cemcflc

Mr. Lynam (Magna Donnell) blatantly disregarded my comments regarding the toxicity of the black fluid in these old mirrors. Rather he simply responds to me as follows:

"While I don't agree with many of your characterizations and conclusions, I
can appreciate the inconvenience experienced whenever having work done on
one's vehicle at a dealership. From what I can gather, the dealership has repaired your
vehicle under warranty. Let me know if otherwise."

03CoupeV6

Wow, I'd report this to the NHTSA for sure.

And are you sure the 2001+ mirrors are different from the 1999-2000 ones?

pughater

sorry to hear your loss

cemcflc

I reported this to the NHTSA about 2 weeks ago.

Yes, mirrors manufactured by Magna Donnelly after 2000MY contain a Solid Polymer Matrix substance that was trademarked by Magna Donnelly.

You can view the article at http://www.theautochannel.com/news/p...ess002897.html.

Below, is an excerpt of this article. It explicitly states, "Our new EC mirrors take safety two steps forward by eliminating the potential for fluid leaks and by dramatically
improving the survivability of the product."

11 November 1999 - Donnelly Announces Solid Polymer Matrix(TM) Technology for Safer, More Robust Auto-Dimming Mirrors

HOLLAND, Mich., Nov. 10 -- Donnelly Corporation, the world's leading supplier of automotive mirrors, has begun using Solid Polymer Matrix (SPM)(TM) technology to produce electrochromic (EC), automatic-dimming rearview mirrors that are safer and more robust than competing products available in the market today.

"An electrochromic mirror is essentially a safety product; it makes driving safer by eliminating glare," said Dwane Baumgardner, Donnelly chairman and chief executive officer. "Our new EC mirrors take safety two steps forward by eliminating the potential for fluid leaks and by dramatically improving the survivability of the product."

When I asked a Magna Donnelly employee about the company's reference to 'safety' in this article, she stated that she never knew any such article existed. I directed her to the web site referenced above. She appeard to be rather shocked after reading it and said I needed to speak with someone 'higher up'.

03CoupeV6

Note that in that article it says the company intends to base some or all of the mirrors on that new technology. What are the chances they immediately applied it to the Acura TL mirror? I have my doubts about the 2nd Gen TL having a different mirror for 01-03 than 99-00.

03CoupeV6

On Magna's site it lists SPM EC mirrors as the "next generation".. so apparently they haven't implemented this yet. Unless you specifically asked and he told you otherwise, I think it is safe to assume that all TLs have the same mirror with the same danger.

03CoupeV6

Okay all 99-03 TLs use the SAME mirror. Part number 76400-S0K-A01ZA.

The new TL looks like the same mirror but has a different part number, so I guess the new TL uses the solid core.

cemcflc

I shouldn't have assumed that they implemented the new technology the same year they trademarked it. That certainly opens a new can of worms.

viperbsd

Well the rearview mirror in my 2002 TL-s that I just bought has a big oval spot in the middle of the mirror and the autodim feature does not work ! Am I to assume that it will leak soon ?? How to get it out of my car before it does ? How do you remove the glue Yikes !!

Jeff

cemcflc

Hi, Jeff.

You need to call American Honda Motor Corp and tell them that your rear-view mirror needs to be replaced before it explodes and the black fluid sprays all over your center console and seats.

This liquid will actually burn a whole through your center console, and could be toxic if inhaled. Tell American Honda Motor Corp that it will cost them a fortune, if they have to replace your front (leather or cloth?) seats, center console, woodgrain interior, etc. They are currently in the process of doing so for me.

Demand that they pay for the new rear-view mirror and the labor to install it at a local Acura dealership.

Also, tell them that it's a safety hazard if they don't take care of this issue, immediately. If you were driving down the interstate and suddenly the mirror explodes, this black substance could spray all over you and the car.


Good luck. Hope I was of assistance to you.

cemcflc

More importantly, this chemical appears to be toxic if inhaled.

viperbsd

My local Acura dealer replaced my mirror, but they charged me $155.00 to do it !

Jeff

oleglev

I just got it and replace it myself. Very easy to do if any one need help with it let me know. I am in Brooklyn NY.

Thanks. We have, as a courtesy and as a pro bono goodwill gesture, sent you a replacement mirror so you can send us back the broken unit it will replace. Your new mirror should arrive in a couple of days.

