Edmunds Answers questions

Torn leather

deelite — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 15:04:56 GMT

How do I repair damage to my Acura TL's leather seats? Last weekend I was doing some work on the cabinets in my office. Part way through I decided to scoot over to Starbucks for a coffee break. When I stepped out of the car, I suddenly realized that I had left a screwdriver in my back pocket that somehow managed to put a broad gash in my car's leather seat. I cannot afford to have the leather replaced at this time. Can you tell me how to repair the damage?

How do I safely change the low beam headlight on a 2003 Acura TL thats labeled Danger 25,000 volts?

pozanator — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 01:07:30 GMT

Has anyone here changed the low beam head light bulb on a 2003 Acura TL? It is marked danger 25,000 volts may be present even with the car off. I assume its a charged capacitor but if it is how can I safely discharge it? If its something else please tell me. Can you believe a bulb is over $100? I could imagine what the dealer wants to do it.

looking for Acura TL 08 (base - not S type.) Dealer said base TL takes regular Is this true?

rita13 — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 13:25:57 GMT

Manufacturers brochure specs say premium required and don't differentiate between base and s type. Premium gas is a deal breaker for me, so if any current TL owners know the answer, I'd appreciate your help. Thanx - R

Acura TL HFL is stuck in pairing mode. Need Help!

sport36 — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 21:34:09 GMT

In my 2004 Acura TL, my HFL is stuck in pairing mode. The display shows "PAIR" and my four digit code. The call buttons do not work and my radio displays "PHONE". Can not use radio or cd player. Has anyone experienced any problems like this? Thanks!

I have a 2003 Acura TL and looking for new tires. Quiet & perform well in winter is key Recommenendations please

hagemanoh — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 12:16:25 GMT

I have drive a lot, 132 miles round trip a day to be exact for work. I need a good tire that will wear long (I got 85,000 miles on my stock michelins at the moment), be quiet on the road and perform well in the Ohio snow. I have been looking at the Michelin Primacy MXV4s but they are expensive. Any other thoughts on any other tires that might be recommended for a 2003 Acura TL. Thank you in advance for your help!

2002 acura 3.2 TLcv joint repair is this a common problem?

thayer — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 11:03:42 GMT

The Acura had a front end collision and the left suspension bar? was replaced and the transmission rebuilt. There is a groaning and rubbing sound from the left front wheel area when making a left turn. It often does not does this in the very first few blocks but does it after that and continues. I have had it looked at, the rack and pinion steering bushings replaced. Still have the noise. It was suggested it might be struts. I wonder if it could be CV joints? Any ideas?

What are the best tires for Acura TL 2004 I have winter tires looking for summer with good wet traction,handling

wally12 — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 11:02:17 GMT

I have a 2004 Acura TL with automatic/Navi. bought used ,it has bridgestone protentza G009's

Can I install an Alpine aftermarket head unit in my 2003 Acura TL Type S?

ucal — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 13:52:04 GMT

Can I install Alpine after market head unit in my 2003 Acura TL Type S ?

What installation kit is needed ? and what are the pros and cons of installing such a head unit

What are really good replacement tires for an Acura TL-S 2002?

mustang67gta — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 11:24:39 GMT

I want to replace the Michelins with something else. Any recommendations?

02 Acura TL S - swap 04 Honda Pilot transmission? Anyone did it before? I wanna escape problems of 02 model years.

sevenup — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 19:24:06 GMT

i have Acura TL-S transs gone the problem is i will add a few horses etc. The 2002 yrs transmissions wont last so will be Honda Pilot 2004 trans be a good swap it fit on engine and there is 4x4. so anyone didt before what is best.

Will the valves bend on a 2001 Acura TL 3.2 if the timing belt breaks? Thanks.

nzarelli — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 21:00:14 GMT

have just bought a 2001 acura tl 3.2 w/ 115000 miles ,book says change belt at 105000 .is the engine going to get harmed if the belt breaks or skips ,thanks

When do I start waxing 08 Acura TL?

kozy — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 14:34:59 GMT

Hello All! Just purchased a new Carbon Bronze '08 TL. I've never owned a brand new vehicle and I want to take extra special care of this one. I have just under 1000 miles on it and I was wondering when I should start waxing the car. The Louisiana summer heat is here so should I start now or is the factory wax sufficient for awhile? Thanks for your time!

Why are my rear tires wearing on the inside edge? Acura TL.

jrossitto — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 00:35:13 GMT

I have an 05 tl that I ordered from the factory. At 30,000 miles I replaced the factory tires with Michelin. Shortly after had fender bender with damage to right front quarter panel(really mad camper). Took car to top of the line repair shop and had 4 wheel alignment. Next rotation (10000 miles) noticed wear on inside edges of back tires. Moved them to front and took car to another alignment shop to verify the alignment. Car was within specks. Shop said not to worry. Now tires with wear in front and by 20000 miles the inside edge is down to steel belt and rest of tire looks virtually new. Buy two new tires(not happy camper) and now the problem has happened on the other two tires. Mechanic says suspension is in good order. No one has a clue. Help!

