3.2 TL Questions

mfjarvind69 · August 2002

Hi Everyone,
I drive a 2002 TL and it has 12,200 miles on it. I have had no problems except for some noises that annoy me. I just wanted to check with the rest if this is normal:

1)In the morning, I usually allow the engine to warm up for 2-3 minutes before actually moving. When I shift into reverse to back out of the garage and move a little, there is a light clang from below. I don't know what this may be, but the dealer could not duplicate it later that day.I consistently get it every morning. Does anyone know what this noise is?

jdigeorgio · August 2002

I have the same car (2002 TL non-S) and mine does the same thing. Bought it in March of 2001 (so it's well over a year old). I think it has to do with the ABS pump or something like that. I asked the dealer about it and they didn't know what I was talking about. One thing you should know - I just had my 15k service done ($200) and they also replaced my front pads and rotors. I wasn't even complaining - they said there was a bulletin on warpage. They did not charge me anything for the brake work...

bodydouble · August 2002

is just the tranny engaging reverse, I think. I hear it on my '01 CL too. It is rather loud and disconcerting but so far my tranny has not shown any other symptom of failure (cross my fingers, knock on wood).

phdep · August 2002

bot a new 02 3.2 CL in october and now have 42000 miles on it, had no problems with car untill last week when the transmission DIED SUDDENLYwith no warning whatsoever, now have loaner and am waiting for another tranny, has anyone else had a similar problem with a 3.2cl or tl??????

jooi_lim · August 2002

If you think it is the ABS or what not, should the clank sound appear every time you put in reverse and back out?

Unfortunately I don't have an answer for you. My car (not 3.2TL) also has this clank sound first thing in the morning when I back out of my garage driving to work. Not loud, but I can feel something engaging. But it is only first time in the morning. Nothing of that sort when driving home from work in the evening.

pawnie · August 2002

This morning I noticed the rear view mirror in my 2002 TL, 11,500 miles, was facing the floor. After discussing the problem with Radley Acura in Northern VA, I was told rear view mirrors are on back order all over the country. The service advisor said this is a big Acura problem. I search this site quite often and I can't recall anyone saying they have had rear view mirror problems. Has anyone had their rear view mirror replaced:

cianfichi · August 2002

Anyone have any information on the 2004 TL and TL Type S. I hear they will have RWD, re-styled and have more power. Anyone have specs. or pics?

mfjarvind69 · September 2002

Hi everyone,
Thank you all for your posts! After reading a million posts about how the tranny just decides to give up one day, I don't really know if I want to stick on with the car anymore! Furthermore, I have had several problems with the car, which may be minor, but annoying all the same, considering it has 15K miles on it! There is this incessant rattle form the dashboard, the seatbelts keep squeaking and the radio sucks!-there is just too much disturbance picked up! Before the market is aware of these nagging problems and the price plummets, I would want to get rid of the vehicle! Also, on a recent trip to Yellowstone (1500 miles) from Denver and back, the mileage was about 23(Is this normal??) and the pull on the highway was awful! I feel quite let down after paying 30K for this car!

Audiot · September 2002

I'm thinking of getting above for my wife. Asking price in Vancouver from dealers is $10K-$11K USD.

I would appreciate any useful feedback, pros & cons and what to look out for....

Thanks!

ben1233 · September 2002

First off, about the '04 TL: I would HIGHLY doubt that it would be RWD. (Actually, this is the first time I've heard that rumor) But I do, however, say that it should be a 'barnstormer.' At the very least, the base model has to be a few steps ahead of, say, an Accord EX-V6. I GUESS that the Type-S will be pushing 290 hp, with even more standard features. (I was reading on a Honda enthusiast website the other day on how easy it would be to squeeze extra power out of the J32 engine. As it sounded, even the Type-S engine still has a lot of room for extra power)

And I think that it will have a bit more sporting demeanor than the current model. A 6-speed almost has to be a given. I certainly hope they don't turn it into a Lexus ES. Sheesh! Please note the above is speculation, but with some valid basis.