Dani Andriacchi
Office of Technology
616-786-5115 (direct dial)
616-786-5185 (fax)

FL3.2TL

Man, this stuff is really scary. Come to think about it, I dont even feel like driving the TL because of this situation. I got my TL a month ago and I havent seen an problems, I got 64K and its a 1999. Im uploading a picture and if someone can inform me if I should get it replaced or not. Thanks!

[IMG][/IMG]

03CoupeV6

That looks like the fluid is preparing to drain.

FL3.2TL

Man, Im calling that company to replace my mirror. Seriously, if my explodes, someone will be hearing from me big time. Anyway, thanks for all the information thats in this thread so I can contact those people, would it be better if I e-mail or call them personally? I'll do both if neccessary. Thanks

cemcflc

You should always use e-mail, if possible, so you have a record of your communications with the company.

My case has been forwarded to American Honda's legal department. I'll keep you all posted on the status of the 'exploding mirror'.

cemcflc

Yes, fluid is definitely getting ready to 'explode'. It doesn't 'drain', but it actually explodes all over the interior of your car (leather/cloth seats, gear shift, woodgrain interior, floor, etc.).

It will also eat a hole through your gear shift plate and you'll have to replace it, along with your leather or cloth seats (because the black liquid substance can't be removed).\

It's a real nightmare. This doesn't include the effects that the liquid substance could have on your health. Magna Donnelly (the rear-view mirror mfg) won't disclose all of the chemicals used in this liquid to the public.

03CoupeV6

I would think that the chemicals used in the mirrors, since they are used by the public, would be matter of public information. Keep us updated on how Honda handles the claim yuo've made... if there is hazard to health of TL drivers, Acura and Magna Donnelly will have to do something.

oleglev

Is any one knows what is best way to contact Acura in order to get replace carpet and plastic that was damaged by liquid?

fsttyms1

BY PHONE
Monday through Friday, 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM Pacific Standard time at the toll-free number (800) 382-2238

BY FAX
(310) 783-3535

BY MAIL
Acura Client Services
1919 Torrance Blvd.
Torrance, CA 90501-2746

cemcflc

Call American Honda Corp (owns Acura) at (800) 999-1009.

http://automobiles.honda.com/info/cu..._relations.asp

AcUrALiTy

mine broke too, the chemical is on half the mirror and the other half is normal, it looks retarded

03CoupeV6

Then it'll explode soon!

amolvb

I accidentally stumbled across this thread and oh my god, am I thankful for reading this whole thread. My 2000 TL's r/v mirror lost it auto-dimming a few months back but I guess I survived because I live in cold(er) weather (Chicago/Minnesota).

We have a newborn and I am really concerned. I am planning to lose the mirror right away whilst I pursue my case with Magna Donnelly. Anyone knows the steps on how to actually remove the 'old' mirror. I hate to make two trips (and pay twice) to the mechanic to remove the old mirror and put in a new mirror.

TIA!

cemcflc

Just take your car to an Acura dealer. Tell them that Magna Donnelly will replace the mirror FREE of charge, including labor. If they have any questions regarding the validity of this, tell them to call Magna Donnelly and ask for Niall Lynam, their VP. See www.magnadonnelly.com for phone number.

cemcflc

Just so everyone understands, this issue does not just involve your Acura. ANY automobile that has one of Magna Donnelly's older mirrors installed is at risk of exploding...particularly if you leave your vehicle sitting in the hot sun.

UW RL

has your method been confirmed with multiple dealers across the country?

SwampGas

Revived thread

Considering it's currently 28F out, I'll put off caring about this for another 4 months

03CoupeV6

If your mirror has bubbles, an oval the center, or you can see the fluid in the mirror you will be sorry you put it off.

SwampGas

It doesn't...but I do have the 'dangerous' older style in my '01.

fsttyms1

If you dont have bubbles or it showing then i wouldnt worry about it

furtherrad

I too, have the problem with my rear view mirror and a large bubble in the center. I can also see some on the edge of the mirror. I have a '99 TL, has anyone yet confirmed as was asked in a earlier post; can the validity of Magna Donnelly covering the cost of the mirror and labor be confirmed?
Thank you to all leads.

htowndepsi

Is this true. My car is a 2000 TL-p and it has 111K miles. I can see two different color displays on the mirror. Like a dark blueish and then a clear color. does this mean its gunna blow. Kinda like a bubble. Will this method of calling those ppl work for me also?