How can I get my hands free link (HFL) on my 05 Acura TL to work?

Wiles28 — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 18:42:26 GMT

Acura TL 2005 6 speed. the HFL button does not beep when you push the button, however the Navigation system seems to work fine.

How do I fix the radio on my 96 Acura TL?

rondi1 — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 16:52:59 GMT

The cd player in my 96 Acura 2.5 Tl reads cdpeo when i put a cd in,even the cleaner. What can be the problem? And how can i fix it myself?

Recommendations on new tires for an '05 Acura TL?

gineric — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 20:02:15 GMT

I need new tires for my TL...I don't drive much (less than 10K mi/year), but I am looking for a good inexpensive tires. I don't want something that makes to much noise. Anyone have any recommendations?

Use Acura dealer or not?

samtl — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 12:29:28 GMT

I brought my 2005 TL into the dealer to get an inspection and oil change and got a phone call suggesting $2,100 worth of work:

$621 new rear brakes
$1,200 4 new tires
$100 unfreeze front brake pads
$70 oil change and inspection
tax

I'm pretty sure I can save ALOT of money if i get this done at a non-acura dealer with after market parts.. ceratinly the tires and i'd think the brake pads could save a lot.

Any thoughts on getting work done outside of the acura dealer? using aftermarket parts for the above?

Thanks! Sam

I need new tires for 2005 Acura TL. Recommendations ?

inquisitive4 — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 15:56:50 GMT

I would like tires that reduce road noise as much as possible but without them affecting the way the car handles!

Bluetooth not booting up in my Acura TL.

k19 — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 14:58:06 GMT

I have an 05 Acura TL. The Bluetooth is not working at all. I tried booting up, but the display just keeps reading booting up. Someone told me to hold down the back button for 20 seconds but nothing happens. Is this something the dealer has to diagnose?

Thanks

I have a 2005 Acura TL occasionally makes a squeaking and squealing sound from the back tire. Brakes are still good.

tewill — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 21:54:53 GMT

We pulled off the tires and checked brakes. It does not happen the whole time I am driving just every now and then but it is loud. Help!

My 01 Acura TL has 120,000 miles and the transmission has gone out. Will cost around $4000. Is it worth repairing? Good car otherwise.

melmommy4 — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 15:57:10 GMT

About to replace transmission in 01 Acura TL. It has 120,000 miles. We bought it for my daughter 2 years ago and have not had any trouble at all. It will cost $4000 at least to repair. Is it worth the repair cost or should the money go into a different car? Do the transmissions go out more than once?

How to configure my Blackberry to the Bluetooth on my new Acura TL Type S 2008?

dfecteau — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 16:38:23 GMT

It's a USA vga I just bought, don't have any user guide or anything to help so. Need all info to get my Blackberry working Bluetooth in my new car! Thanks.

I need to replace the tires on my 2005 Acura TL. What do you recommend?

whoody — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:12:38 GMT

I need recommendation for tires on my 2005 Acura TL.

advice on buying used TL

bcdriver — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 17:52:52 GMT

Hi madmanmoo,
thanks for answering my question! I was actually inclined to Acura TL as well. When buying used TL, how necessary it is to buy "certified pre-owned vehicle"?
Would you recommend buying "cert.pre-owned", or from private sellers? How soon will used Acura start giving me problems?
thanks for response in advance!

Cost of A1 Service on Acura TL?

mhawkins1 — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 13:47:43 GMT

What is the going cost for service A1 on a Acura TL 2004? What is included in this service?

My 2002 ACURA TL TYPE-S has a leak in the passenger side headlight.

drea02 — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 21:07:36 GMT

2002 acura tl type s W/navi. right headlight leakage. how can i fix it without spending $400 for a new headlight assembly? how would i locate this leak?

my 2000 Acura TL low beam head light burned out. Hard to replace? Tips?

deeba1 — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:35:12 GMT

it does not look very simple to get to the head light assembly to replace the bulb.. just looking for any advice or do I need to have a shop replace.

The bulb cost $80 bucks and I have 208K miles on the car so trying to keep the cost to replace down.

Thanks

Had windshield changed on Acura TL, now radio has a hissing noise only, hands free link appears in viewer. Any reason why?

pmorrill — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 08:32:05 GMT

I have an Acura TL 05, had the windshield changed. Now the radio doesnt
work. All that happens is a hissing sound and no cd player working any more. The viewer only shows hands free link. Is there wiring around the windshield that might be affected by the change? Did he cut into the wire harrness some how? I know the repair guy had a hard time removing the windshield to install the new one. So now what? I tried to reload the code to no avail.