About the transmissions: I read a statistic about the percentage of transmission failures for the TL. Something like 1.6%. So yes it is a problem, but not rampant like the Ebola virus. Personally, I wouldn't dismiss the TL over that figure. Heck, people still by Chryslers in droves - and that's what Dodge is known for!

richard52 · September 2002

I've been reading about the tranny problems on a number of different posts. While there must be a problem or Honda wouldn't be extending the warranty I think it might be a bit over stated. Consumer reports gives the TL it's highest rating for reliabity including the transmission. I find it hard to believe that their research wouldn't uncover such a major defect Either their research is flawed or the problem is being blown out of proportion.

mboukili · October 2002

I recently purchased 99 tl w/ nav... I have to say the car is unbelievable for the money. it was that or a gs300. I think I made the better decision. two weeks ago after playing with the auto manual shifting a little bit while on the road. Next time i turn on the car, traction control light comes on and the check engine light comes on, the d4 light on cluster goes on and off. ever after this happens, and sometimes the automanual shiftting gear thing on the cluster comes on even if the i m on D4. anyone has similar problems. i have an appointement with dealer next week, i hope it s not trans....if anyone has info, please let me know.....

anthonyny99 · October 2002

I own a 2000 3.2 TL . I live in Manhattan and lights were stolen . it cost $5,500 to replace the light and repair the damage done to the car . This is stupid , why do people do this ? Has this happen to anyone else ? Are they do it to the 2003 TL also or only 2000 TL ?

ben1233 · October 2002

I remember reading about this in a reader letter in a recent issue of Car and Driver. Apparently, the HID lights that the TL uses also fit in recent models of the Honda Accord...so its not hard to figure out why someone would want to steal them. I suppose they would also fetch some $$$ if auctioned on eBay. Authentic HIDs, which the TL uses, are very expensive.

Don't know of the 02 or 03 lights would fit in the Accord though. My guess is not, since they seem quite different.

bodydouble · October 2002

Just read your post from Sept. 25. Was there a TL for model year '97? Wasn't it the Vigor for '97?

rroyer1 · October 2002

I have 24,000 on my TL and it is a great car.
However, It has recently developed a squeak that I believe is coming from the sunroof shade. Has anyone else experienced this? And how can I get rid of it?
Thanks, Rich

bodydouble · October 2002

It may not be from the shade, but actually from the moonroof gasket rubbing against the edge of the roof opening. This is quite common is TL, CL, and Accords. It almost sounds like a rattle. The dealer can apply a thin tape around the roof opening to eliminate the noise.

rroyer1 · October 2002

Thanks bodydouble. I'll talk to my dealer.
I'm kind of curious, why you are going for the Audi now.
Did you have problems with the CL? I looked at the A4 when I was shopping, but the price after the add-ons killed it. But I love the looks. good luck!

haznedarj · October 2002

Does anyone have any problems with their Acura 2002 TL-TypeS? I bought the car for my wife and she drives is most (99%) time. about 2 days ago when I was driving it I felt a little shaking/wobbling on the front. I first that maybe the balance was off, but when I got it checked out the service people told me that the rotors needed resurfacing. The car has only 17ooo miles on it..and my wife does not drive it hard at all. the tech told me that this will happen when you brake hard. Well if this happens every time someone brakes hard then do I need to to get the rotors resurfaced every single time. I spoke to ACURA and they said I need to go through the service shop, becaue I sure don't want to pay for it...they will basically put on new brake pads (mine are still new-since my wife does not drive it that hard) and replace the rotors (~$500)...please let me knwo of any sugeestiosn anyone might have out there before I go back..thanks.

bodydouble · October 2002

I'm one of those guys that get bored with a car after a couple of years. However, to avoid getting killed on the depreciation, I do try to hold on to a car for about 3+ years. Nothing wrong with the CL-S so far. For the most part I have enjoyed driving it. The power is intoxicating. I'm not even that concerned over the tranny issue since I purchased the extended warranty.

There are only a couple of issues I have with the CL-S. One, I find it rather big and bulky for a supposedly sporty 2-dr. coupe. The bulk and weight make it rather ponderous going around corners. I find 90% of the time I'm only driving myself around with only my briefcase in the back seat. That huge trunk is usually not utilized. And secondly, somewhat related to the first issue is that I kinda find the 2-dr. configuration more inconvenient that I had anticipated. Even though my wife drives the kids around most of the time, it's still a hassle for the times I need to carry someone in the back. And those motorized seats aren't all that fast in action!

I'm hoping with the A4 I can have my cake and eat it too. A good-looking, sporty ride for my commutes, a reasonably roomy backseat and trunk for practical applications, and AWD for the family winter ski vacations!

I'm currently in my "research and consideration" mode.

Hopefully if all goes well, I can buy near the end of the '03 model year.

And besides, I figure now may be the time to make my plunge into German car ownership!

chinee · October 2002

Had my rotors resurfaced recently and the warranty covered it. 18000 miles. If you look on the Transamissions board, I think there's a recent discussion about it. I get the impression it may not be an automatic warranty repair, that it may be up to dealer discretion.

karluvver1 · October 2002

That clunk you feel is the a/c compressor engaging, according to a newsletter article fron my dealer.

mfjarvind69 · October 2002

I have read so many posts about the rotors and squeaks that, in a way, it is "reassuring" that I didn'tland up with a lemon! Here are the problems I have experienced:

1)The Passenger Side Airbag cover has become loose and causes a very very annoying and loud rattle from the instrument cluster in the center. I thought some dashboard part was loose, but after a lot of listening, I determined it was the airbag!

