilt,
Mine doesn't buck like yours. But like yours, the quirk goes away when it warms up. Do you notice a difference in "warm up time" depending on humidity level? I just took the car out at lunch today (bright, sunny and dry day) and it was smooth from the minute I set out. This morning, it was more humid (car was parked in driveway overnight and had dew on the roof, hood, etc) and was a somewhat rough ride for about 10 minutes til it warmed /dried up.

I agree with your assessment- it's more of a quirk than a problem, especially since it's a lease, but it still annoys me. My last car, an 04 Mazda6 V6 5-speed manual did not act up in this manner.

animalsrush

My Automatic 06 Tl doesn't do this, however my Old Honda civic used to do this often especially in winter ..

t2029

Hello,

My 03 TL(12K) has a completely different buzzing/humming noise problem: it's making it while it is off. I accidently heard it a while ago when the car was turned off and parked in my garage. It lasted for about 2-3 seconds every 5-10 minutes. It sounds just like any cell phone vibrates during vibration mode. The car does it intermitly and it seems it does it more often during hot days. I took it to the dealership twice. Of course, we couldn't hear it. Any suggestion? Thanks in advance.

Eric

bodble2

Hey, who are you calling a hag?! :P

scottm123

Ya know... My 99 Jeep Grand Cherokee did that same exact thing... made that weird buzzing noise, and I could hear very clearly when it was in the garage.
It only did it when the car was hot and was turned off (Cooling down)

The dealer said it was normal, could be heard when the car was cooling off, and said it was part of the vacuum system

I don't know they real cause or if it's bad, but you're not alone.
Other cars make that weird noise as well. :confuse:

goodegg

If the shoe fits bro.....

:shades:

dive4145

It might be your ABS system pressurizing. I had an old prelude that did this when the engine was off. To me it sounded like cars racing in the distant, albeit intermittently.

nightcrawler29

Well I bought my TL a year ago and used XM for the free 3 months only and let it expire. I now would like to re-activate, but can't seem to find the 8 digit code they are asking. When I bought the car, the dealer provided an anti-theft identification card with some codes and serial numbers, but it ain't there. Then I was told to set the radio on XM channel "0", and the radio won't do tune to that channel (by either voice command or turning the knob), and will stay on channel 274 I think (where XM advertising is)... So would any of you know how to find the 8 digit number?? or is everyone else's inactivated XM radio set on those 2 channels... the emergency advisory channel, and channel 274?? :mad:

Mr_Shiftright

It should be in all the papers that came with the car. There should be an XM radio pamphlet with the code in it, if you had it installed at the dealer.

bdemarr

You may try station 1 or 01 also to get the code

bryncerdd

You can find the radio code on the outer left side of the "door" that closes the glove box. It's a bit hard to see--you must open the cover all the way. Good luck.

Bryncerdd

scottm123

If you can't find your XM radio code, I'd be glad to let you use mine. :P

bhelsdon

They don't want the security code, they want the radio ID code. The ID code is displayed on channel 0. If you turn the tuner knob it should go to channel 0 if you have the mode set to channel and not category.

scottm123

Exactly... They need to XM Radio code so they know who's device to activate.

z71bill

After turning the TL off I sometimes hear a single BEEP - 15 seconds or so after leaving the car - I tried looking in the owners manual but did not have any luck.

I am guessing the BEEP is telling me that the hands free link has been disconnected - anyone know for sure?

ty1234

Anybody else have this problem… I live in southern CA and was drving back to work (at a stop light) when I heard a weird POP noise. It came from the front of the car… when I took off from the stop light my eyes focused on a crack in my windshield that started at the bottom of the window under the drivers side wiper that travelled a good thrid of the way up my windshield. It was fairly warm today about 90 degrees at the time, but not unusually warm, certainly not warm enough to crack my windshield. I've bearly had the car for 2 trouble free months until now. Should I contact the dealer… any help/advise would be great, Thanks

crmullins

Are you sure you're not confusing the Z520a with the Z525a ?

The only difference being the Z525a has PTT (Push-To-Talk, should be a button on the outside of your phone above the volume buttons) functionality and is the newest offering from Cingular. I have a Z525a and it exhibits the exact behavior you mention (it pairs, but sound only comes through the phone and not the car audio). Also my phone has software version R3K028 on it fresh from Cingular. So perhaps Acura was telling you the truth.

I have contacted Sony Ericsson and they told me they are aware and that I need to contact Acura to get it fixed. What number did you call to talk to Acura? I really want this brand new phone to work in my TL.

Thanks

scottm123

Where do you hear the beep from?
I hear a beep, but it's coming from my phone... not from the car.

z71bill

Nice question - now that you ask I am not 100% sure - I have only heard the BEEP after parking the TL in the garage - I always put my cell phone and car keys on the shelf by the kitchen sink - only heard it while in the kitchen. Could be the cell phone. But I have never heard the BEEP after parking the car anywhere else - like at the mall - where I walk away with my phone in my pocket.

I have ask my wife a few times - am I going nuts - did you just hear a BEEP? She always just says - YES you are going nuts! and then NO - she did not hear anything!

At first I thought it could be the smoke detector telling me its time to change the battery. But our detector does not beep - it talks - it says - " WARNING BATTERY LOW _ WARNING BATTERY LOW! Sort of sounds like the robot from Lost in Space - Warning Will Robinson! or was that Danger Will Robinsion!

Then a few days ago my wife asks me - did you just hear the TL BEEP at me? What does that mean? - she ask. Of course I told her the truth - it means you are going nuts!

scottm123

Ok... here's an easy solution.

Get in your car and start it up.
Hold your phone in your hand and wait until it comes to life and tells you that it has found a wireless device.

After a few seconds, shut the car off and continue to watch your phone.
It should tell you that the connection was dropped, and it will beep as well.

See if that's the beep your hear.