03CoupeV6

Yes this means it will blow.

furtherrad

Well,
I contacted the local dealer and the service guy said that he had not heard of this issue. He didn't seem to be familiar with Magna Donnelly, either. Anyway, I left a message with Niall Lynam this morning along with the email addy. which I guessed. Turned out it was correct niall.lynam@magnadon.com. Anyway, he forwarded the email to Dani Andriacchi
Office of Technology. He stated this in the email "I was forwarded your email and voicemail message from Mr. Lynam.

Could you tell me if your vehicle is under warranty, and if so, did you
contact your dealership?"
I stated that it was out of warranty and I did call to schedule an appt. This was several hours ago and no further contact, what a surprise. So, we'll see what happens with this matter.

CorSport

subscribed.

cemcflc

The answer to your question is, "No, this method has not been confirmed with multiple dealers across the country."

I am simply advising you to take this route, in an effort to avoid supply and labor costs. If your vehicle is currently under warranty, your dealer will probably cover these costs under 'good will'. If your vehicle is NOT under warranty or the dealer is not willing to cover 100% of supply and labor costs, I recommend contacting American Honda Motor Corp. or Magna Donnelly, directly, to resolve the issue.

furtherrad

UPDATE:
I can followup to my successful new rear view mirror; free of charge. Mentioned in a previous post three up, I was in contact with Dani Andriacchi of Magna Donnelly via email (Dani.Andriacchi@magnadon.com) His email read that as a "pro bono goodwill guessture," they would be sending me a replacement mirror. It was received within 2 days via FedEx, yesterday. Prior to this, I ended up replacing the windshield as it was sandblasted, (gotta love the Colorado roads.) Anyway, the installer stated that the rear view mirror, in my case, was bubbled in the center due to an incorrect installation by the previous windshield installer. They graciously replaced the new mirror yesterday, for free. Thus I did receive the new mirror and labor free of charge, but without the use of the local dealer.
Furthermore, everyone who I inquired upon this rear view mirror; my mechanic, Acura certified master mechanic, local dealer, and the windshield installer had never heard of the rear view mirror to have the potential of exploding. They had never heard of any TSB's and never had heard of the issue, period. The installer felt this mirror would have only leaked or bubbled due to a shock.
I conclude that this appears to perhaps be a regional problem and one that Honda Motor Company is not to proud to let out into the public for obvious reasons. Perhaps in the hotter regions, not found in Colorado, the temperature presents the necessary shock; not found in this part of the country.
Thank you to all for the advice and info regarding this problem. I for one, do feel a great deal at ease, with the new mirror.

cemcflc

Hi, Furtherrad. Thank you for this valuable information. Can you please send an e-mail to Dani Andriacchi of Magna Donnelly (Dani.Andriacchi@magnadon.com) asking him/her the following questions and follow up with his/her responses on this message board? I would be very grateful.

Here are the questions to ask Dani.Andriacchi@magnadon.com:
1) What causes Magna's rearview mirrors to 'bubble up'?

2) If Magna Donnelly required YOU or your installer to ship your rearview mirror back to them, then please ask Dani Andriacchi the following questions: a) Why is it necessary to ship the old mirror back to them? b) Can't you just dispose of the rearview mirror in a dumpster? c) Will Magna pay for the shipping charges to ship the old mirror back to them? If so, what is Magna's Fed Ex (or UPS) account # that you (or your installer) should use?

As for your installer's statement, can you please ask him how an "incorrect installation" (by the previous windshield installer) would cause a bubble in the center of the rearview mirror? Isn't the rearview mirror simply 'adhered' to the windshield by the installer?

I'm very pleased to hear that you were not required to pay anything out-of-pocket. However, I don't agree with your rearview installer's statement in regards to this being a 'REGIONAL' issue. It appears that the liquid in the older mirrors can 'explode' (spray all over the interior of your car) following exposure to EXTREME TEMPERATURES for an unknown period of time. EXTREME TEMPERATURES constitute both HOT and COLD.

Happy I could be of assistance to you, and thank you, in advance, for your responses to the above questions.

- CEMCFLC