Acura TL nav system does not have voice

chrystne — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 08:35:05 GMT

I just bought a used 2006 Acura TL with Nav system last Friday. I cannot get the voice commands to work. I was able to get my bluetooth phone operational in the car; that's working fine. I cannot hear a voice for the GPS, nor can I get any voice reaction to commands such as "radio on" or "heat off". Please help. I don't have the op manual, but have been reading it on line. Also, the clock in the top display does not work and is off by 3 hours. I was told it must be re-set by the dealer. True?

What is considered a good "money factor" for an Acura TL lease?

laura26 — Sat, 03 May 2008 21:24:55 GMT

I've been quoted the following:
Year: 2008
Make: Acura
Model: TL Sedan
Color: Silver, Green, Black, and Carbon Bronze

MSRP: $34,440
e- Lease Price including Destination is $30,405 plus tax and license.
With $2,000 due at signing for 36 months @ 10k/yr x $330.56 + tax = $356.18.

I see people talk about money factor and other issues with lease quotes. Can someone explain the details to me? Thanks!

2000 Acura 3.2 TL. New transmission in warranty. Occasional car lurches. Foot off gas, in serious accident. Is this transmission? Dealer denies.

clance — Sun, 18 May 2008 13:05:43 GMT

Wife twice had car lurch forward, as taking foot off gas-but before braking. In serious accnt pulling into parkg space- hit bldg.

Again 2 weeks later- wife spooked-Dealer can't find problem-Murphies law-

dlr Denies trans. Is this trans? (New trans 12/06@ 80k- in wrty)

What would approximate insurance cost be on a 1996 Acura 2.5 TL sedan 4 door. A 17 year old girl would be driving this. Thank you.

miapeaches — Mon, 26 May 2008 13:30:13 GMT

I would like insurance costs on a 1996 Acura 2.5 TL sedan 4dr. my 17 yr. old daughter would be driving this. Woodstock, Ga
Thank you

Can an 2008 Acura TL run on 87 octane gas in Calif. or must it use 91 octane.

dwainejudy — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 19:46:20 GMT

2008 Acura TL, what octane gasoline does it require?

What's causing my 2000 Acura TL to hestitate and shake around 25-30mph?

ptwitty — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 19:48:53 GMT

2000 Acura TL with 87,000 miles. I'm the 2nd owner and purchased the vehicle last year with 69,000 miles. New platinum plugs intsalled recently and still doing it. Mechanic says without an engine light coming on he can't diagnose what it is. I get about 23mpg in the city, not much more on the highway. Thought that would be better. The missing/shaking/hesitating is driving me crazy. I like the car but don't want to continue without getting it fixed and don't want the mechanic to start fixing things that aren't broke to determine the problem. Any suggestions?

I have a 06 Acura TL. Does anyone know if you can add driving lights to this car.

bobcnj — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 10:02:15 GMT

I want to add driving lights and want to know if it's possible and at what cost.

Any recommendations for a master level paintless dent removal in Southern California for an Acura TL-S?

sealbeach — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 03:35:56 GMT

I have already showed the dent area to numerous PDR places but according to them it's not possible. However found another master level PDR provider up in San Francisco which is too far for me.

Would you be able to recommend a Paintless dent removal provider in Southern California specialized in difficult dents?

What would cause my car not to accelerate after stopping at the light? I have a 2001 Acura 3.2 TL.

rghall1 — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 13:32:13 GMT

I shut the car off and turned it back and put it in gear and it would then go forward. It did this about 3 times and I had to do the same thing each time. The car has about 193,000 miles on it. Had a rebuilt transmission put on about 2 years ago.

What are the chances of major transmission failure on an Acura TL 2003?

judysnedden — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 18:04:34 GMT

60000km

All things considered, which do you think is the better car, Acura TL 2003 or the 2004 model?

judysnedden — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 09:54:28 GMT

I'm thinking of buying a second-hand TL and if I get the '04, I'll wait until it comes off lease next year. I'm thinking, because it's a re-design, it will be, on average, a little more expensive. I'ld like an answer to this but it may or may not affect my decision In other words, price is secondary to quality.

2003 Acura 3.2 TL-S has condensation on driver's side headlight with bulbs burned out.

alibert — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 17:44:02 GMT

Dealer insisted replacement of entire headlight assembly due to condensation
which I have never experienced after owning 23 autos and 23 Brit bikes. Cost was $1125. I have old assembly which shows no cracks, holes, etc. so only feasible source of condensation entering unit has to be gasket assembly behind light falling out or mechanic not securing light into socket correctly. Stanley is subcontractor who made light assembly.

