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I detailed ours MDX and RLX engine bay. Clean enough to eat off it Gotta say that RLX engine bay is sexy. Love that strut tower. Does the MDX have strut brace underneath? I also like how the battery on RLX is not hidden underneath all that plastic. Makes it PITA to check battery on MDX. I know some of you guys here owns both Sport Hybrids - MDX and RLX. Post up pictures of both of your Sport Hybrids and let me know why you like them. I'm just missing the NSX..maybe in 20 years
Easy to check air filter with clips Why did Acura have to use bolts on air filter box. PITA to open to check His and Hers
Yes front plates are required n Cali. I plan to run paper plates as long as I can so I don't have to put on front. Dealer gave me front plate adapter but it's missing screws. Plan to go back to ask for another adapter.
that sucks. Careful not to drill into the front bumper. I think 3 screws on the lower grill is enough to hold up the plate. Mine came with front plate holder in place. I took it off. no front plate in FL.
Salesman nearly did drilled into my front bumper. He was rushing to get me off so he can go home. I yelled at him 'Do not drilled into my front bumper!" It's alI PPF and in perfect condition. Hope it will stay that way.
Looking good. I wish I had time on my hands to do stuff like this. Off all of next week. If the weather is cooperative, I may work on my fleet.
Hate those front plates. Not required here in NC thankfully. Have purchased pre-owned rides from other states where the front plate is required and have seen some unnecessarily destroyed front bumpers. I know the sales folks are just doing as they are required when installing those plates, but some show no mercy on those front bumpers.
My 08 RDX, 11 MDX, and 19 MDX hybrid didn't have the strut tower brace bar like my 06 TSX or 18 RLX. I think it is because of the shorter hood and the engine sits a little further back in the bay. The SUV struts line-up pretty close with the normal frame bracing near the top of the engine firewall.
Washed my MDX hybrid the other day and its already starting to get a little dusty. Planning to wash the RLX soon because we are going to get almost a week of clear skies and +70 degrees. I didn't have this issue with my previous Acura; but, there are sooooo many places for water to hide and collect on my 18 RLX and 19 MDX. Lots of water drips after a wash and places that are hard to dry like the grill. I had to use my hand blower after a wash/dry to force out all the hidden spots (mirrors, door jams, grill, roof rails, fuel door, behind rear license plate, engine bay, side molding, emblems, lug nuts, side steps, around windows, door handles, etc...). I had a hand blower for projects around the house and that works perfectly for blowing water out of tight spaces after a wash. Love this blower, I use it blow the dust off my garage shelves and garage floor (way better job compared to sweeping the garage floor).
XPower A-2 Airrow Pro 2 speed blower, Amazon, $53:
I found a tire shine product that is non-oily and doesn't collect dust like petro-based tire shines. I've tried it on my black plastic in the engine bay, black plastic around wipers, exterior black plastic trim, and even my plastic trim on the lower door trim (parts you always drag your shoes on and scuff up the plastic). This stuff pretty much restores to factory new and it lasts for more than a month. I purchased a bottle in Oct/19 and still using it for my three Acura's.
Americana Global Midnight Tire & Trim Conditioner, Amazon, $24:
@mrgold35 is that air blower powerful enough to blow water off the paint without leaving water stains? I've been using a leaf blower to dry my cars, but it leaves a lot a water stains and impractically large to use inside the car. I've been looking for a nice hand blower to detail the cars, this looks to be the right price and power.
I used a rag and Simple Green to wipe down the engine bay. Then follow with 303 Protectant. Been pretty happy with 303 for many years. I used it inside the car too on dash and trim panels for extra UV protection. I may try that tire shine you posted. The stuff I used sling all over the place if I don't let it dry or used too much.
It might be a touch too small to do the entire car. I also tried my electric Black and Decker leaf blower to spotless dry my MDX and it still left the occasional water streaks/spots (also have a whole house filtration with water softener system). The leaf blower was just too large and noisy. Using a large micro fiber towel, towel wringer, and air blower afterwards seems to give me the spot and streak free looks afterwards.
Chemical Guys Woolly Mammoth microfiber towel: Amazon, $25:
Here in the snow belt, I struggle just to keep the salt off the cars, let alone inside the engine bay :-) My time the past few weeks was moving the snow tires to the 3 cars in our stable, and making sure the winter mats were in the cars (and the snow brushes in each one). Eventually the MDX (and the RLX) starts to look like this, and you just sort of throw your hands in the air for the rest of the season. :-)
Just got my 15% notification on my RLX for an oil change almost one week shy of my purchase 1 year ago in Dec/2019. The dealership changed the oil before my purchase in Dec/19; but, I don't know when (might be over the 1 year recommended oil time limit). Usually get my oil at Walmart; but, one is shutdown because of a Covid outbreak and the next closest has entrance lines way too long to wait. My 2 day Amazon Prime delivery is now 6-8 day Prime delivery. Just went to Auto Zone to pay an extra $4 buck more for a 5 qt jug.
