HeavyDuty

If it is preignition (pinging) in the cylinder and not this alleged post-combustion event that is occuring in the exhaust outlet...yes it is damaging.

davidspalding

I thought that Honda/Acura had formally asserted that this was not preignition, and posed no long term danger to the engine's reliability. But then they extended the factory warranty on the engine ANYWAY, didn't they? (It's in one of the past pages of this thread. G'ahead, read all 11 pages. :P )

JOEJOEB

I PURCHASED MY TSX IN MAY OF 2008 AND HAVE HAD ENGINE PING EVER SINCE. LAST FALL I WORKED EITH THE ACURA REP AND TRIED TO RESOLVE IT WITH NO RESULT. LAST WEEK THE REP CALLED ME AND STATED THAT THEY WOULD LIKE TO USE MY CAR FOR TESTING PURPOSES FOR A FIX. I BROUGHT MY CAR TO THE DEALER WHO VIA TELCON WITH ACURA ENGINEERING TRIES A FIX. THAT GOT RID OF 90% OF THE NOISE. ENGINEERING THEN SENT THE DEALER ANOTHER SOFTWARE UPDATE TO THE ENGINE COMPONET THAT IS LINKE TO THE TIMING, THE DEALER JUST CALLED ME AND STATED THAT IT WAS 100% FIXED. I AM SKEPTICAL BUT WILL PICK UP MY CAR TODAY AND TEST IT OUT. TALK ABOUT AGRAVATING!

LuvMyTSX

^ Good luck, but please turn off your caps lock!

RPJ28

Where are you located and what dealership is doing this work? If this is a definite fix, I need info to tell my local dealership, unless your not in the states... I can't take this anymore!

JOEJOEB

I picked up my car last night and so far so good. What a relieve-no pinging. The dealer told me that I need to contact him next week with the results.

If it is still okay then they will report it back to Acura so they will know what the fix is for everyone else

I'm in Connecticut. I'll give you the dealer once I have tested it out for a week under all conditions with positive results.

twistedwrister

i have less than 200 miles on mine and I hear it about 50% of the times I drive it... i'm gonna keep checking this thread to see what the fix is... keeping my fingers crossed too... i love this car other than the pinging noise =|

panta_

Hi JOEJOEB,

Do you have any information on that ,what they did the first time and what they did the second? Did they install you a knock sensor + new update and then did something else? What what the car doing, so you said the pinging was gone 90%?

panta_

I was called for a fix as well. When I drove the car at the beginning ,no pinging, but with closed windows and A/C off I heard a few pings just on the 2500 rpm's for about 150 miles. But nothing like the whole pinging noise.

JOEJOEB

I was told that they did replace the knock sensor and accomplished a software update that brought it to 90%. Acura then sent them another software update that brought it to 100% ping free.I have driven it two days now and so far so good. Sometimes it is hard to detect normal engine noise from pinging because we are so use to hearing the pinging and anticipate the noise being heard.

Summer

JOEJOEB, I am also in CT, and would be very interested which dealership you went to

gejfay

As others have replied it appears Acura USA is aware of the TSX pinging and a fix is in the works. Some of the above posters have already had the problem addressed, but there is no word on how the final fix will be look or be applied.

I spoke with a Honda USA official in Torrence CA about the issue, and whether the type of gas makes a difference (Some have suggested Shell over Chevron etc). I was advised to wait for the official fix. The type of gas makes no difference.

TSXding

Can anyone who had the pinging fix applied provide the Dealer comments from the work invoice and any service codes cited on the work order? These would be a great help for others looking to get the fix applied from other dealerships. Thx.

jlstsx09

Went in for an oil change this morning and the parts supervisor said he also had a knock sensor to install for me. Would've been nice to know so I could've gotten a courtesy car (instead of having a friend pick me up). Typical Acura. I'll let everyone know if it fixes the problem!

TSXding

What dealer did you go to? Did you ask about the fix before you got it?

acuratech239

iTrader: (2)

It's been fixed guys! I know you've all been waiting for the solution I usually stay on the TL forums, but in the past, addressed this issue in a few threads over here. So when I went to work today and saw this, I immediatly thought of all you guys over here

Sorry I can't get the actual link to work! I had to copy and paste it right off of ISIS.

