I'm about to buy a 2005 RL and I have some questions:

1. What is the best solution for connecting an iPod to the RL's sound
system. I don't really want to disable any part of the RL's sound system
but I would like to find a way to add my iPod to the existing system.

2. Many car radios have two sets of FM station presets FM1 and FM2 in
effect doubling the number of FM station presets. Is this the case with
the RL or is it just one set of FM presets?

3. The RL comes with XM satellite radio. Will it be possible to add
Sirius down the road? In other words, will that be a software/firmware
enhancement that is likely to be offered one day or will I be stuck with
just XM in the factory provided radio?

4. Is there some sort of kit available for hard wiring a radar detector
into the car so I don't have to have that power wire running to the
cigarette lighter? I'm looking for something that would be dealer or
professionally installed (not a self-install).

5. How well does the bluetooth hands-free cell phone interface actually work? What cell phone functions can be controlled from the car? Is the audio quality
decent? Does it mess up the car's audio system in any way?

6. Does anyone make a "trunk protector" for the RL. I frequently have to
put a wheelchair in the trunk and I'd like something that will protect the
floor and maybe sides of the trunk from scratches.

Thanks in advance!

Peter

 

1. What is the best solution for connecting an iPod to the RL's sound
system. I don't really want to disable any part of the RL's sound system
but I would like to find a way to add my iPod to the existing system.

A: Unsure, If this opion is available

2. Many car radios have two sets of FM station presets FM1 and FM2 in
effect doubling the number of FM station presets. Is this the case with
the RL or is it just one set of FM presets?

A: Yes, the dual layers of stations are available.

3. The RL comes with XM satellite radio. Will it be possible to add
Sirius down the road? In other words, will that be a software/firmware
enhancement that is likely to be offered one day or will I be stuck with
just XM in the factory provided radio?

A: I seriously doubt that that will happen since Acura and XM create this joint venture for the NAV traffic feature. XM is the radio of choice for Acura at this time. BTW,, I dont think that you can do a software upgrade to get Sirius that I know of.

4. Is there some sort of kit available for hard wiring a radar detector
into the car so I don't have to have that power wire running to the
cigarette lighter? I'm looking for something that would be dealer or
professionally installed (not a self-install).

A: There are custom stereo shops that sell those type of radar detectors and install them in that manner. I used to get this done on my Porsches but I found that for me, I didn't seem to need them as much lately.

5. How well does the bluetooth hands-free cell phone interface actually work? What cell phone functions can be controlled from the car? Is the audio quality
decent? Does it mess up the car's audio system in any way?

A: Someone else will have to answer since my provider at present is Verizon and I cant get a bluetooth phone without restriction on it.

6. Does anyone make a "trunk protector" for the RL. I frequently have to
put a wheelchair in the trunk and I'd like something that will protect the
floor and maybe sides of the trunk from scratches.

A: I have a trunk tray installed in my car. If you are referring to something like a protector for the lip of the trunk then I cant answer that either. The trunk tray is great and doesn't allow items to slide arround either.

Thanks in advance!

Peter

 

You can use the ipod with the system via an FM transmitter. I use one with my Iriver HDD player and the sound is pretty good.

 

Regarding Bluetooth, the cellphone audio is very acceptable, it uses the built-in overhead microphones and the audio system speakers (when on the phone the cars audio system is automatically muted). Since the interior of the car is very quiet, the cellphone works well IMO.

On my Moto phone, I see signal strength, incoming call number and outgoing call number displayed on the info screen on the dash. I know that on other phones you can also get to see battery strength.

Pete

 

BTW, not only are there two sets of pre-sets for FM1 and FM2, there are also two sets for XM1 and XM2.

Re: XM, my salesman, who seems pretty knowledgeable, said something about Honda having a financial investment in XM radio. It makes sense since most of their vehicles now offer it. If that is the case, I doubt you will ever see Sirius capability.

 

Yes, Honda has a financial interest with XM. I think GM "allowed" it because of the trade they did. Honda J35 engines for Onstar/XM.

 

is the j35 the one in the satrun red line?

 

My iPod works great with the iTrip FM transmitter. You can program it to any "empty" frequency and the range is just fine.

 

If I get the trunk tray installed can I later remove it if I don't want it anymore? Is that something I'd be able to do myself? Is it something that just fits over the regular floor of the trunk so that if I removed the tray I'd be left with the regular trunk floor or would I be left with gaping holes in the trunk if I removed the tray?

 

You have it exactly - it's a non-intrusive rubber layover. Should you wish to remove it it's simple and, yes, you would be left with the original trunk floor as delivered from Acura. In fact, should you need to access the spare (let's hope not!) you need to pull up the trunk tray to gain access to the "classic" trunk floor covering the spare.

I have the trunk tray and I'm glad I opted for it. The rubber seems to keep things from sliding around vs. what the carpet would provide (based upon past experiences with other "native" carpeted trunks). And should you need to "go Fargo" no messy blood stains on the carpet!

 

I like it too.

 

I had to use the spare tire, and the trunk tray was dirty aferwards. I tooked it out, cleaned it with a host, and put it back. Easy to handle.

 

We'll need additional feedback to see if cleaning it with a hostess is more or less effective.