goMO

Hi - I just upgraded from an '04 MDX to an '08. the '04 has to go since the a/c is shot (compressor, etc) and needs a catalytic converter (I hear they have 2!). I also have an '02 TL-S.


anyway, I found a real cherry of an '08. it is incredibly clean inside and out. it does have 113k miles, but it must've only been grandma on the highway (I hope!).


the only problem is I didn't get the service records. the local acura dealer (Hendrick) doesn't have any records, so work wasn't done there. I don't know if the timing belt was done. I may have to bite the bullet on that, but considering what good condition the car is, it might have been.


anyway.. I'm trying to get the homelink system to work. I have a Liftmaster Elite 3/4 hp garage door opener. It has the learning button. I press that, then get in the MDX and hold the homelink button for a few seconds, do it again, then try to close the garage, but it doesn't work. so I think I'm following the manual but obviously I'm doing something wrong.


any suggestions?


thx

mrgold35

I can only program Homelink using the handheld remote that came with the garage opener, learn button, and the Homelink button inside the vehicle.

I've used the Homelink site instructions to get my remote programed. LINK: HomeLink

Carpayment4life

About your timing belt, the previous owners name and address is on the title.

You will take it to the dmv to transfer it to your name, so look up the previous owner and ask about the timing belt.
Don't get creepy and a try to become their friend, keep it short.
You might also ask which garage they used, for repairs.

goMO

I bought the car from an Audi dealer, so I didn't get any paperwork. they just gave me the temp tags. the audi dealer was hesitant to contact the original owner for me. i'll ask again and see if I can get anywhere.
thx!

Type34

Congrats on the new MDX

Remote: more than likely it's a range issue. If you pull the vehicle in the garage, then perform the learn button procedure, it will probably work. I have to do this with my cars (I have no luck with them in the driveway).

Timing belt: hate to Monday Morning Quarterback, but to ensure the 105K service completion on a used MDX is a must. That's a $1000+ service bill (if done by an Acura dealer) and should be a major factor in final pricing.

Also of concern is that it doesn't sound like the Audi dealer provided a CARFAX report. Is this correct? If so, another must. The CARFAX report will show what service was done at local dealerships. Obviously do-it-yourselfer jobs won't be on there. A CARFAX report is the first thing that should have been provided to you to ensure no accidents/thefts have been reported on the vehicle.

You can run a CARFAX report yourself on your VIN, or better yet, have the Audi dealership run it for you (they have a CARFAX account, so it's no big deal to them). If they didn't provide one already, it concerns me a bit because they certainly ran one for their viewing.

Good luck and let us know of resolution...

goMO

update: I called the local acura dealer, gave him the vin number, and he said the car was there for every single service except the timing belt. probably why he got rid of it. it was last in for an oil change and 95k checkup.
deal is running a special - $499 timing belt with a "check" of the water pump. I said I wanted water pump as well. with that and drive belt, he quoted my $833. anything else I would need?
thx!

Carpayment4life

Find out if those prices ($499 vs $833) include reusing or replacing the valve cover gaskets, the valve cover spark plug tube seals, the cam seals, and the automatic tensioner for the accessory belts.

Find out about these mostly reusable items (above), because when you tell them that you want other items (listed below) replaced, they might recommend replacing instead of reusing (the above) those items.

Other wear and tear items, which are right there and accessible are:
item # 6 timing belt adjuster 14510-rca-a01 $87.08
item #8 tensioner, timing belt automatic 14520-rca-a01 $98.00
item #10 timing belt idler 14550-rca-a01 $38.49

I plan to have the item #23 oil seal done 91212-r70-a02 $5.70

Now, you're in the $1,100 range.

Skirmich

^ That is wayyyy overboard.... Honda El Centro just quoted me 820 bucks for:
1.- Timing Belt (Tensioner, Tensioner Pulley, Idler Pulley, Belt, Acc Belt)
2.- Water Pump
3.- Cam and Crank Seals

Should try that before spending 1K! The MDX has basically a J35 should be no problem to a Honda Dealer.

Carpayment4life

My point is...get the list of parts, which are included in the quote, before the work begins.