its bad stuff- get it cleaned up right away and take the mirror out
Check with acura about a replacement
Its not a regular warranty- but something that acura is covering- hopefully--=
since the maker is no longer passing them out as free replacements

 

replace it, did it "eat through" anything?
Highly unlikely you will piss blood. If you, file suit.

 

Clean the car out and wear a mask/gloves. From my understanding the contents are very harmful. I would take pictures, and get a new mirror ASAP.

 

Unless you have better than an N-95 mask, then it is of little consequence, but sure, why not. Supposedly the Vapor (gaseous form) is what will get you and I am not convinced of this, however, if true, a mask would have to be extremely efficent e.g. military grade. N-95 medical mask is for airborne type particles (not filtering gases, but particles of small, aerosolized size). Gloves, for sure, however, this stuff is supposedly corrosive, so bust out the toilet cleaning gloves.

 

This is another thing for me to worry about "explode".
My 8.5 yrs old rearview mirror has stop working since 2yrs ago. I turn it off since, but do you guy should recommend me to replace it? So far it only has a light brown stain at the bottom mirror but it's still usable (still can see...)

 

yes, replace it

 

These auto-dimming rearview mirrors are in EVERY acura since at least 2001 (my car is a 2001 Acura). These mirrors are dangerous and should have been recalled!!!
Please, everyone, post a complaint on the government's recall website:


Visit
recall.gov
and file a complaint!

 

Thanks for the link.

Additionally, I've contacted the manufacturer but have received no reply.

Has anyone found a suitable replacement, other than buying the expensive dealer option?

 

$70 for acura oem.

Considing gas is that much, I don't consider it expensive.

 

My dealer quoted $300 for the part.

Where did you find a $70 OEM rearview mirror (improved model, I hope)

I've searched ebay but there's no way to know whether theirs are the same model that will leak/explode or not.

 

acuraoemparts.com

Your dealer is a rip off. It takes 10 minutes to install and the part is ~$70. Avoid that dealer or any dealer unless under warranty.

 

I just did it at lunch time.
Thx.

 

I guess they have this linked with NHTSA...good!
Filed my complaint too.

 

Dealers will not charge you .2 of an hour for labor, EVER. I don't think that $300 is unexpected. I paid ~$100 for the part including military disount. On an invoice, I am willing the bet that the part = $140 and labor the rest. Maybe a bit high, but not outrageously. There is a book that tells you what the labor is, they charge you that labor (even if it takes 2 min, that is how mechanics make money), and add the parts and maybe a couple fees and tax. $300 seems unremarkable to me.

If you are mechanically inclined you can do it yourself for ~100, or if you saw one for $70, there you go.

 

I agree.

But caution should be used during the installation since several forum members have cracked their windshields.

 

http://www.acuraoemparts.com


76400-SZ3-J06ZB MIRROR ASSY., REARVIEW (AUTO DAY/NIGHT) $379.32
( LIGHT QUARTZ GRAY )

 

http://www.acuraoemparts.com


76400-SEP-A02ZA

MIRROR ASSY., REARVIEW (AUTO DAY/NIGHT)
( BLACK ) 2003 TL 79.68

Will this fit a '99 RL?

Is this the new "solid core" mirror?

 

The old style is no longer sold. Will it fit, I don't know. Do you have both cars? check it out. I am unsure.

 

That is just plain weird. Best of luck dude.

 

sorry but what do you mean its no longer sold? i have been procrastinating in getting one for my 01 tl

 

They no longer sell the liquid version, only the solid state version.

 

The older, leak-prone, design is no longer sold. So you'll have no trouble getting the improved, hopefully leakproof, design.

Buy through an authorized Acura source to be sure that you're not getting old stock with the old design. There may be some of those still sitting on shelves somewhere. And avoid buying a used mirror unless you're positive that it's the new design.

 

which one is the new leak-proof model?

 

Yeah thats another thing I am curious about. My car sits all day in the sun and thats the last thing I want to come home to and find all over everything

 

I don't know if the new mirror has a new part number but forum member bibledriver wrote this:

The updated mirrors are a bit thicker front to back (back being the mirror itself) and the bottom where the green light is a bit lower and the green light is on the opposite side of the mirror (my new mirror has green light on the left, old one had green light on the right)

That was in this thread: https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=179678

 

See the "Health risk from rear view mirror" thread also:

https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=143190

 

That's good and all, but not great unless you are seeing the two together I guess just look at what side your little green light is on.

 

Well I suppose it's better than nothing.

Thanks for posting the differences that you saw.

 

is there anywhere besides acura dealers where we can get the new one?

 

Probably not... but there are Acura dealers online with better prices than you're likely to find locally:

http://www.oemacuraparts.com (Peoria)
http://www.acuraoemparts.com (Delray)

For reference, I needed a wheel for my TL-S last year. The dealer around the corner quoted nearly $300. The on-line Acura store price was a little less than $200. Delray's price was $167. With minimal effort I got a not quite as local dealer to match Delray's price.

 

This just happened to me yesterday, wasn't even hot out, about 80 degrees. Came out after working all day and i noticed that I had a bubble at the top. Remembered this topic and said "f*** that!" and pulled the mirror that moment. Order a new one from acuraoemparts.com

Really pisses me off, luckly this part is pretty cheap. cost me 88.63$ for the whole shabang

 

I would have also pulled the mirror. The risk of damage to your car is too high.

