Acura RL Maintenance and Repair

alte1

Have 98 RL. Had timing belt replaced at 105M. Have problems w/dealer. Can anyone help with technical info?

steven9179

I've been away for a while---just read your post and feel compelled to recommend Open Road Acura in wayne. I've been to Ramsey, seen the service and believe Wayne is FAR superior

Just completed my 11k service on my RL and was impressed once again by Wayne ---even wrote the manager a note of appreciation.

good luck

birdbird

If I buy a 2005 RL, should I get one with a serial number or other number before a certain date so that the updates correcting bugs will have been done? There was some talk on this board about this somewhere, but I can't find it!

And does it really matter, because doesn't the warranty cover fixing any bugs you run into? And can't you request that the dealer do the updates at the time you buy? And what are top two bugs found in the 05RL?

jjacura

Move quickly whatever you do. The 2005's sold out in this market within days of the announcement of the new prices on the 2006.

sanarchitect

My keyfob associations worked fine till last Thursday. I brought my car in because the 12V DC outlets were blown and immediately blew whenever I connected my phone charger after replacing the fuse. I hate driving the car without my radio presets, my address book and my setup options. It doesn't feel like my car without them.

To get them re-associated, I have to do the following:

1) Unlock the car
2) Get in the car and close the door
3) Press lock and unlock until the light blinks twice, unassociating the fob
4) Get out of the car and lock it
5) Get back in the car and close the door
6) Press lock and unlink until the light blinks once, re-associating the fob
7) Turn on the car and it says "Welcome Driver 1".

I have tried skipping steps and it fails. I called the dealership and they do not know why this is happening.

They called also discovered that when I purchased my car on April 28, 2005, the required "updates" had not been done. I will bring it back in to have the outstanding updates done. One is for AcuraLink. I'm not sure what the others are.

I am on my third XM radio and now the NavTraffic is working great.

:sick: On another note, 2 months after I got my car I ran into a new Jeep Liberty from behind, doing about 3-5 mph. All of the impact was focused on the lower point of their spare tire and the front end/peak of my hood. It caused $2K in damage to their car and $5K to mine. My hood buckled. The front grill cracked. The hood latch was pressed in to the point that the cross-member of the frame bent. They replaced the grille, radiator, A/C "radiator", hood, accents and welded in a new frame cross-member. It came out beautiful! :shades:

I also reccomend the use of Clear Armor. This clear plastic coating covers my front bumper, lights, hood, side mirrors, door edges, under the door handles, below the gas door and the top of the rear bumper. No chips from rocks on the road...

John...

jjacura

Did you apply the Clear Armor yourself. (Is it an ArmorAll product available at most auto part stores?)

recentbuyer

Just brought home my 2005 RL today. I read about the "auto" feature of the lights with the car "beeping" at you when you exit the vehicle...it is a pain, but, oh well...any fix?

Question...and this one bothers me...anyone know how to fix this problem? With the Handsfree Link using Bluetooth, while I am on the phone, a call comes in through call waiting, but I don't answer it...the call goes into my voicemail, but "disconnects the Handsfree" to the person I was originally talking to once the call waiting call goes into voicemail. If I hit the "talk" button on the steering wheel, it then connects me back to my original caller, however, there is a 5 second delay...anyone have answers?

tayl0rd

Read through the posts here. You're issues have been discussed before. As I recall, there's no "fix."

jjacura

Sometimes I give up the Hands Free link and take control back manually with the cell phone for like...punching in codes for playing messages back when I'm connected to our land phone answering system for example and this may be one of the times (With your call waiting) that you may have to intercede manually. I usually keep the cell phone handy for easy access ...it lays on top of my coin compartment cover. (So you don't have to be distracted when you know where it is and reach for it doing 75 on an egress or ingress ramp.

recentbuyer

How do you take control back while talking to someone on the other line when another call on call waiting comes in...seems like a pain in the rear...if this can't be fixed, the only other option I see where it won't bother my existing call is turn the call waiting off...

jjacura

How do you normally handle call waiting on any phone. You have to interupt the person you are talking to. (I'm just suggesting you leave the Hands Free to do it) I'll try it with my wife tomorrow and get back to you. (I have a Motorola V551.)

