For about a year now my Auralink messages have stopped. No recall notices, no appointment reminders, no maintenance reminders, nothing. My dealer has re- initialized the system, replaced the XM module, re-set the system again, re-activated the Acuralink service through client services and still nothing. Don't know what to do next nor does my dealer. You guys have any suggestions? Do you think a call to Acura Client services would do anything?

 

I've heard this is a known problem with AcuraLink computer. From I understand the cache does not clear itself out, and no further messages are processed. Apparently the AcuraLink computer is replaced.

I found this out when talking wit my tech to better understand how messages are recieved and processed by the RL's AcuraLink system.

Also, you should be able to get internal diagnostic messages (i.e Passenger Airbag OFF). But not messages sent to the car via the AcuraLink Server / XM.

Try this test...press and hold down on you passenger seat to make the Passenger Airbag OFF light on the dash (right by the hazard light switch). Within a few minutes, you should get a message on the NAVI, either directly or an envelope icon on the screen. Then in you Messages, you should see the diagnostic message advising of that the Pax Airbag OFF. This Acuralink message is internal to the car.

If that works, then you know the issue is with receiving messages via the Acuralink Server / XM.

Let us know what you find out. Likely there are others in the same situation, but not realizing they are not receiving AcuraLink messages.

 

Thanks for the feedback. I am able to get internal messages. I have done the Pass airbag one and have also received messages about the TPMS. But no external messages. Do you have any idea what the fix is to get messages from the server/xm? You mention something about the Acuralink computer being replaced, what does that mean? Thanks for your help.

 

I'll try to find out more detail from the tech.

I may be incorrect, but my understanding is that the XM receiver (relatively inexpensive) receives the data then the AcuraLink computer or module (expensive - $3400) processes the info which displays on the NAVI. I do not believe it is the DVD drive in the trunk, and I do not know where it is located. I will ask.

It sounds like they have tried all the steps leading up to replacing the AcurLink computer / module...and from what I was told the cost is, it makes sense.

I too would be frustrated. So few actually know how this system works, whenever you report the issue, they simply refresh your Owner Profile on OwnerLink.

 

I was waiting for some words of wisdom from you Tampa! That explanation you gave last year was the best one I have ever seen...but the service manager goes, huh?

 

Well it helps if you find a tech that knows tech. Then I recommend picking up the tab now and then of afterwork Beer & Burgers. At least it works for me.

Service Managers are too far removed from what makes these cars tick.

Things that make you go..... hmmmmm.

 

Tampa-

My service manager (super guy) is going over this with his Acura rep today. I will let you know what I learn. Also, I could not find an Acuralink computer listed on any of the sites that offer acura parts. I have had the XM unit replaced, I think that is sometines referred to as the Acuralink module, but I gather that is not what you are referring to. Let me know what you find out as well.

(I am convinced this system was designed by an ex-CIA engineer, because no one knows exactly how it works)

 

You are correct. My understanding was not completely accurate. The Acuralink module and XM reciever is the same unit (and expensive).

You indicate yours was already replaced and still no messages. I feel your pain. My tech tells me that Acura Tech Service commented that no one ever questions these issues in much detail. I would agree, there is no single source that seems to know this system end-to-end. I'd offer to do the analysis for them, but I doubt they would pay my rates!

I am very curious what you find out. I expect they will follow through proportionally to the amount you press the issue.

Never give up! Never Surrender!

 

Any feedback on the AcuraLink messages?

 

Hi,
I've seen this thread, and also wanted to add what I've heard from Acura Customer Rep.
I've just bought 2008 RL Tech, and was going through routine call schedules from Acura.
(I've enabled Acura Link Messages in my Owner profile around 2 weeks ago).
After I've metnioned to cust support that I've never received any messages for 2 weeks from Acura Link, he has noted, that Acura is aware of this problem on some of the vehicle, and they're going to issue a "software" update/recall in the nearest future.
Again, do not know, anything for sure, but here is what I've been told.

Hope this is helps.

 

When I asked my service manager if he had a solution, he said "they are working on it" I will contact him again next week to see if there has been any progress.

 

My tech told me today that there is a software patch being readied for RLs, MDXs, RDXs and TLs for AcuraLink. Apparently the disconnect for AcuraLink messages have been broader than just the RLs.

Some persistent owners have had the AcuraLink units replaced, but they are expensive. I know of one case wher ethey AcuraLinmk unit was replaced and still no messages. So apparently a software patch was developed to correct the issues on the cars with this problem as it was not hardware related.

I suspect it is wide spread more than known as many AcuraLink owners have no idea they should be receiving AcuraLink messages and have not.

If anyone else has this issue, or has gotten a software patch to correct, please chime in.

 

It would be interesting, how they're going to release it, as a "recall" or not?
My worry, how end-users see owners are going to be notified...
Cause, how else we'd know, it is ready, for us...

I've been coming to my dealer with the same complain on acura link messages almost every other week, should I continue do it, until it is finally released?

 

I believe the primary reasons why Acura has not addressed this head on and openly are:

1. Many people who may have the issue are simply not aware of it.
2. Of those who are aware, they have been deflected by the dealer, Acura or both.

I believe making it well known to both the dealer and Acura that this wait and see attitude is unacceptable. I would call Acura CS, open a ticket regarding it, and call back weekly for a status update.

Acura simply is letting it slide until enough complaints are heard.

 

Yep. This makes total sense...
I've been approaching it from Dealers site, thanks a lot for an idea of Acura CS, will open ticket with them as well....

 

Just got off the call with Acura CS. They didn't open ticket on this issue, instead recommended dealer to contact Acura TS, to be notified, when "fix" is ready...

Sounds to me, it is still in early stage of the development as well as it's not going to be treated as official recall...

 

It will never be a recall issue. Recalls are driven by safety issues. This is a conveniance feature.

But for as much as Acura toughts the benefits of AcuraLink, they surely need to get atop of the issues.

The have effectively deflected you. Buy not opening a ticket, there is no audit trail of this issue. The issue is not a dealer service issue. The issue is AcuraLink is not operating as described and Acura needs to fix it.

With this approach they can continue to claim 'random occurrances' and not address the issue.

 

You're probably correct.
Anyway, tested this one out, by calling back 30 min after, and yes they do have "complain" on users conversations log file - cause next customer rep, was "asked" the question do I call with respect to AcuraLink complain..., but still rejected my attempt to open the ticket for it.

Now I wonder how many other people with "complain" recorded on their log file does exist?

BTW... As far as it was explained, it is going to be software update on actual "car" unit, so again it would have to be performed by the dealer once it got released..., so I'd recommend go through both directions, dealer and Acura CS, assuming your complain is recorded of course...