2)When I am travelling at >60mph and brake, the steering wheel wobbles....as usual, the dealer could not duplicate the problem and even gave me the ridiculous excuse that it was the ABS!

3)The sunroof used to leak and rattle, but it has been resolved by a new rubber beading around the opening.

In my opinion, many materials have not been selected well. I get many more rattles when the temperature falls below 50F.

So, is this a lemon or is it common?

sionghchan · October 2002

Hi all..

I just bought a 2003 TL with only 3000km on it and my car has been back in the shop for about 5 times already! Some of my problems include:

1) Windshield rattling when the car is out of balance. UPDATE: I just got my car back from my dealer. Fortunately for me, I was able to reproduce the problem for my dealer and he agreed to fix it. The problem was traced to a body creak and my car (less than 1 month old!) was sent to a body shop here for a week and the roof frame near the windshield was re-welded and repainted. I'm not happy about this at all... However, what my dealer did seems to have rectified the problem. I am just wondering if I have a case to fight for a new car. Any advice anyone?

2) Whenever I heat up my seats, they seem to creak. At least the springs seem to creak. It is not so noticible when the seats are cold.

3) My safety belt seem to sqeek as well. Quite minor.

4) Wind noise seems a little lound with throbbing vibrations at around 100km/h. This is minor though.

What really got me off was the fact that when I got my car back after the re-welding, they left some bad pry marks around the sunglass holder. They also left me with a very big dent on the door frame. They have thus acknowledged that the pry marks were their fault, however, I had to fight for the dent ... as they said that it was my own doing. Lets say that I am becoming very dissatisfied with the quality as well as the care they take with customers.

hclll · November 2002

Are Acura TLs made both in Japan and Ohio? If yes, how can I tell from then VIN? Thanks.

bodydouble · November 2002

Hello fellow Vancouverite. Did you buy a demo or did you mean to say you've accumulated 3,000km on your TL? But either way I think it would be tough to get a new car since all of the problems, though frustrating and annoying, are what they would call fit and finish type problems. I think overall the TL/CL's have more rattles/creaking/groaning/squeaking that one would expect in this price range. Cold weather also tends to bring them out more, as the previous poster alluded to. Kinda disapointing 'cause it gives the car that junky feel. Makes me wonder why I didn't just buy an Accord and save a few thousand $?!

BTW, which dealer are you using?

devilsfan · November 2002

I have a 2003 TL with 4,000 miles. Since day one there is a grinding/rubbing noise from the front end. When I brake the noise stops. The dealership has noticed it, heard someone else complain and diagnosed it as air flow through the brakes. The noise is annoying, comes over the sound of the stereo and I have heard it in other 03 TL's that two dealers have had me drive. Has anyone else experienced a strange noise that stops when braking and is this limited to just the 03's? Thanks,

southern_cal · November 2002

Hi Guys,

Does anyone have any problems with the side airbag lights on a 2003 TL-S flashing once in a while. I called the dealer, and they told me that there are sensors on the seat, so if you are leaning too hard on the seat one side, the airbag feature is disabled as a safety feature. Don't know if that's true, but kinda make sense. Anyone have any thoughts on this??

southern_cal · November 2002

I have a 2003 TL-S, and don't know if it's the power steering noise. Every time I turn on the vehicle and start to drive out of my drive way, I get a noise that sounds like the power steering. Not sure if it is though, but after the first start and the first pull out of the drive way, that noise is gone. I also notice this noise only occurs when I turn the steering wheel. Is this natural and does anyone have the same problem?

scott31 · November 2002

Yes, the airbag will disable itself if it senses that deploying will do more harm than good. When I was on my test drive, the salesman did not buckle up, and when he leaned over to get his ringing cell phone, the light went on. It went back off when he returned to a normal seating position.