recentbuyer

Don't know if you fully understand what's going on...if you don't answer a call waiting call, you don't interupt the person you are originally talking to. If I don't want to answer the call waiting because I'm on an important call, it still disconnects me from my original caller at about the time the call waiting call goes into vm. For me to re-establish the call, I have to hit the "talk" button again on my steering wheel...so it didn't hang up on the original person, just "temporarily" disconnects...about a 5-7 sec delay.

jjacura

Sorry. Thanks for reexplaining it.

sanarchitect

My dealer referred me to them. It is a commercial product. The material is laser-cut to match your vehicle.

bartalk3

On the Lexury Performance thread someone posted CR's reliability data from 1 million readers, just released. RL ranked "average" in reliability apparently.

hendjaz

bartalk3, since you are multiple posting the same message, I will as well in order to correct for readers.

That information you relayed on reliabilty and CR is not correct I am a CR subscriber and an RL owner and driver for over a year now. Reliability at CR is rated as "good" and it gets the CR check mark for "recommended". As you may know, CR does not recommend a car if it is not reliable. After a year, my 05 RL is perfectly reliable and wonderful to drive. There is nothing in today's market that I would choose over this car.

bartalk3

See my reply on the Acura RL thread.

kgd_007

With respect to your call waiting issue, I believe it must be a phone specific issue. I have the Motorola V600 and have no problems letting calls go to voicemail. I do often enter passcodes and other commands via the phone once a call is in progress, but I don't have to transfer from the HFL to do that, I just pick up the phone and enter the numbers.

the only things I either haven't figured out or the HFL won't do, it to dial using speed dial numbers in the phone or to include a wait command in a phone number stored in the address book (ie. when calling voicemail being able to hit the send command again to send additional commands).

It seems to be a great system.

Kris

recentbuyer

Thanks...it must be the phone then...bummer since I got the Moto Razr...

michaelbmenake

Pleased to report that TSB 05-022 eliminates that annoying "keyless remote missing" message.
No more 3-finger salute!
This information was not included in the original TSB 05-022 information published on Sept. 13, 2005, but was noted in the updated TSB 05-022 information published on October 19, 2005.

I think this shows Acura does read this board and try to resolve issues. Thanks to all for your invaluable information and insights.

poppy4

I need help with a problem that I have encountered with my US specs Acura RL. I live in the US and will be moving to the UK for work and plan on shipping my car 2005 Acura RL. However I am running into a problem with regards to the headlight washer system.....I don't have one on the car! UK SVA states that with the Xenon self levelling lights these are required to drive your vehicle in the UK, and after visiting Acura Canada, I see that they are standard in Canada. Does anyone have any suggestions on getting this installed or a way around this.

steveinindy

Is that yet another TSB, or did the three prior TSB's (XM title delay, onstar minute memory and 4th gear downshift fix) cover it. I have not yet tried it out, but I have had the three prior TSB's done. Thanks!

mjbauer

Your technigue works for me but I keep losing the key fob association. For example I just reassociated the fob (driver 1) drove to the store, was out of the car less than 10 minutes and when I returned it was gone again.

michaelbmenake

It's TSB 05-022. In the original documentation this "fix" wasn't mentioned.
There's a new, revised summary of what's included in this TSB published Oct. 19th that mentions this fix specifically.

michaelbmenake

Steveindy,
Realize my answer to your question was less than helpful. -022 is the XM title delay TSB.
M.

philbaker

I believe that the user instructions are opposite to the correct operation. When you think you are associating you actually unassociating. I had a similar problem and doing the opposite fixed the problem.

steveinindy

Thanks Michael: I tried leaving my car with the fob and sure enough,the beeps still occur, but the annoying message no longer stays! The TSB work does fix this. Thanks for the information. Steve

shs111

Please let us know if you are able to get the 'wait' command to work, Kris. While the documentation says that it should, and it worked perfectly fine on my 2004 TL, it just does not work on the 2005 RL. After many calls and conversations with Acura and with the dealer, I've just given up.

ilas

I just bought a 2006 RL that was supposed to have all TSBs applied before delivery - my VIN is ...091. When starting out in first gear, and without the awesome sound system on, I hear a very slight vibration sound (not very load) from the front right engine compartment. The sound comes as soon as the gas is applied and goes away within one second. I do not hear it in any other gear.