I wrote to Acura in CA indicating my displeasure with the cost of replacing entire unit and asked that the cost be prorated between Acura, dealer, Stanley and myself. Acura said "sorry". Am now of the opinion that I should further pursue matter with the dealer who insisted entire unit had to be replaced. Why not dry out old assembly, insert new bulbs and ensure that bulbs, gaskets were tight and sealed correctly?

While I used to curse Lucas, Smith, Amal, etc. for whatever 2 X 4 wouldn't fix, this is now 2008, not the 50's, 60's and 70's.

Anyway you might justify installing an entire new light assembly for the situation I described above? Should I pursue this issue with the dealer?

Thanks for your assistance, and long live Brit bikes (oil leaks and all).

Andre

How can I look at 2008 and 2009 Acura TLs when the dealership is closed? I want to compare them with no salesman!

hlsrsue — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 12:30:00 GMT

I want to look at the 2008 and 2009 TL models but when the dealership is closed - can I do that or is it considered trespassing?

How do I switch my bucket seats? Acura TL.

rich120 — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 17:34:50 GMT

I Have a 2002 Acura TL with the driver bucket seat becoming uncomfortable.
Would like to switch the driver and passenger buckets seats for more driver comfort. Please let me know the best way to unfasten the leather seats and switch the. The dealer wants a fortune to do the work. Can I do this in my garage with the help of another guy?
Please let me know thoughts-Thanks, Rich

I have a 96 Acura 2.5 Tl. How high should my rpms be while driving around 60 mph?

rondi1 — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 17:24:16 GMT

I have a 96 Acura 2.5 Tl.How high should my rpms be while driving around 60 mph? Also my car feels like it jumps into gear as if it was a manual transmission(but its automatic trans).What can be the cause?And solution?
Thanks in advance!

2003 Acura TL clock light replacement.

hunttrky — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 10:16:59 GMT

Does anyone no how to get access to replace the bulb behind the clock. Cannot see the clock at night. Bulb is $2.00 Acura wants $90.00 to replace.

Low beam headlight is out on my 2000 Acura TL. New one costs $100. Wow!

KaiserJ — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 15:42:01 GMT

I have a couple questions.

1) It says in the manual that you should take it to the dealer to replace because of high voltage. I saw an article on line where someone said that its like a capacitor and that if you take the negative battery terminal off overnight the capacitor will slowly discharge. Can anyone confirm this? Also this article said to use rubber gloves?

2) Anybody know the cheapest place to get replacement bulbs. Ive looked on line and they are all about 90-100.

3) Is there another non OEM replacement bulb that works well and costs a lot less

Thanks
John R

I have a 2004 automatic Acura TL. When I turn the ignition, it won't start, After several minutes it starts.

shonnee — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 03:00:03 GMT

I have a automatic 2004 Acura TL. When I turn the ignition, it will not start. The panel lights, the front and back lights and the radio come on but it won't start. After numerous tries it eventually starts up. This was happening infrequently but in the last few weeks it's been happening every 2 days. I sometimes hear a buzz when I turn the key in the ignition. I've taken it to the dealer, they checked the starter, alternator and battery and they are fine. I was speaking with a friend who owned a Honda, she had a similar problem and said it was something called the "relay switch." Can you please give me some advice.

The battery died and was replaced several months ago. New battery is now dead. 2006 Acura TL automatic. Help.

rcb5 — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 14:15:29 GMT

What can cause the battery to die? We were unable to unlock the car with the key fob, does this make sense?

Small exterior plastic piece broke on 2004 Acura TL. How do I replace with new one? Metal piece is still there.

lorendvw — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 18:40:12 GMT

little plastic part is gone
bought new ones
metal piece is still on the car
what do I do with new plastic part
2004 TL acura
Thanks

1996 Acura TL speedometer and odometer will only work after I have been driving for 10 or 15 minutes.

cmott — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 18:46:41 GMT

1996 Acura TL. The speedometer and odometer will only work after I have been driving for about 15 minutes. Sometimes after that it will drop to zero and go back to working after a 20 or 30 seconds

What could be causing an annoying squealing noise at 40-45mph coming from under the dash? 2001 Acura TL.

drglitch — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 19:57:27 GMT

I have a squealing noise that is definitely coming from under the dash, not the engine compartment. The noise sounds somewhat like slowly letting the air out of a balloon. It only occurs between 40-45 MPH from spring-summer. Only occurs sometimes at around 50 MPH during winter. Behavior does not change with climate control on or off, nor with transmission in neutral and varying the RPMs.

My guess is its a vacuum hose or some type of vacuum or air control valve under the dash. Anyone have an idea what might be causing the noise and how to isolate or fix it?