Service Bulletin
© 2009 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. – All Rights Reserved BTB 42280 (0909) 1 of 2
CLIENT INFORMATION: The information in this bulletin is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment, and
training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These procedures should not be attempted by “do-it-yourselfers,” and you should not assume this
bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To determine whether this information applies, contact an authorized
Acura automobile dealer.
September 11, 2009
09-041
Applies To: 2009 TSX – ALL
2010 TSX L4 – From VIN JH4CU2...AC000001 thru JH4CU2...AC00 3
Engine Pings During Moderate to Heavy Acceleration
SYMPTOM
The engine pings during moderate to heavy
acceleration.
PROBABLE CAUSE
The PCM software, combined with knock sensor
sensitivity, may not adjust the ignition timing as
expected.
NOTE: This condition does not cause internal engine
damage. Some engine ping is a desired characteristic
for optimal performance and fuel economy.
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Replace the knock sensor, then update the PGM-FI
software with the HDS. If you’re working on a vehicle
with A/T, also update the A/T software.
NOTE: On vehicles with A/T, you must update the A/T
software to complete the repair.
PARTS INFORMATION
Knock Sensor: P/N 30530-RL5-A01
Intake Manifold Gasket (four required):
P/N 17115-R40-A01
REQUIRED MATERIALS
Acura Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2
(One gallon repairs about 20 vehicles):
P/N 0L999-9001
SOFTWARE INFORMATION
HDS Software Version:
2.019.009 (August 2009) (gray) or later.
Control Module (CM) Update:
Application Version V6.18.06 or later.
Database Update 05-AUG-2009 or later.NOTE: To avoid an incorrect repair that would not be
covered under warranty, use the software version
listed above or a later version.
The updated PGM-FI software program IDs and P/Ns
are shown below. If these or a later program IDs are
the current ones displayed during the update, the
software for this service bulletin is already installed.
WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
In warranty: The normal warranty applies.
Defect Code: 03214
Symptom Code: 03203
Failed Part: P/N 37820-RL5-A51
Skill Level: Repair Technician
Out of warranty: Any repair performed after warranty
expiration may be eligible for goodwill consideration by
the District Parts and Service Manager or your Zone
Office. You must request consideration, and get a
decision, before starting work.
Year/Model/
Software Program ID Program P/N
2009–10 TSX M/T
PGM-FI Software
L5A030 37805-RL5-A03
2009–10 TSX A/T
PGM-FI Software
L5A530 37805-RL5-A53
2009–10 TSX A/T
A/T Software
L5A520 37806-RL5-A52
OP# Description FRT
121188 Replace the knock sensor. 0.6
1255A2 Update the PGM-FI software. 0.3
A A/T models only: Add for updating the
A/T software.
0.3
905
2 of 2 09-041
REPAIR PROCEDURE
1. Replace the knock sensor:
• Refer to page 11-220 of the 2009–2010 TSX
Service Manual, or
• Online, enter keyword KNOCK, and select
Knock Sensor Replacement from the list.
NOTE:
• Knock sensor replacement requires intake
manifold removal.
- In step 6 of Removal, the bracket does not
need to be removed; just remove the bracket
lower bolt.
- In step 10 of Removal, the PCV hose does not
need to be disconnected.
- In step 13 of Installation, radiator refilling and
cooling system bleeding is not needed; just
top-off the cooling system reservoir with about
6 ounces of coolant.
2. Update the PGM-FI software with the HDS. Refer
to Service Bulletin 01-026, Updating Control Units/
Modules.
3. A/T models only: Update the A/T software with the
HDS. Refer to Service Bulletin 01-026.

MY09TSX

I was in for my A1 service this afternoon and mentioned the ping. The advisor said he would let the tech know and a little while later he came out with a receipt showing me the parts he ordered for the TSB just issued today. They were the same parts as mentioned above. He couldnt show me the TSB so thank you acuratech239 for the detailed info. I asked what they had to do and he said replace knock sensor and head gasket.. I was a little put off by head gasket and thats why I asked to see the TSB, I'm glad to see that it's the intake gasket... that's a far less invasive repair.

I hope all goes well but it will be a few weeks since the parts are backordered.

thunderbt3

to acuratech

ctwickman

Did this portion get cut off? What is "AC00 3"???

mcabutti

I just wanted to thank Acuratech for the great information regarding the pinging fix. I have been waiting almost an entire year for this information. I truly hopes it fixes the pinging problem with me car.

Thanks again, Acuratech!!

acuratech239

iTrader: (2)

No prob, glad I could help all you out! I too am curious to see what happens to the vehicle after the fix is done. I'm confident it will take care of it, though the bulletin states that "some pinging/noise is normal". So I guess we'll just have to wait and see!

ctwickman - I can't access ISIS right now on this particular computer, but I'll get that VIN range for you ASAP. If I remember correctly, it only went up to '10 TSX's under 3,xxx, as I think those are the three digits that are missing. Not sure why it got cut off, sorry again!