Has anyone noticed a similar noise? Is there a TSB that applies here?

Thanks

james39

2005 RL - I have been experiencing a vibration and noise at 1500 RPM and 22 MPH when a slight pressure is applied to the accelerator. It is very irritating. Sometime occurs at startup when brake is on and engine at idle. Took it back to the dealer today and they heard it for the first time. Gave me a loaner (another 2005 RL) and it has the same noise under same conditions. Happens other times but always at 1500 RPM and 22 MPH. Anybody else having this problem? Thanks!

acusacto

Anyone encounter this problem?
While driving, every few minutes the navigation system will shut down, and the opening screen then comes on again.
Pressing "OK" will turn the navigation system on for a while, then it will cut out again and need to be reset.

uriel

I was hearing a rattle coming from the front end of my car at low speeds on bumpy road surfaces. Took my 05 RL to the dealership to resolve the problem. The shop replaced the front brake pad set (Part No. 45022-SJA-020), and the front pad springs (Part No. 45227-SJA-013). That took care of the noise. Also, the brakes feel much more powerful when applied to bring my car to a stop. Love this car! (Mileage 8,904, Purchased 11-07-04). One more thing - I Replaced the OEM tires with Michellin Pilot Sport A/S Tires - This resulted in greatly reduced road noise - My RL now drives like a totally different machine - I LOVE THIS CAR!

sharp2

Picked up car today from service dept., having had all current TSB's performed. Having same problem with navigation system as you described!!Called Acura customer service. There advice was to take car back to shop.(They just had car for two days)My first Acura!! With all its little electronics problems it reminds me of my Mercedes.

dalbert

I too am having this problem. I took my vehicle to the dealer this morning and they suggested leaving it for the weekend (yeah right), I setup an appointment for Monday morning. Apparently, others are having this problem and Honda is working on determining the cause and solution. I will keep you posted as to my resolution.

jrotenberg

Bought my 2005 Acura RL almost two months ago and absolutely love the car. So the issues below (don't know if they can be fixed are really minor):

1) I really like the automatic headlight setting that turns it on when it dark. However I would think that the car should know that when I turn off the car at night that it should not have to beep to let me know the headlights are on. I've got the car set so that the lights will go off after 30 seconds. Having the car beep every time I am getting out a night is a minor annoyance. Can this be fixed?

2) Can the legal disclamer about not using the nav while driving that shows up every time be turned off?

3) Is there a way to delete addresses from the address book?

4) Can the I-pod controls on the 2006 be dealer installed on the 2005?

5) Why doesn't my wife like dance music and XM Channel 81? Do I really have to put with the "Sunny" station (i.e. Hey Jude instrumental?). Dual zone radio controls would be nice .

Any help is appreciated.

steveinindy

I just started having this problem yesterday, exactly as you describe it, yet I had the TSB work done over a month ago! I just had a door handle on the driver's side replaced for the second time on Friday. It was not locking when I touched it, usually when it gets wet at a carwash, which is a problem that may have been the subject of yet another earlier TSB. In any event, the door handle now works great, but when I picked up my car, the problem with the NAV turning off started on the way home. I also am scheduled for an appointment this Monday, but my dealer says it is unaware of this problem so a quick fix is unlikely. Surely there must be some connection with the door handle repair, since the TSB work was done so long ago with no problem. Yet it can't be a coincidence that others are having the same problem. Any ideas to share with the dealer?

morey

This is problem that software update willbe released shortly they are a FUped company

philbaker

This happened to me earlier this week. During a 20 minute trip it went off and on 3 times. It continued later in the day a few times, and then reoccurred a couple of times yesterday. (I'm in San Diego). Went to my dealer (Cush) and they immediately called their service hotline. The hotline had gotten many calls, and told them they tracked the problem to an XM problem when XM was interacting with the NAV. XM took responsibility for it and said they are working on correcting it. Sounded like intenal work they needed to do, rather than an update we all need to get.

steveinindy

My dealer just called me to tell me not to bring my RL in for the NAV issue ( I had called on Friday whn my NAV started resetting over and over). The sales manager said all dealerships received a written communication from Acura that essentially confirms what is said in Philbaker's post number 442. All dealers have been instructed not to replace any control units until an internal fix with XM is worked out. Apparently we just need to be patient and the fix will come without the need to bring our cars in to the dealer. Thanks for everyone's input--I'm glad we do not have another electronic glitch with our cars. My love affair with my RL is back on!