Tried the XPower A-5 to blow dust from interior of our MDX and RLX. Vacuum function is very weak but does pick up dirt and dust of floor and seats just fine. Also used the blower function to blow off light coat of dust that's been accumulating on the cars, seem to be powerful enough to dry the cars too. Also use blower to remove dust from my computers, works great for that. Lockdown again in Cali. Probably not going to drive anywhere much next few weeks.
Got my license plates today, so I decided to put them on. Drove around a bit afterwards and noticed sunglasses holder is causing some annoying rattles. You guys have issues with your sunglass holder? I may need to put some more felt tape around the edges.
I haven't notice any rattle from my sun glasses holder. I use sun glasses visor clips instead of the holder. I've had issues in previous Acura's in the +100 degree summer temps with the sun glasses getting "burn your face" hot in the holder. Using the clips on both visors helps keep them cooler and I have someplace to put my regular glasses or the wife's readers.
Thanks @mrgold35 you have all the cool accessories in your car. But I'm a minimalist. I hate to see anything hanging from the visors or in my cup holders. Will try fixing rattles with some felt tape.
I just did my B16 service. Didn't use a drop of oil since my last oil change +1 year ago pre-COVID. Hopefully, it won't be another year for my next oil change. I did order replacement OEM engine air filters for my RLX and MDX. I will probably order a cabin air filter before spring pollen kicks in. Snowed yesterday and temps are in the 20s to 40s for a while. Trying not to drive it so I don't have to wash it (using my 11 MDX as a winter beater).
Put a trickle charger on battery. We're in for a long winter with nowhere to go. Lockdown in California.
This is what is probably the major reason why I have not pulled the plug on getting the RLX yet. Lockdowns, pandemic, and 100% remote work due to pandemic. I barely put 500-600 miles a month on my car. This year alone I think I put about 3-4k miles vs 14-15k I did before...
The worst part is, I know the 2020s are going to at some point cease to be in the inventory, so my plan will likely shift towards certified 2019-2020 in the next year or two...
I would love to have GROM in my RLX. Most trips in the RLX aren't that long around town (I'm pretty much 10-20 mins from 90% of place I usually go). The RLX hybrid is a very comfy traveling car and gets better mpgs than my MDX hybrid. The two main downsides that keeps the RLX from the open road are the limited trunk space for more than 2 folks and 15 gal gas tank can be an issue for range.
Mrgold, other than the short trips what else is holding you back from getting GROM? IMO, short errands is where GROM is most useful. I can use voice command to go to Costco then use another voice command to reroute to Target. With the OEM infotainment system I could not do that, I would have to pull over to punch in the addresses or use the archaic voice commands with layers of menus. And it takes way too long. The point of voice commands is so you don't have to bother messing with confusing menus while driving. I've use 'OK Google' to send quick txt messages while driving, very convenient and makes driving safe. Or start listening to music playlists.
But yeah, MDX is a better road trip car due to all the cargo space. I just mount my phone to the vent clip and use Android Auto when on road trips. But may install GROM on MDX too if wife wants it.
I just never used Carplay as much as I thought I would with my 19 MDX after 6 road-trips of +10,000 miles since Mar/19 (+20,000 miles total). I like the simple Acura navi graphics and it is designed to be used with the knob. I've tried the iPhone map apps and it can be too much information, a little laggy because of phone carrier & signal strength, and sometimes difficult to zoom a touch screen app in/out with the knob. I still leave my phone on in a holder with Waze+bluetooth for hwy patrol and hazards over the speakers. Same issue I have with iPhone map apps is the same for streaming audio. I'm fine with XM and streaming bluethooth for stored music. I have the option of using Acura Navi, Acuralink to send an address to the Acura Navi, or just use my iPhone in a holder.
I hear ya..simpler is better in the car environment. I would just use a phone mount and be done with it, but I'm anal about having a lot of stuff on the dash or in cup holders. GROM gives me Android Auto with the factory OEM look and access to all steering buttons and dash knob. Everything is neat and hidden away just how I like it.
Next project would be figuring out how to add a wireless charger. I hear with Android 11, wireless Android Auto is coming so I need a way to charge the phone while it is projecting AA to screen.
Took the RLX for a short drive around the city today to test Google Assistant commands. All working flawlessly. What was once an useless infotainment from the stone age have been upgrade to be much more useful. The included GROM mic picked up my voice clearly without a hitch. I can speak in a normal tone and speed, Google picked up commands every single time. Below are some examples of some commands I used, all without lifting a finger or taking my eyes off the road. Loving GROM with Android Auto in the RLX. Perfect companion.
Hey Google, navigate to nearest Target.
Ok Google, play Taylor Swift on Spotify
Hey Google, play 102.7 KissFM on iHeartRadio
Ok Google, play 104.3 MyFM on iHeartRadio.
Hey Google, navigate Home
I replaced my engine air filters in my MDX and RLX. Just ordered OEM from Acura Parts Warehouse. Much easier in the MDX with 3 clips around the air box compared to the RLX with the four 5/16th+Phillips screw heads.