Save your old mirror in the event Magna Donnelly or Acura decide to provide coverage for the failed mirrors down the road. Maybe you could get a refund or a free spare in that event.

 

Ty,
I will try to assist you. I would recommend you contact your trusted Acura dealer for a service replacement part. Your dealer may charge you for a service replacement part because your vehicle is out of warranty. Other options include choosing to purchase a replacement after-market part on your own.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call me. I have included my contact information below.

Thank you,

Steve Chenlo
Quality Assurance
Office: 616-786-7495
Fax: 616-786-7560
Magna Donnelly Corporation
3575 128th Ave. North
Holland, Mi 49424

Subject: Forwarded to you about my Acura's Rearview Mirror

Recently I brought my car to my local dealership due to a problem with my 1999 Acura TL rearview mirror. The mirror was not dimming and had a visible problem, the mirror seemed to have two different shades to it. When discussing this with the dealership’s service manager he directed me to your company which forwarded me to you. The manager at the dealership told me that this was a known problem and that Acura would not cover any of the damages the mirror might due if the mirror exploded. I was shocked to hear that he used the term “explode.” He stated that these mirrors might exploded if subjected to certain conditions. This statement he gave to me extremely worries me since I have kids that frequently occupy my car. I would hope a product like this would be recalled if what he claims is true. I have owned this car for some time now and this is the first I’m hearing that the car I drive around in daily might have exploding characteristics to it. Furthermore, in recent days the car has had a pungent aroma to it which the dealership has linked to the mirror. I hope that I am not exposing myself or my kids to any dangerous chemical fumes. Please let me know what I should do about this mirror and if the fumes are dangerous. The manager told me that your company will often send replacement mirrors to avoid problems before they become serious so I’m hoping you will help me and my family before this mirror does serious damage to our car and our possibly our health.

I appreciate the time you have taken to read this,
Ty MacWalters


---------------------------------

Clearly didn't read my email at all.

 

My new mirror arrived...

Looking at it, I'm wondering if anyone has tried cutting away the plastic on the old one (with a Dremel tool, for example) to make the metal bracket that attaches the mirror to the ball clearly visible. It would seem like it would make it easier to spread out the bracket (and not stress the windshield) with direct access, than trying to maneuver something in through one of the small holes.

 

fiona.f.blackmon-bur@dot.gov writes:


Dear Acura Owners,



Here at ODI (Office of Defects Investigations) at the US DOT (U.S. Department of Transportation) we have received your complaint on your Acura vehicles regarding the leaking review mirror. We would like to gather more information on your issue. Do you have any photos?? Photos of the damage caused to the interior of your car would be optimal. Do you have any service records from the dealership?



Thank you very much for your time and effort.





Fiona Blackmon-Burns



Engineering Assistant

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Office of Defects Investigation

1200 New Jersey Ave. SE

W48-229, NVS-211

Washington, DC 20590

(202)366-5224

 

Well I called Erin Mills Acura's(Oakville, Ontario) service line...told the guy my mirror was messed, and asked if they would cover any of the cost...basically he was a rude piece of shit, and said hey your car is 9 years old. We only cover 3 years or 60,000km... I was like but its a manufacturing defect, what if it leaks or explodes. He basically said its to old wish I could get my 5 year old dish washer fixed and hanged up...Never going to that dealer again! Hope no one else does too.

 

Call downtown Acura in Toronto and Sherway in, forget the town. They tend to have the nicest service departments in southern Ontario.

I wouldn't use words like 'messed' when talking to them. I would explain what's happen to your car and say you're concerned for your health as after your extensive research you're under the impression the contents are toxic. If you have a wife or kids, mention you don't want them exposed. Down here a dealer would be scared shit less to turn you away without at least inspecting it. Could you imagine the lawsuit for poisoning after an ACURA dealer turned you away.

Get them to inspect the mirror and put it in writing. I love Acura, but I'd also like to see them sued for such a blatant health issue.

If no luck with either dealers I mentioned, call Accra care.

I personally picked it up for $70 and saved the 3-4 hours of my time for more important things, like doing NOTHING for an afternoon.

 

Thanks Rob, I'll try Acura Toronto. I can pick it up for $70 too, but rather have Acura face up for something thats defective instead of ignoring it and having someone seriously injured. Imagine what would happen if someone was driving and the mirror started leaking, I'm surprised no one has sued them yet.

 

the manufacture was giving warranty exchange mirrors for a few years, then last year stopped- there was supposedly negotiations with acura as to who would pay for these- being $140 retail part.
After that some ziners went in person with the car to the dealer (always better than the phone where you can be blown off) and it was replaced no charge no hassle--
Canuks may have different policy, but in reality- cars get old and parts wear out or fail. After 4-5 years with most cars- you are on your own.
Dont buy one from ebay- many are old units that were supposed to be returned to the maker on the warranty- but were kept, and thats where they go to make a few bucks

 

Hey guys
Just got the bubble in my mirror a few days ago...Then I remembered this thread! Just got the mirror out.

My car isn't on warranty anymore... So what are my options now? Seems like getting a free replacement from the manufacturer was the best option, but they're not doing that anymore? Is that correct?