If this bulletin changes in any way, I'll update it on this thread!

-- Kevin

ctwickman

Interesting. So any 2010 with VIN after 3000 may have had this fix? I have one in the 4400's. It certainly hardly pings compared to my 2009, and I notice the shift range is entirely different (in that it won't stick around 2400 rpm during light acceleration, it's more like 2000 rpm). It seems to spend a lot less time between 2100-2400 rpm than the 2009.

I'm curious though, in your experience, if I come in and say my car has pinging will they still apply the fix even though my car is slightly outside the VIN range? Perhaps the software in August is more updated than my July build date. Once every few days I still have the pinging during moderate acceleration, same exact noise, same exact rpms as the 2009.

Thanks so much for that information by the way. It is by far the best post in this entire thread.

dbrooks619

http://216.55.161.45/b09-041.pdf

mcabutti

Thanks for putting it in this format. By the way, how did you come across this so soon after it was posted?

ctwickman

Thank you so much. Looks like all 2010's sold thus far are affected. I can tell you my 2010 barely pings compared to the 2009, but it is still there. No doubt I will be doing this update when I take my car in for service.

acuratech239

iTrader: (2)

dbrooks619 - thanks for getting the actual pdf format for everyone. Def better then my copy/paste version

ctwickman - After rechecking the bulletin, you are correct that your vehicle is in the VIN range, so I agree that you should have the update done next time you're in for service!

mcabutti - Not sure if you're talking to me or dbrooks, but as for me, I check for new bulletins/service news/tech line summaries, etc, every morning when I get to work. If you didn't figure it out from my name, I'm a tech at an Acura dealership. So I have access to all that info and more. And when something important, like this, comes up, I like to make sure all you guys know ASAP!

-- Kevin

HeavyDuty

Tech239, even though my car hasn't demonstrated this noise, it's good of you post this info for current owners as well as prospective ones that may have been put off by this thread.

jlstsx09

Picked my car up on Friday afternoon after having the fix applied and the pinging seems to be all but gone! There's still a very faint sound, but nothing that concerns me like the "marble in a tin can" it used to be. My work order only refers to the knock sensor and "PCM" update. I wonder if this means they didn't update the A/T software and/or intake gaskets. It wouldn't surprise me...my dealership is truly the worst.

lightjak_tsx

thank you so much..... my VIN number is included on the 2010 tsx L4... thanks... can i ask a question on this thread??? how do you fix a very very slight vibration on the hood????.... i think i should go to the dealer tomorrow...

RPJ28

So how long should this repair take to complete?

davidspalding

:gheywave:

TSXding

Has anyone called their dealers yet to have this fix applied? Any backorders on the parts?

thunderbt3

I went to the dealer and picked up some touch up paint Saturday and had them look up the TSB while I was there. They said a 3-4 day wait for the sensor. They scheduled me to drop off my car and pick up a loaner on Sept. 21.

acuratech239

iTrader: (2)

HeavyDuty - No prob, helping out people when and where I can

lightjak_tsx - Can't remember for sure, but the TSX's may have two little rubber "bump stops" that can be adjusted to take up a small gap, and allow the hood to not "vibrate", though a tiny amount may/is considered normal, as a heads up!

To the masses - I haven't done any of these repairs yet, but like the TL power steering hose recall, I'm sure after the first few, us techs will get pretty quick at these. It appears to be pretty straightforward, so I don't think it'll be anything crazy or complicated. I'll try and get some first person times for you once we start getting customers in for this!

lightjak_tsx

thankyou acuratech239.... im too noob for this car it's my first acura... i like it though... i pop the hood it's all cover in plastic???
can anyone please help me.. hehehe.. where is this two little rubber bump stops??? pleaseeee..

twistedwrister

E-mailed my dealer already to schedule an appointment =DDDDD

The Dark Knight

iTrader: (1)

I made an appointment last week with my dealer for tomorrow morning.

My primary reason was just go get my pinging verified and on the record, but having the TSB come out over the weekend is just the shizzle.

I printed out the TSB and hopefully they will have all the parts there.

Another reason why i'm going is to hopefully get my brake noise resolved. 10K miles and it sounds like i've been driving a bus around.

240sxer

Can anyone confirm that these technical bulletins are also in affect for Canada? As in, I can print it out and show it to my local dealer here in Canada to have it fixed as well?

240sxer

Thanks for the PDF.. Anyone has the PDF for this TSB? The Glare on the screen issue? Id rather have them both printed out when I approach my dealer about it.

Looking for: Technical service bulletin #08-048

patcracks

wow i cant wait too have this fixed! SWEET!!!!!!!