Cracked dashboard in '04 TL
#1361
Its a year old but heres one of the members finished coverlay on an 05' TL
Looks good to me, just use realllllllyyyyyy good adhesive.
Looks good to me, just use realllllllyyyyyy good adhesive.
#1362
I don't get the cracking issue, maybe regional and related the the respective climates. I park mine in shade and have only used a feather duster to clean it. All windows have ceramic tint as well. I have an '06.
#1363
It's my understanding no chemicals or conditioners should be used to clean the dash as it's supposed to be allowed to breathe and doing so will clog the "pores."
#1364
Safety Car
I have a 06 TL with 172k I bought last year and the owner has a garage so presumably was not in the sun too much and no crack so far.
I'm using as much Sun shade (even in cold days) to limit as much sun/uv rays hitting the dash as possible. May be one way to be preventative that is not as costly.
Quality tint can help as well of course
#1365
Drifting
My '05 finally cracked last winter...although not around the airbag like many others. Mine spent most of its time in a garage at work and at home. I think it really is just based on time and luck. Some crack sooner than others....but I think a large majority will end up cracking eventually.
#1366
I've had the front tinted for a few years now, rather clear ceramic film, cost was about $100.
Clear Window Films | Automotive Window Films | Choose a product | LLumar Window Films -
Clear Window Films | Automotive Window Films | Choose a product | LLumar Window Films -
#1367
Can you confirm that the dash cover is only one piece. I need to do something about my cracked dash and this looks like a good solution. The only thing I do not like is the cut out over the passenger air bag.
The concern that if it is a separate piece, it will fly off if the airbag is deployed. I would hate for that to going flying into someone during a deployment. If it is one solid piece with indention, my thought is the weakest part of the cover will split first, thus allowing the airbag to deploy and not have pieces of the coverlay flying around the cabin.
Thanks in advance for your response.
The concern that if it is a separate piece, it will fly off if the airbag is deployed. I would hate for that to going flying into someone during a deployment. If it is one solid piece with indention, my thought is the weakest part of the cover will split first, thus allowing the airbag to deploy and not have pieces of the coverlay flying around the cabin.
Thanks in advance for your response.
#1370
Can you confirm that the dash cover is only one piece. I need to do something about my cracked dash and this looks like a good solution. The only thing I do not like is the cut out over the passenger air bag.
The concern that if it is a separate piece, it will fly off if the airbag is deployed. I would hate for that to going flying into someone during a deployment. If it is one solid piece with indention, my thought is the weakest part of the cover will split first, thus allowing the airbag to deploy and not have pieces of the coverlay flying around the cabin.
Thanks in advance for your response.
The concern that if it is a separate piece, it will fly off if the airbag is deployed. I would hate for that to going flying into someone during a deployment. If it is one solid piece with indention, my thought is the weakest part of the cover will split first, thus allowing the airbag to deploy and not have pieces of the coverlay flying around the cabin.
Thanks in advance for your response.
#1371
Mine cracked a couple years ago (around 80k miles). Does anyone know of a way to fix or replace the dash? I inquired last time I was at Acura and they said $1300 just for the new part (entire dash).
#1372
my dash just cracked this morning and looks almost identical to that ^ as of right now I only have the left crack. Was not there 3 days ago when I last drove it. I use the covercraft thick folding sunshade and 303 to protect the dash but now I know it was just a matter of time.
#1373
Pro
Yeah, I just opted for the Dash-Topper Sedona Suede cover. It's better than looking at the increasing amount of cracks on my dash and I'm not shelling out $600, which is what Acura wanted me to cover out of pocket.
#1375
Advanced
Chiming with a "same here". 2006 TL, 150K miles. These cracks started about 3 years ago, and are now at the point that you see here in the pictures. I'm REALLY disappointed in Acura's quality on this one. I meticulously take care of my TL, it's garage kept, and doesn't bake in the sun. This is not normal wear and tear.
#1376
Instructor
Before you go and replace your dash on your own, Toyota just announced they will replace 4.5 million dash boards because of the same things that are happening to ours. I got a letter about my 2004 4runner, that has a cracked dash, saying they will replace it for free in a few months. I'm hoping Acura will join in and fix our TLs.
The following users liked this post:
thassett (06-27-2016)
#1378
I don't think anything makes any difference. Inside, outside, shaded, treated, none of it matters. The dash simply goes after n thermal cycles and Acura has the gall to put the responsibility on owners.
#1379
Drifting
^ Agreed- my dash just started cracking around the right of the passenger airbag like so many others. I feel pretty fortunate with it taking 10 years instead of the 5-6 so many others have encountered. Looks like the Coverlay is the least of all evils possibly but I would love to see one in person first. The dash-topper doesn't look too bad either possibly.
#1380
You guys should consider using Dashmat/Coverking products. I have an '08 with no cracks in the dash, but as soon as I found this thread I went ahead and bought the dashmat as a form of "preventative maintenance". Gave the dash a nice thick layer of 303 before covering it.