steveinindy

Was there ever a final answer on whether the headlight beams can be raised using an adjustable screw near the headlights? I saw a few posts suggesting this could be done, but later someone indicated the information turned out to be inaccurate. Anyone know for sure?

dalbert

Okay, here's the update. Now that my Acura dealer has had the opportunity to diagnose the problem and contact Honda for assistance, here is the official word:

Honda is aware of the problem... (sounds like a "but" coming doesn't it?) but cannot determine the cause at this time. The Engineers are working hard to determine the cause.

Please no that those of you who have already been to the dealer will be the first to receive the fix once it is identified.

So far I am okay with that response since they didn't lie and say the problem is resolved. Besides, I like the car and was able to put some miles on a brand new MDX and move a $%^$ load of boxes while my car was in the shop. Once again, I'll keep you posted.

pchandler

I read on here where the 05 RL had an annoying chime when the headlights were left in auto and you exited the car with the lights on. I just picked up my 06 RL today and there is no chime when leaving the car with the lights on in the auto position

kssod1

Why no rain sensing wipers? My MDX has them

derick

I have the same problem. Were you able to get it fixed?

rl newbie

Finally got resolution to this evasive problem. It turns out the problem was caused by interference from our cell phone charger left plugged in to the cigarette lighter / power port in the center console armrest.

layton4

I OWN A 02 RL AND L/HEADLIGHT IS OUT, ALTHOUGH I DO GET A SMALL "BLIP" OF BLUE WHEN I TURN THE HEADLIGHTS ON BUT IT IMMEDIATLEY DIES OUT. I KNOW I HAVE OSRAM-SYLVANIA D2R 35W HIDs, BUT IS THIS THE PROBLEM OR MAYBE DO I HAVE A VERY EXPENSIVE IGNITER PROBLEM? I CHECKED THE FUSES ALREADY AND THEY'RE GOOD. IS THERE A LINK I CAN GO TO TO SEE THE DIAGRAM OF THIS INSTALLATION? EVEN THOUGH ACURA RECOMMENDS NOT DOING IT YOURSELF?

morey

I have a Rl 2005.
1) 1st month XM unit replaced.
2) Every month battery dies 1-2 times a week. Acura dealer says --> you dont know how to use the key. battery tests fine everytime.
3)Bought a battery jumper from Target $60. Easy to jump start.
4)10 months -14,000 miles. I am used to jumpstarting the car on a need be basis. One smart manager at the dealer --> pulls out the acura internal report--> Xm unit drains battery!!!!!!!!!! Voila!
Battery replaced Xm unit replaced.
5)Navigation reboots due to XM feed every 10 minute.
6) ACura has no solution they are working on one!!
3) Allen Boynosa the regional manager at Acura--> " Sorry for the trouble -we will pay 2 months of your paymrnts."
Can I get your email address--no I dont have one!
The person handling the complaint is the same person handling the complaint of a honda civic!
Acura get your act together if you want to compete with Lexus and BMW (my opinion). Have a seperate department dealing with honda civic$15k) vs acura rl($50K)

cobel

My acura RL 2005 has problems with memorized settings of the steering wheel. It's supposed to be initiated after the door is unlocked and the ignition key turned on. It doesn't work on and off. That is the steering wheel extends up to some random position and the memory light on the door is not on. It's very annoying. I went to a dealer (there is only one in my town) 3 times and they can not find any issues and they say they can not reproduce the problem. When the car is in the dealership it reportedly always works.
Has anyone had a similar trouble? :confuse:

flyaway123

I had the same problem. I was told to reset (re-link) the key. I did son and it worked. Have you done this? The instructions are on the back of the key.

cobel

Thank you for the advice. I tried that and it didn't help.
Today my dealer called me and said that just recently they had discovered similar problem in many RL's. The issue is that if transmission is shifted to Rear or sometimes to Drive before the steering wheel reaches the memorized position then it cancels its memorized setting. For now they advised me to wait till steering wheel reaches its position before shifting transmission. They don't have permanent solution yet.

RL is a very good car but Honda overdid with experimental technology and this brings reliability ratings down and causes lots of frustration.