Hi guys!

I just bought an 04 TSX (with navi)!! And I love this thing so much!
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I used to have an 01 CL Type-S, but it was totaled in an accident (not my fault). I looked at an E36 M3, 01 Mustang GT, but decided another Acura would be the best car for me. I think that no car can even compare to the quality of Acura, which is why I bought a second one.

Here are a couple weird things that I've noticed so far:

1) The lights in my center console are out. Not the buttons next to the navi, but that ones under it. I've looked around at some threads about this and it seems like it happens to a lot of TSXs and I should call the dealer to see if they can fix it.

2) I noticed the car idles really low (at like 600-700 rpms). Sometimes it feels like the car is engine is going to turn off, but it hasn't yet. I'm not sure if this is normal, but maybe you guys know something about it.

3) This morning when I turned my car on and let it idle in park, it was making sort of a clicking noise. It was coming from the engine and sounded kind of like something wrong with the belt. After driving it for about a minute, the noise went away.

I took the car to a midas to get it inspected, and they said most of the fluids needed to be flushed and the front struts replaced soon. But other than it seems in really good condition.

I just thought I'd say hi to you guys and see if you have any input on those 3 things.

Thanks!

 

Yes, the center lights problem is a problem unique to 2004 TSX models. I believe there is an extended warranty on this problem.

You can find more info here: https://acurazine.com/forums/1g-tsx-problems-fixes-128/poll-04-tsx-problem-center-console-lights-going-out-668780/

 

if you under warranty they would replace the circuit board on the radio for free. that's the only input i can give you because i had the same issue happen to me. good luck buddy

 

Unfortunately, some of the 04 models have a host of issues that effect that model year only. The center console lights being out is one of them, and is it appears, the first problem to show up (or that you've discovered). The ticking noise could be one of a couple of things. The AC compressor has a reputation for clicking at start up, or it could be just valve clatter that recedes at the engine gets warmer. You may want to try and get a service and/or warranty history on the car. The AC system is another weak spot of the 04's and may already have been addressed. I wouldn't be at all surprised at the car needing fresh fluids as I'm sure it's an area many ignore. Be sure to include a brake fluid change as the recommended interval is every 3 years regardless of mileage. I'm curious how the shop decided you need new struts (actually shock absorbers). You don't include mileage on the car, so they may just be going by that. If you do change the shocks, you could take the opportunity to upgrade all four.

 

Ok thanks for the info.

Would it be worth taking the car to a shop to figure out where the clicking is coming from and replace it, or do you think I should just wait and see if it gets worse or anything. I can live with it, but I don't want something major to break down.

I'm only 18 and don't have a lot of extra cash, so I should probably be particular on what maintenance I do to my car

 

The recommended interval for a valve adjustment is 110K miles, earlier if they're noisy. Without hearing the car, it's tough to really have an opinion on the noise. My 05 is at times a little noisier when it's cold than some other cars, but I think it's just a characteristic of the car. I had the valves adjusted on schedule (I have 129K miles on mine), everything works fine, and it runs like new so I'm not worried about it. Maybe you'll get more responses here and more feedback, but in the end I guess you'll have to decide if you think it's OK or the car needs attention.