Also, note the matching rear deck cover! I just thought it looked cool tbh.
The following users liked this post:
LaCostaRacer (07-11-2016)
#1382
I have had mine installed since January and haven't peeked underneath it since (honestly I am scared to look sometimes). It does add peace of mind that if some minor cracking were to start, it wouldn't bother me aesthetically. I live in the greater Seattle area, so I think I am at relatively low risk with the mild weather we see year-round. That being said, during very hot days when I first start the car and crank AC, I can hear crackling/popping coming from the dash/center console area. It sounds like it is coming from deeper in the dash though (maybe just plastic in the ducts shrinking from the heat loss?). Not sure, but it is usually one or two big pops and that's it. There is a post up above somewhere that mentions a similar experience to mine.
#1386
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by thassett
Does the dashboard cover cause any safety issues with the passenger airbag?
#1387
Jeff
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Port City, New Brunswick Canada
Posts: 5,728
Received 815 Likes
on
726 Posts
I have an 06 with 136k miles and not a single sign of a crack? Im in harsh winter climates but the car is stored during the winters and is parked in the garage during summer. If a crack does indeed develop ill likely just plasti dip it
#1388
Drifting
During this crack time, I have a new found appreciation of the auto-down via key feature of our car. When I leave the car, I twist my key in drivers door to unlock position so all the windows go down a little for venting- doing that from within the car is a pain with auto-down feature but a snap with the key.
#1389
Drifting
There should be little to no adverse affect with this covers. The Dashking covers are attached using velcro strips. The cover will easily allow the airbag to explode and do its thing if needed. There's also a seam near passenger side and where the info display port is to help.
#1391
Drifting
I just bought and used this https://www.amazon.com/303-30306-Pro.../dp/B000XBCURW
Is it proven to be actually working?
Is it proven to be actually working?
I would do that if I had to do things again and skip the 303.
#1392
OCD
iTrader: (3)
303 is amazing stuff I would never skip using that. I use 303 on a lot of plastic stuff I have outside such as a garden hose storage house and it looks brand new after several years in direct NC sunlight. It may not be the cure for dash cracking but it will certainly protect it from fading due to UV exposure.
The cracking of the dash is not that complicated. The plasticisers leach out overtime and the dash will crack usually when its cold and contracting around the various mounting locations. Heat /uv exposure greatly accelerate the rate that the plasticizers leach out.
Personally, I installed rubber washers between all the mounting screws for the dash. Both around the airbag and behind the speedometer. I guess only time will tell if it helps or not.
The cracking of the dash is not that complicated. The plasticisers leach out overtime and the dash will crack usually when its cold and contracting around the various mounting locations. Heat /uv exposure greatly accelerate the rate that the plasticizers leach out.
Personally, I installed rubber washers between all the mounting screws for the dash. Both around the airbag and behind the speedometer. I guess only time will tell if it helps or not.
#1393
OCD
iTrader: (3)
Also just a tip for applying 303. Just spraying it on the dash or rag and spreading it around is not effective application method and will only look streaky or like you applied nothing at all. To get the 303 to actually soak into the dash you need to get a rubber glove and spray little puddles on your dash and rub it around like sunscreen (no rags). It will look white and milky but leave it like this overnight and you will find a beautiful glossy dash in the morning. If you prefer less shine you can knock the shine down with a microfiber at this point.
#1394
-------Tim-------
Roger, did you remove dash to do the rubber washers? Or just the screws themselves. That's a good idea.
Mine already cracked over gauge cluster, gonna see what Acura Will do. If not, may attempt the DIY.
Mine already cracked over gauge cluster, gonna see what Acura Will do. If not, may attempt the DIY.
The following users liked this post:
Slpr04UA6 (08-01-2016)
#1397
The Beast RDX '19
I have an '07 TL with over 128k miles on it and the dash cracked last year right around the passenger side. I didn't even notice it at first until a cousin of mine pointed it out to me, It was depressing at first but figured there could be a way to salvage it. I bought a coverlay but had the guy at the body shop install it. Looks pretty good overall but the adhesion is subpar because the sides are coming off. I'm thinking about taking if out this weekend and redoing it again myself. I like the way OP's look, this gives me hope.
#1398
I have an 05 TL and used 303 on my dash about once a month since I got the car back in 2012. I noticed a crack by the navigation speaker about 5 months ago. It was small so wasnt to worried about it. About 2 weeks ago it cracked on the passenger airbag. its about 10 inches on both sides of the airbag and getting worse. The 303 might of made the dash look clean and nice but dont think it protected the dash to well. Time to order a dash cover to hide the cracks....
#1399
OCD
iTrader: (3)
https://www.amazon.com/Lang-Tools-95...9RP6VAMXXHXP40
#1400
Sam problem here
Chiming with a "same here". 2006 TL, 150K miles. These cracks started about 3 years ago, and are now at the point that you see here in the pictures. I'm REALLY disappointed in Acura's quality on this one. I meticulously take care of my TL, it's garage kept, and doesn't bake in the sun. This is not normal wear and tear.