I replaced my engine air filters in my MDX and RLX. Just ordered OEM from Acura Parts Warehouse. Much easier in the MDX with 3 clips around the air box compared to the RLX with the four 5/16th+Phillips screw heads.
You just saved yourself from getting ripped off at dealer. I always replace my own air filters, super easy to do, literally 2 min job. Acura probably didn't use clips on RLX as that 3.5L V6 fills up most of the engine bay. In the MDX SH, there is plenty of room.
Ordered 2 types of license plate frames. After the fiasco Weir Canyon Acura put me through with VLF fee, I'm not about to give them free advertising running their dealer plate frame. F those guys! I'll see which frame I like for the RLX. The other one can just go on my wife's MDX...she'll never even notice I changed them .
Those CF license plate frame looks nice mrgold. I wanted stainless steel or aluminum frame as I find those plastic one don't last very long before they start to crack.
BTW, your Plasti-Dip trim are look mighty fine. I may do that to my RLX one of these days. This car has way too much chrome trim pieces for my taste.
Because of the way NH plates have stickers placed and the state name close to the edge, I needed to find a plate frame that didn't cover anything. I ended up buying these for my red MDX and they worked out great and have held up really well in NH winters. They're not fancy but clean things up really well.
Lend my wife the RLX with GROM VL2 installed, so she can take it to her dental appointment across town. I wanted her to experience navigating with Android Auto. She got in the car, plugged in her phone, and simply say "Hey, Google navigate to Dr. Song's office". Then boom, Google Maps starts navigation. If she likes it (which I know she will because she had Android Auto in her previous car), I'll get VL2 installed in her MDX too. GROM really made the RLX much more enjoyable to drive with voice commands.
Lend my wife the RLX with GROM VL2 installed, so she can take it to her dental appointment across town. I wanted her to experience navigating with Android Auto. She got in the car, plugged in her phone, and simply say "Hey, Google navigate to Dr. Song's office". Then boom, Google Maps starts navigation. If she likes it (which I know she will because she had Android Auto in her previous car), I'll get VL2 installed in her MDX too. GROM really made the RLX much more enjoyable to drive with voice commands.
Does that GPS chip bother you sticking out there on the inner windshield? Was it possible to get it hidden somewhere in the roof liner, or get a smaller chip vs bulky one?
Does that GPS chip bother you sticking out there on the inner windshield? Was it possible to get it hidden somewhere in the roof liner, or get a smaller chip vs bulky one?
I don't even notice it. It's best to have it in that location for GPS pick-up. I tried hiding it in glovebox once, GPS didn't work so well.
Unfortunately took mine in for an estimate. It is deer running season. Of course, was less than a mile from home Monday night when out of nowhere comes about 7 little guys sprinting across the road. Not sure how the unfortunate one got tagged in the grill area. When I stopped to take a look, I was immediately looking for body damage. Didn't see any. Figured I may have just run over the darn thing. Wasn't until sun up yesterday I saw the damage. Camera still works, but is obviously askew. No alert messages right now.
So the estimate . . . . . . .. looking like about 7K to replace the grill, emblem, camera, and calibration for the camera/sensors. Also may have to do some work on the bumper. Fingers crossed there will be no painting. Just a good buff job as there appeared to be no body damage as I mentioned. Really could have been worse I guess. Joy!
moose66, glad you came out of your incident physically ok. It seems that you were very lucky to only suffer a glancing blow from a trailing hind leg of one of the deer (of course still very serious for the poor deer).
Repair costs sure do add up in a hurry - we're all driving multi-million dollar cars if you add up the cost of replacement parts.
I came close to hitting a deer at 4 am on a 2 lane hwy in my MDX last year near San Antonio. I was lucky with no on-coming traffic because I had to jump in that lane to avoided it at 70 mph.
That kind of damage would have been a $150-$200 fix on my 06 TSX and I would of probably ran it over in my 11 MDX.
Oh man, Moose so sorry to see that damage. Glad you're Ok. What is with all these suicidal deers? You're the second person this week I've seen with deer strike. Hope repairs goes well.
Thanks guys. Waiting to hear back from insurance now. Minutes prior to this happening I was telling my wife why we were not taking the normal shortcuts to get home. And then wham! Really thankful Mom and Dad deer were not what was hit, and thankfully it wasn't a direct sheet metal blow. The car is still very much drivable. Although the body shop guy told me to park it, and to expect some codes to start flashing. No problem, as that 1 of 3 vehicles for 2 drivers. It won't be seeing any meaningful trips until repaired.
11-18-2020, 06:02 PM
Gotta say that RLX engine bay is sexy. Love that strut tower. Does the MDX have strut brace underneath? I also like how the battery on RLX is not hidden underneath all that plastic. Makes it PITA to check battery on MDX. I know some of you guys here owns both Sport Hybrids - MDX and RLX. Post up pictures of both of your Sport Hybrids and let me know why you like them. I'm just missing the NSX..maybe in 20 years 