Regarding the noise you hear when you first turn on the car, that is most likely the ABS system priming itself. You will hear a noise when you first get going. The timing on mine works out to be when I'm just rounding the corner of the first turn past my driveway. I've had ABS cars since 1987, and they have all made a similar noise.

bodydouble · November 2002

I think if the steering wheel is turned while the car is stationery, it does make a noise. But my guess is the noise you've heard is, as scott posted, the ABS self-testing.

parkx001 · November 2002

Does anybody know if there is a way to change the climate control screen to read ºF instead of ºC. Could not find any instuctions in TL manual.

bodydouble · November 2002

You bought a Canadian-market car?

navarhidas · November 2002

the airbag lights will go on whenever a passanger is not inline with the bag's deployment. its supposed to do that....now who else has had problems with the stiff suspension to the point where i have 2 bubbles on my tires

paul1220 · November 2002

Currently leasing a 2000 3.2TL. Lease is up in February. Miles = 38,000. No major problems during lease period. Thinking of purchasing (for buyout of apprx. 19K), but have concerns regarding articles about brake warping and the recent issue of transmission problems. Hoped to have kept driving the vehicle well past 100K miles if purchased. Good idea? Suggestions welcome.

navarhidas · November 2002

i have a 2001 CL type S, 21,000 miles and i need brakes, not pads,instead the rotors are warped, i am taking it to the dealer this saturday, i will advise of results after that.

altepeb · November 2002

What are the symptoms? I just took my 2001 TL (22,000 miles) in because the air valve needed to be replaced (thought it was the transmission at first!). I asked them to look at my brakes, also, because they would shudder and lurch when I braked. I got a loaner (2003 TL) and all I had to do is touch the brakes and the car would brake. The dealer told me I needed rear brake pads. When I got the car back, I still think there is too much give in the brakes. They are not nearly as sensitive as the loaner. I feel like I don't have any 'power' in my brakes.

bodydouble · November 2002

What's that? Part of the air intake system? What kind of symptoms were you experiencing? I'm experiencing a little bit of brake lurching with my CL-S and I've only got about 13,000 miles on the odo. Mind you, all 13,000 are city miles so that's probably equivalent to about 30,000 mixed miles.

altepeb · November 2002

for a minute while I was driving (highway). It would rev up then down when I was in park and neutral. This was after the car warmed up. My check engine light came on, also. My TCS light would come on after I drove awhile when I stopped at a light. (See my posts on the TL transmission discussion.) My brakes were also lurching. They replaced the air valve and my cars drives fine now but my brakes seem spongey. My driving is mostly highway.

bdubin1 · December 2002

I have an '01 3.2TL. I had my brake rotors resurfaced twice (do to warping) -at about 18k miles & then again at about 35k. The first time the dealer did it without question. The second time the service advisor said he didn't know whether Acura would cover the work. I told him that if Acura refused to do it to have the Acura zone manager call me directly. The dealer did the work without charge. I suspect that in about another 15k I'll need to have them resurfaced (or perhaps replaced as I'm sure there's a limit to how many time you can resurface rotors).
This to me is unacceptable performance in what is supposed to be an extremely reliable brand.

mreed4 · December 2002

Has anyone had this unit replaced or re-programmed? I was at the Dealer this morning to have my keys re-programmed and find out the whole brain (multi-plex unit)that runs the keyless entry and security system requires replacement at a cost of $336.00.
I have had my 1999 TL since new and it has only 81,000 kms or approx. 48,000 miles. I have had the driver's seat heater replaced, the rotors machined due to brake shutter, and the rear door black tape trim on the outside window frames replaced due to bubbling and cracking. The car is great to drive but several small issues have a been a pain in the butt. What happened to Honda quality? The new Infiniti G35 looks awfully good in April when my lease is up!

jke4man · January 2003

The clang sound you are hearing could very well be the brake pads slipping from front to back when you begin to move. This is very common in Accords and is not causing any damage. Contrary to popular belief not everything is the transmission.

jke4man · January 2003

Has anyone had a problem with a squeek possibly from the suspension when the wheel is turned back and forth especailly if the car is sitting still. My car started this about a week ago and it sounds like a squeeky door hinge. The sound is also made if I push on the front of the car making me think it is definitely from the suspension. I have an appointment at the dealer tomorrow and I was wondering if anyone could tell me what to expect. There are also numerous squeeks and rattles all over the car but I am not that worried about them because my Accord did the same thing and the dealer fixed that on the first try permanently.

duval1 · January 2003

Anyone notice a difference in performance adding K&N filter to 2003 TL Type-S ?

dimaria · January 2003

jke4man
I see that you posted this issue on January 07. Have you figured out what the problem is yet? Have you brough it into the dealership? What did they say?
I have 2002 TL with 19,500 miles on it. I have the same problem. I have brought back to my dealer on 5 seperate occassions. The problem goes away for a couple of days and then comes back. My dealer has greased the front-end. Replaced the upper control arm bushings. Replaced the left front strut. Replaced all bushings connected to the strut. And re-tightned all bolts and nuts. But I still have the issue. I have an appointment on 2/17 to meet with the district service manager.

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